Rome's Ethical Hotel: Where Disabled People Work

Antonio Pelosi was a well-known hotelier living and working in Rome when, in 2007, he was nearly killed in a serious motorcycle accident. He miraculously survived, but had to endure a long period of rehabilitation, during which his vision developed: create a completely new hotel, where the staff is made up of professionals in the sector who work together with young people affected by serious disabilities. That is, Down syndrome, Easy X syndrome and even post-coma outcomes.

The project began after Antonio Pelosi discovered and studied a similar hospitality facility in Piedmont (the Albergo Etico in Asti), which inspired his own hotel. Today, the Albergo Etico in Rome is a well-established establishment in the capital's hospitality sector, with 18 rooms in an old, early 20th-century building in Piazzale Flaminio, right in the city center, a stone's throw from Piazza del Popolo. Until recently, the Albergo Etico housed the Institute of Our Daughters of Mercy, but now it's a place where several disabled people work at the reception, in cleaning, in the restaurant, and at the bar, under the guidance of professional tutors, and with a strong desire to not waste any of their lives, even amidst so many difficulties. and to have the opportunity for training, work and even personal growth. 

(Featured image and accompanying text taken from the Facebook page of theEthical Hotel Rome)

Read also:

• Madeline Stuart, the model with Down syndrome who conquered the runways. VIDEO
• PizzAut, a pizzeria in Milan entirely run by autistic kids. There's no rush, no prejudice.
• Steradiodj: an online radio station about disability from Lombardy. Featuring an equally special speaker.
• Pamela, at 43, travels the world in a wheelchair. With courage, initiative, and a pinch of adrenaline.
• A solidarity garage is born in Brianza, a car repair shop that offers work and integration.