Luxembourg has launched a new initiative, the "Bewosst" (Aware) project, to foster greater inclusion for disabled people, starting with a major awareness campaign in the hospitality sector and a rollout of "silent hours" in bars and restaurants this December.

The "Bewosst" (Aware) project, an initiative to raise awareness of the needs of disabled people and strengthen their inclusion in daily life, was presented on Thursday. The launch was led by Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn, Info-Handicap Director Christine Zimmer, and Steve Martellini, Secretary General of the Luxembourg Federation of Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars (HORESCA).

The project has a particular focus on the hospitality sector. The term "disability" encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, including physical, sensory, and psychological disabilities. In Luxembourg, an estimated 100,000 people, or 15% of the population, are affected. Notably, 80% of them report that their disability is not outwardly visible.

Joanne Theisen, who is autistic and has an attention deficit disorder, illustrates this reality. She describes the significant mental effort required to navigate everyday situations that may seem simple to others.

"It was a lot, it was hectic, it was new and that requires a lot of mental strength", Theisen explained, "I realise that I'm currently at a point, sensorially and mentally, where my head just goes 'lalala'. What helps then is patience, reassurance, kindness, and also asking: what's happening? What might you need? How are you? How can we make this work?"

RTL

© Chris Meisch

This emphasis on understanding and proactive communication is central to the project's goals. Info-Handicap Director Christine Zimmer stressed that awareness is key to overcoming apprehension and fostering a more inclusive society.

"We are all human beings and we all live together in our society", Zimmer stated, "It is simply important that we educate people about the fact that not everything is the same for everyone, and that we really need to be understanding, even if people have different needs from our own."

The hospitality sector was chosen as the starting point for the initiative due to its central role in public life. HORESCA Secretary General Martellini outlined the project's phased approach.

"We begin on Monday with our conference, which is focused on raising awareness among businesses", Martellini stated, "Then, in a second phase, we will participate in the 'silent hours' initiative on 3 December. Following that, we will present other projects that we will develop together."

Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn emphasised that the "Bewosst" project is a collaborative effort between his ministry, Info-Handicap, and HORESCA, aimed at dismantling not just architectural barriers but also societal ones.

While the launch focuses on hospitality, the government plans to expand the framework to other sectors. "We know that other sectors, such as dentists, bakers, and grocers, can also adopt these inclusive practices", Hahn explained, "The entire awareness-raising effort can be rolled out in these sectors, and we are planning this for the subsequent phases of the project."

According to the Ministry, a further goal of the project is to encourage employers to actively consider hiring disabled people.

A key component of the awareness campaign is the "silent hours" concept, where lighting is dimmed and music is lowered to create a calmer environment. This initiative, already successfully implemented in 34 shops to positive reception, will be extended to bars and restaurants on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.