In December of 2015, the Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center (in Indiana) is the first of it’s kind: a hotel with a training institute designed specifically for persons with disabilities.
Here, the nine to thirteen week training sessions are offered to persons with disabilities. The Disability Scoop reports that students will “learn vocational skills related to the hospitality, food service and health care fields.”
Sally Morris is spearheading the project. “We believe the training institute and teaching hotel will significantly change employment opportunities and postsecondary education options for people with disabilities.”
She told the Disability Scoop that the typical guest experience will meet, if not exceed their expectations of staying at a Marriott Courtyard hotel. “That said, this hotel will not just meet ADA standards, it will exceed them. Every decision we are making is meant to enhance the guest experience for all of our guests.”
Yahoo reports this project was inspired by dad, Jeff Huffman. He was frustrated with the lack of opportunities for his son (who has Down Syndrome) to learn vocational skills like other children. Partially funded by the state, the 150 room hotel opened on December 22nd and the first class of students began on January 11th.
Want to learn more? Visit the Erskine Green Training Institute.