Tourism House introduces
A big change is happening in hotels and resorts because of an amazing group called INNclusivity. Founded by hotel expert Mike Schugt, this nonprofit is opening new doors for adults with disabilities. Their mission is clear: help people with developmental disabilities find great jobs in the hospitality industry so they can enjoy meaningful careers at hotels and resorts from coast to coast.
INNclusivity wants to change the way hotels think about their workers. It believes every adult especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities should feel at home and celebrated. The idea started when Schugt walked into Bitty & Beau’s located in Georgia. The shop is famous for hiring staff with disabilities. Watching the team share their pride and energy, Before he left, he promised himself he’d help open the same doors for hotel jobs housekeeping, guest services, or any role that fits so that every guest and every worker can feel included.
Schugt’s decades of experience with major hotel chains like Hyatt and Hilton gave him the expertise to understand the industry’s need for diversity and inclusion. He saw that while the hospitality industry is about making guests feel at home, it often fails to offer the same sense of belonging to potential employees with disabilities.
INNclusivity runs free training programs for adults with disabilities so they can master the skills they need for good jobs in hospitality. The hands-on classes usually take place in well-known hotels like the InterContinental New Orleans. There, hotel team members, course participants, and the INNclusivity founders work side by side to help job seekers build fulfilling careers, breaking down barriers that often keep people from finding rewarding employment.
The program’s results speak volumes. Hotels that participate in INNclusivity benefit from the diverse skill sets of their employees, as individuals with disabilities often bring unique perspectives and talents to the workplace. Moreover, the initiative has created a ripple effect, encouraging other businesses within the hospitality sector to consider the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities. By diversifying their workforce, hotels not only comply with best practices in inclusivity but also see an improvement in overall guest satisfaction.
For travelers, this transformation in the hospitality industry means more than just inclusive employment. It signifies a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and acceptance, ensuring that the industry reflects the diversity of its customer base. Hotels and resorts that participate in INNclusivity offer guests the opportunity to experience a hospitality environment that champions diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
Guests can also take pride in supporting businesses that prioritize accessibility and fairness for all employees, creating an overall more enriching travel experience. As hotels across the U.S. implement INNclusivity’s model, travelers are encouraged to consider staying at properties that support disability inclusion, knowing their stay contributes to positive societal change.
Travelers looking to support inclusive employment practices in hospitality can make a tangible difference by staying at hotels that actively engage with initiatives like INNclusivity. Here are a few ways to participate in this movement:
The accomplishments of INNclusivity show us what’s possible and it’s just the first step on a road that could eventually stretch across the nation, changing how hotels, restaurants, and parks hire and train workers with disabilities. When other businesses and road-trippers hop on board, it won’t just open doors for more guests; it could make such kindness the average way of doing business. With every little change, the hospitality field stands ready to become a shining example of a world that rolls out the welcome mat for every single person, no exceptions.
