Appearing like just another trendy spot in Warsaw at first glance, the cafe run by Belarusian exile Sasha Avdevich stands out with its sleek interior and freshly ground coffee. But details like the lowered, wheelchair-accessible countertop and a sticker indicating that the barista on shift has a hearing impairment in Polish, English, and Belarusian make it clear that this is no ordinary business.
Avdevich, who is a wheelchair user himself, founded the first “Inclusive Barista” coffee shop in Belarus and quickly gained fame as a disability campaigner in the country under the control of president Alexander Lukashenko.
Following his involvement in the protests against the disputed 2020 election in Belarus, Avdevich faced a crackdown from Lukashenko’s regime and decided to leave the country to ensure his safety.
After a journey through Georgia and the Canary Islands, he sought international protection in France and eventually settled in Poland, where he opened his cafe that hires people with disabilities and migrants from various backgrounds.
Avdevich’s cafe aims to be as international and inclusive as possible, offering barista training for people with disabilities, hosting events like rap battles and speed dating, and launching an inclusive DJing school.
Despite being confined to a wheelchair due to a motorbike accident in 2011, Avdevich remains optimistic and determined to make the world a better place through his cafe and community initiatives.
