At first glance, the cafe run by Belarusian exile Sasha Avdevich in Warsaw might seem like just another trendy spot. However, subtle details like the lowered, wheelchair-accessible countertop and a sticker indicating that the barista has a hearing impairment in Polish, English, and Belarusian reveal that this is no ordinary business.
Avdevich, a wheelchair user himself, founded the first “Inclusive Barista” coffee shop while still in Belarus and gained fame as a disability campaigner in the country ruled by strongman president Alexander Lukashenko.
After taking part in mass protests following the fraudulent 2020 election, Avdevich realized he had to leave Belarus to avoid retaliation from the government.
Following a journey that took him from Belarus to Georgia, then to the Canary Islands, and finally to France where he applied for international protection, Avdevich eventually settled in Poland, a country that has become a safe haven for many Belarusians seeking refuge from repression.
Operating in Warsaw, Avdevich’s cafe provides barista training for individuals with disabilities and migrants. The cafe, opened in April, aims to be as inclusive and international as possible, hiring employees with various disabilities and backgrounds.
Additionally, the cafe organizes events like rap battles, speed dating, and inclusive DJing school to promote diversity and inclusivity.
Despite losing the use of his legs in a motorbike accident, Avdevich remains optimistic and determined to make a positive impact in the world through initiatives like his coffee shop.
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