The Baristas Beyond Sound: Creating Careers for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines project was a year-long initiative implemented by the Foundation for These-Abled Persons Inc. (FTI) in partnership with the Asian Community Trust (ACT) from April 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025.
The project aimed to expand employment and livelihood opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by providing accessible vocational skills training and creating pathways toward employment.
Building Skills, Creating Opportunities
A key component of the project was Barista Skills Training, delivered in collaboration with TESDA-accredited training providers. The program enrolled 25 participants, including deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and provided practical, industry-relevant barista skills.
To make the training accessible, the project incorporated appropriate communication support, including sign language interpretation, helping address barriers that can limit the participation of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in conventional training programs.
25 Participants, 25 Graduates
A significant milestone of the project was achieved on December 27, 2025, when all 25 enrolled participants successfully completed the training and graduated.
The 100% completion rate reflects the participants’ commitment to developing new skills and FTI’s efforts to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The graduates completed the program equipped with practical barista skills and greater readiness to pursue employment and livelihood opportunities.
Connecting Training to Employment
FTI worked closely with local stakeholders, including the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), to support participant selection, coordination, and employment opportunities.
The project connected vocational skills development with employment support, helping create pathways toward greater economic participation and independence for persons with disabilities.
Strengthening Inclusion
Beyond technical skills, Baristas Beyond Sound promoted an inclusive learning environment where deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals could access professional development with appropriate communication support.
Through the partnership with ACT, FTI provided training resources, interpreter services, venue support, and other assistance needed to make the program accessible to its participants.
A Step Toward Inclusive Employment
The successful graduation of all 25 enrollees on December 27, 2025 marked an important achievement for the project. It demonstrated how accessible skills training and collaboration among NGOs, donors, training institutions, and local government stakeholders can help create meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Baristas Beyond Sound demonstrates that when barriers are addressed and opportunities are made accessible, skills can become a pathway to greater independence, livelihood, and inclusion.