Inclusive Cafe: ½ Kopi Tiam Cafe as a Place to Learn Independence for People with Disabilities

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the role of  ½ Kopi Tiam Cafe as an inclusive space for people with disabilities in the context of social and economic empowerment. The main argument is that this cafe serves not only as a gathering place, but also as a training centre that enables people with disabilities to develop life skills, both technical and social, and build independence. This cafe also plays a role in reducing social stigma towards people with disabilities and provides them with opportunities to contribute to local economy. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design, which allows researchers to explore in depth the experiences and realities faced by people with disabilities working at  ½ Kopi Tiam Cafe. Data collection techniques were conducted through semi-structured interviews and observations to obtain richer information about the impact of inclusive cafe on the lives of people with disabilities. Data analysis was conducted using Talcott Parsons' A-G-I-L scheme, which emphasizes adaptation, goal achievement, integration, and maintenance of latent patterns in social systems. The conclusion of this paper is that  ½ Kopi Tiam Cafe plays an important role in creating an inclusive social space for people with disabilities, by providing skills training that increases their independence and strengthens their social integration in society. Through the application of the AGIL scheme, this cafe successfully adapts to the needs of people with disabilities, achieves its goals of empowerment, creates positive social integration, and maintains social patterns that support changes in community perceptions of people with disabilities. This cafe serves as a model for other businesses to create equal opportunities for all individuals without exception