How Technologies Can Increase the Independence of Restaurant Employees with Cognitive Impairments

Topic
The thesis investigates how technologies can increase the independence of restaurant employees with cognitive impairments. Based on the results of qualitative interviews and observations, the challenges faced by restaurant employees with cognitive impairments in their daily work lives were identified. In addition, suggestions for improvement were formulated to facilitate the use of technology and promote social inclusion. 

Relevance
In Switzerland, around 20% of the population lives with a disability, compared to 16% worldwide. These people are not only excluded from society to varying degrees, but are also dependent on technological aids. Despite these notable figures, there is a significant lack of literature on this topic. Research on technology-based support for people with cognitive impairments is very scarce and fragmented. This gap is emphasized by both the respondents of this study and numerous researchers worldwide.

Results
The results show that technologies can facilitate the daily work of restaurant employees with cognitive impairments and increase their independence. However, people with disabilities in Switzerland are systematically excluded from society, often attending special schools, working in sheltered jobs, and living in institutions. Furthermore, people with disabilities prefer mainstream technologies to technologies designed specifically for them. Nevertheless, because most technologies and applications are not accessible, they cannot use them and are further excluded from society. Therefore, existing technologies and applications need to be adaptable. For example, visual aids, simple presentation, simple language, and the ability to read content aloud make them more accessible.

Implications for Practitioners
· Practitioners should implement existing and commonly used technologies, such as tablets. In doing so, it is important to utilize software that allows for customization.

· The use of visual aids in various processes can enhance comprehension. For instance, visualised recipes and instructions in the kitchen or a visualised menu on a tablet.

· Given the lack of awareness and acceptance in society, it is key to initiate awareness raising programs to promote awareness and acceptance in society.

· Practitioners should create encounter platforms for people with and without disabilities to enhance inclusion in society.

Methods
A qualitative research design was selected for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with restaurant employees with and without cognitive impairments, as well as their job coaches and inclusion experts. The restaurant employees and the job coaches work in two inclusive restaurants in Berne, and the inclusion experts are employed at various inclusion-enhancing organizations in Switzerland. The data collection involved both interviews and observations. MAXQDA software was used to analyse the data, employing an inductive categorization approach to identify patterns and correlations.