Educational and Rehabilitation Center BIVIO

The Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Slovak Republic has been operating the BIVIO Educational and Rehabilitation Centre for over five years. The centre’s primary goal is to prepare young people with intellectual disabilities for employment. This training takes place under real conditions within the namesake social enterprise, where participants gain hands-on experience in hospitality services, catering, and laundry operations. After spending the necessary time at BIVIO, the team works with each client to search for suitable employment opportunities. Once a job is secured, BIVIO provides on-the-job support during the initial days to help identify potential risks and increase the likelihood of long-term job retention.

The Association understands that employing people with intellectual disabilities is a complex and challenging issue. That is precisely why it initiated and implemented the BIVIO project. The centre offers a broad range of educational and rehabilitation activities aimed at effectively preparing individuals with intellectual disabilities for the job market. During their time at the centre, participants undergo tailored educational and rehabilitation courses based on individual assessments of their needs. The centre focuses on preparing individuals for employment in three main areas: accommodation services, public catering, and laundry services.

The project is unique not only in Slovakia – only a few similar initiatives exist across developed Europe. The goal is to help people with intellectual disabilities find a stronger foothold in the service sector, as experience from comparable international institutions shows that they can be sustainably competitive in these fields. BIVIO provides an environment where people with intellectual disabilities not only gain work experience but, in some cases, are directly employed by the centre itself.

Ultimately, the project offers the broader public a tangible opportunity to see and experience that individuals with intellectual disabilities can be fully capable employees. In doing so, it helps break down barriers and combat prejudice against this group of people.