Inside the Cuban Café Where People With Autism and Down Syndrome Work
September 9, 2026
When a mother couldn’t find a place willing to employ her son Liván, who has down syndrome, she decided to create one.
Liva Café in Havana employs people with intellectual disabilities and autism, with support from specialists in psychology and special education. For workers like Livan, Karel and Richard, it’s a place to earn experience, build relationships and show what they can do.
Cuba has long had policies aimed at integrating people with disabilities into the workspace. But as the people in Liva’s story explain, significant barriers remain — particularly when it comes to finding employers willing to give them an opportunity.
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"I have Down syndrome. I do things on my own," said Liván, a worker at Liva Café.
"This is the first place where no one bullies me," said Karel, a worker at Liva Café.
"What did you do today? Tell me," Mariolis asked Richard.
"Being happy," Richard replied.
"We're at Liva Café. Here, we employ workers with Down syndrome and autism," said Mariolis Escobar Fitó, Liván's mother and founder of Liva Inclusive Café.
"I named it Liva after my son, Liván," she said.
"When someone is born with an intellectual disability, it can be very difficult for their family. But it's also a challenge the family must overcome," Escobar said.
"Cuba has long had disability employment policies. Although there are other inclusive projects, this is the first café where these young people are the protagonists," said Giselle Álvarez, psychologist with the Havana Public Health Department.
"We can do it! Yes, we can!" the group said in front of a mirror.
"There was nowhere for my son to work. He's a young man with so much potential," Escobar said.
"I had to put everything else aside and build this project to include him," she added.
"Liva is my greatest support," said Liván Valle Escobar, founder of Liva Inclusive Café.
"I like working in food service," Liván said.
"At Liva, I learned to be respectful, helping people with Down syndrome and avoiding hurtful words. For that, I look up to my mother, Mariolis Escobar," he added.
"The model of special education is for them, at 18, to attend vocational school and then find work. But the reality is different," Álvarez said.
"In addition to physical barriers, there are mental ones. Employers avoid hiring people with disabilities because it takes time to learn," she continued.
"This little machine makes espresso. Lift the lid and pour in the coffee," a cook at Liva Café told Karel.
"Okay," Karel replied.
"The idea is to help them connect with customers," said Arletty Sosa Leiva, special education teacher.
"Here, the idea is to keep supporting them after 18, and help them reach their full potential. That's my goal here at Liva," Sosa Leiva said.
"Karel! See you," Sosa Leiva said, saying goodbye to Karel.
"I was supposed to work here to help me manage my anxiety. And so far, it's working really well. I still have anxiety, but I keep it under control," said Karel Pineda Sotomayor, a worker at Liva Inclusive Café.
"I found him a job," said Karelia, Karel's mother.
"But he was constantly being made fun of. They kicked him out after he got overwhelmed and burned a batch in the oven," said Karelia Sotomayor Rodríguez, Karel's mother.
"This jerk kept picking on me. Everyone else just played along," Pineda Sotomayor said.
"I'll have to face people like that because they're everywhere," he added.
"At Liva, they're bringing out the best in my son. I'd never heard him speak so much English, even though I knew he had a gift for it," Sotomayor Rodríguez said.
"Interacting with other people is not my specialty," Pineda Sotomayor said.
"He's Karel," said Jesús, introducing Karel to someone.
"Hi," Karel replied.
"Autism... it's not a problem really. It's more of a condition," Pineda Sotomayor said.
"If I'd had this guidance then, he could've gone further," Sotomayor Rodríguez said.
"Please don't cry, Karelia," Mariolis said to Karelia in the kitchen.
"I like working at Liva," said Richard.
"I'm useful. I'm capable," said Richard Pérez Álvarez, waiter at Liva Inclusive Café.
"I'll show my father, my mother, my family that I can do it," Pérez Álvarez said.
"This place shows how far they can go. Society sets limits. Yet they're capable of so much," Álvarez said.
"I'm amazed by the service. It really touched me. The place is so welcoming. Everyone is so kind. It's a beautiful project," said María Ester, a client.
"Did you learn anything at Liva?" a Belly of the Beast journalist asked Marcos, a client.
"Yes. I learned that any dream is possible with a little peace and guidance," Marcos replied.
"I know for sure that Liva will keep growing," Liván said.
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