The hospitality industry is opening new doors for adults with developmental disabilities, thanks to INNclusivity, a nonprofit founded by Mike Schugt. Inspired by a visit to a coffee shop that employs people with disabilities, Schugt launched this organization to connect adults with conditions like autism, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injury to meaningful jobs in hotels. Since its start in June 2023, INNclusivity has grown rapidly, partnering with hotels across the U.S. and changing lives through employment opportunities. Here’s how INNclusivity is making a difference and why it matters.
1. The Birth of INNclusivity
Mike Schugt, a 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry with experience at companies like Hyatt and Hilton, founded INNclusivity after a life-changing moment in 2023. While visiting Bitty & Beau’s, a coffee shop chain that employs over 450 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Schugt was struck by the pride and joy the workers showed. This inspired him to create INNclusivity, a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities find careers in hospitality.
- Personal Commitment: Schugt left his role as president of Teneo Hospitality Group in December 2024 to focus on INNclusivity full-time, funding most of its operations himself while awaiting 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
- Mission: INNclusivity aims to fill a gap for adults with disabilities who often lose access to resources after high school, offering them a path to meaningful work in the hotel industry.
2. How INNclusivity Works
INNclusivity operates through a three-step process designed to prepare adults with developmental disabilities for hospitality careers:
- Leadership Workshops: Schugt partners with vocational schools to give presentations that inspire and identify potential candidates.
- Immersion Experiences: Selected candidates participate in half-day hotel visits, including back-of-house tours and hands-on training in areas like laundry or kitchen operations.
- Job Placement: Interested participants are matched with hotel partners and supported by job coaches to ensure success in their roles.
The program has already reached nearly 300 people through workshops and provided immersion experiences for over 150 participants across cities like Orlando, Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco.
3. Partnering with Hotels
INNclusivity has built partnerships with 14 hotel properties, with plans to expand to a German property later in 2025. Current partners include:
- Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando
- InterContinental Hotel New Orleans
- Hilton New Orleans Airport
- Hilton Atlanta
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
These hotels provide opportunities for participants to work in various roles, from kitchen staff to housekeeping, with support from job coaches to ensure a smooth transition into employment.
4. Impact on Lives
The jobs provided through INNclusivity are transforming lives. For many participants, these roles are their first chance at employment, offering not just income but also pride, independence, and purpose.
- A Real Difference: Schugt shared the story of a man in his mid-20s who landed a full-time kitchen job at the Hilton New Orleans Airport. His mother noted that he was “singing in the mornings for the first time,” showing the emotional impact of meaningful work.
- Family Support: Employment eases the worries of parents, who often fear for their grown children’s future. Jobs through INNclusivity provide stability and hope for families.
5. Challenges to Overcome
While INNclusivity is growing, it faces challenges, particularly around transportation. Many adults with developmental disabilities lack reliable ways to get to work, especially in cities like Atlanta and Orlando where public transit options are limited.
- Transportation Barriers: Shared-ride systems can lead to long commutes, making it hard for participants to get to their jobs. Schugt has even paid for Ubers to help workers attend their shifts.
- Future Plans: Schugt hopes to create a dedicated shuttle service to solve this issue, ensuring more participants can access job opportunities.
6. Scaling for the Future
INNclusivity is working to become a “one-stop-shop” for hiring adults with disabilities, reducing reliance on vocational schools. To support this goal, Schugt hired a director of social services in the summer of 2025. The organization aims to streamline the process of finding candidates, training them, and placing them in jobs, making it easier for hotels to hire inclusively.
- Growth Potential: With partnerships expanding and a new employee on board, INNclusivity is poised to place more workers in hospitality roles.
- Global Reach: The planned partnership with a German hotel shows INNclusivity’s potential to make an international impact.
7. Why INNclusivity Matters
INNclusivity is more than a job placement program—it’s a movement to create inclusive workplaces and show the value of hiring adults with developmental disabilities. The hospitality industry, which often faces labor shortages, benefits from dedicated workers who bring unique perspectives and loyalty.
- For Workers: Jobs provide independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging, transforming lives and families.
- For Hotels: Hiring through INNclusivity can reduce turnover, improve team dynamics, and enhance customer loyalty, as guests appreciate inclusive environments.
- For Society: Programs like INNclusivity challenge stereotypes and show that adults with disabilities can thrive in professional settings with the right support.
Conclusion
INNclusivity, founded by Mike Schugt, is revolutionizing hospitality by connecting adults with developmental disabilities to meaningful careers. Through leadership workshops, immersion experiences, and job placements, the nonprofit is creating opportunities that change lives. Despite challenges like transportation, INNclusivity’s partnerships with hotels across the U.S. and its vision for growth show its potential to make a lasting impact. By fostering inclusive workplaces, INNclusivity is proving that everyone deserves a chance to shine in the hospitality industry.
