Atypical Advantage, the Indian inclusive platform that works to provide job opportunities to people with disabilities (PwDs), is facilitating inclusive hiring in the manufacturing sector.
Its unique programme, focused on empowering PwDs in blue-collar roles, has recently placed over 100 candidates with big brands in the manufacturing space, including Nestle, Nivea, Godrej Consumers, Tata Motors and Marico. The goal is to increase this number to 1,000 soon. This is probably the first time that PwDs have managed to enter the manufacturing units of major companies in the FMCG sector.
According to Vineet Saraiwala, founder and CEO, Atypical Advantage, “Hiring people with disabilities in the blue-collar domain has always taken a backseat in India, often due to assumptions around safety, productivity and attitudinal bias.”
With its programme, Atypical Advantage “sets a new standard by providing end-to-end support to candidates and employers, creating sustainable, inclusive opportunities that benefit individuals and the organisations they join.”
The initiative provides holistic support across four crucial phases—pre-placement, skilling, placement and post-placement support. Sensitisation sessions, accessibility audits, development of safety protocols, and job mapping are an integral part of this programme, ensuring the right candidates are matched to roles that respect their capabilities and foster a productive work environment.
The impact of this initiative is already visible, with even a woman with locomotor disability getting placed as a SAP operator. She moves independently within the premises, with infrastructure modifications ensuring her full comfort, accessibility and safety thanks to Atypical Advantage’s integrated model. The platform has proved that a supportive environment can empower PwDs to excel and grow in their roles.
In just a short span, Atypical Advantage has facilitated the recruitment of over 100 PwDs and aims to increase this number to 1,000, addressing the immense potential for inclusivity within India’s industrial workforce.
The inclusive livelihood platform’s flagship programme is designed to address challenges specific to the manufacturing sector, where blue-collar hiring of PwDs has traditionally been minimal. Working closely with corporate leaders, Atypical Advantage conducts regular workshops and training sessions, such as Indian Sign Language (ISL) workshops and regular disability sensitisation at the plant level.
This approach not only integrates PwDs into the workforce but also fosters an inclusive culture from the top down, with leaders actively participating in disability awareness and accessibility initiatives.
Founded by Vineet Saraiwala in 2020, Atypical has been successfully acting as a bridge, connecting individuals with diverse abilities to a network of prominent organisations across various sectors.
