According to a study by The Harris Poll, people with disabilities form the largest minority group worldwide. This is evident in the Baltic States, where approximately 570,000–580,000 people have a disability, accounting for around 10% of the total population.
The number of people with disabilities alone highlights why social inclusion is so important — improving the conditions under which individuals and groups participate in society. This includes increasing opportunities for those who are more vulnerable because of their identity, including the creation of new jobs.
In the Baltic States, there are establishments where people with disabilities can work, develop new professional skills, and meet others with similar interests. The number of such places has grown over the last decade, and we hope that this trend will continue.
Estonia
Hea Hoog
The Hea Hoog Foundation shop sells handmade products created by people with special needs. These goods are produced in 12 social centres located throughout Estonia. Almost 60 per cent of them are made from recycled materials. The organisation also regularly holds fairs showcasing its protégés’ products — in December 2025 alone, seven such fairs were held in several cities.
Many of the products at Hea Hoog are designed for pets. These include beds, toys, and snuffle mats — interactive dog puzzles consisting of multiple strips of cotton fabric strung on soft plastic mesh. Food is hidden between the fibres, encouraging the dog to search for the treat with its nose and providing mental stimulation by imitating hunting.
Latvia
Miljons sveču
This is a social project by the association «Latvijas Kustība par neatakarīgu dzīvi» for young people with severe developmental disabilities. The foundation’s ultimate goal is to build a special facility with a therapeutic environment and shared living quarters.
Participants work in the workshop to produce candles, which are then sold in the online store. The candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be viewed in Riga at Imanta 8, Line 1, Building 3. It is recommendable to check the organisation’s Instagram account before visiting to find out the best time to come.
Visi var
Another place where you can find handmade items is the charity shop in Sigulda. People with disabilities make clothes, shoes and household items, as well as brewing coffee, tea and cocoa. Many of the products are designed for children, including Montessori toys, cute duck-shaped travel pillows and blankets. Adult customers can find ceramics, soap and clothing, including traditional skirts.
All proceeds are directed towards charitable projects aimed at helping people with disabilities find employment.
TipTip
Tiptip comprises two social shops and an online store based in Riga. They sell handmade products created by over 70 elderly Latvian residents and people with special needs. Through hard work, love and care, they have crafted a variety of useful items for everyday life and special occasions, including woollen socks, postcards and Easter decorations. The shop also accepts corporate orders — please contact them using the details provided on this page.
Lithuania
Pirmas Blynas
A pancake restaurant that employs people with disabilities opened in Vilnius in September 2018. It was founded by Tim van Vijk, a Dutchman with experience of working in the social sector. Its location is rather unexpected: it is situated on the ground floor of the Church of St Mary of Consolation, not far from Town Hall Square. During the Soviet era, the church was closed and converted into a warehouse, but services are now held on the upper floor once again. As well as serving delicious pancakes, the café team runs educational projects and sells its own products, including gift boxes containing high-quality Dutch waffles.
Solidari kava
There’s another café with special employees — in Panevėžys. This coffee shop, which serves heart-shaped pancakes with drinks, opened at the Panevėžys Centre for Social Change in 2025. It collaborates with the ‘Other Side of the Moon’ project, which employs people with disabilities to make ceramics and other small homeware items. These items can also be purchased at the café.
DUOday
DUOday is an event held around the world where companies and organisations invite people with disabilities to try new professions and activities. It has been held throughout Europe for over 15 years. Lithuania organises it annually. This year, around two dozen cities, 24 organisations representing the interests of disabled people, and 147 employers – ranging from the Presidential Palace to the Amber Museum in Palanga – are taking part in the initiative.
