Luxembourg Launches “Bewosst” Project for Disability Awareness

Luxembourg has unveiled the “Bewosst” (Aware) project, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening disability inclusion and raising awareness of the daily challenges faced by people with visible and invisible disabilities. The launch, presented by Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn, Info-Handicap Director Christine Zimmer, and Steve Martellini, Secretary General of HORESCA (Luxembourg’s federation of hotels, restaurants, and bars), places the hospitality sector at the forefront of the campaign.

100,000 people affected in Luxembourg
An estimated 100,000 residents—about 15% of the population—live with a disability, with nearly 80% reporting that their condition is not outwardly visible. Disabilities may be physical, sensory, or psychological, but the barriers are often social as well as architectural.
For Joanne Theisen, who is autistic and has attention deficit disorder, the challenges of daily life can feel overwhelming. “What helps is patience, reassurance, kindness, and asking simple questions: What might you need? How can we make this work?” she explained.

Silent hours come to hospitality
As part of the rollout, the project will introduce “silent hours” in bars and restaurants on 3 December, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. During these hours, lighting will be dimmed and music lowered, creating a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities.

The concept has already proved successful in 34 shops across Luxembourg, where it was introduced earlier this year. The expansion into the hospitality sector is expected to broaden its positive impact.

Breaking down barriers
Info-Handicap’s Christine Zimmer stressed that inclusion begins with empathy and education. “It is important that we recognise not everything is the same for everyone, and that we need to be understanding, even if people have different needs from our own,” she said.
HORESCA’s Martellini highlighted the phased rollout: a business-focused awareness conference kicks off the project this week, followed by December’s silent hours and additional initiatives to be revealed later.
Minister Hahn underlined that the effort is not limited to hotels and restaurants: “Dentists, bakers, grocers—any sector can adopt inclusive practices. The long-term goal is to extend this framework across daily life, while also encouraging employers to hire more people with disabilities.”

Building on earlier steps
The “Bewosst” campaign follows earlier awareness-raising efforts in Luxembourg, such as the introduction of silent shopping hours in supermarkets and the adoption of whistleblowing policies in institutions like the University of Luxembourg to protect vulnerable voices. Together, these steps signal a broader shift toward a more inclusive society where differences are recognised and respected.

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