Karolis with a disability finds joy in work, Jessica Shy’s music, and horror films

A 26-year-old Lithuanian man with a disability has found fulfillment in his job at a fast-food restaurant, while pursuing hobbies like dancing, swimming, and attending concerts, reports LRT.lt. Experts note that while employment opportunities for people with disabilities remain limited, success stories like Karolis Petraitis’s show how work can boost confidence and well-being.

Karolis Petraitis has worked as a dining area attendant at a McDonald’s in Lithuania since September. His daily tasks include cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, and mopping floors—responsibilities he initially found challenging but now handles with ease. “At first, it was a bit difficult getting used to the equipment and different cleaning methods for outdoor terraces, tables, and indoor surfaces,” he told LRT.lt. “But the team was friendly, and over time, I adjusted.”

His employment followed participation in a job-shadowing program organized by the social integration agency SOPA, where people with disabilities can test various professions. After a trial shift at the restaurant, Karolis was offered a permanent position. He credits the job with improving his self-esteem and financial independence. “Having my own money makes a big difference,” he said.

Outside work, Karolis stays active with biweekly dance classes, karaoke, and swimming—even earning medals in local tournaments. A fan of live music, he attends concerts by artists like Jessica Shy, the Lithuanian band Katarsis, and Eurovision’s Nemo. His tastes span genres from rap and hip-hop to rock and K-pop, while his favorite films include horror, comedy, and action.

Giedrius Bagdonas, head of the Vilniaus Viltis community—which runs workshops teaching woodworking and other skills to people with disabilities—notes that employment barriers persist. “Employers often calculate cost versus productivity,” he explained. “But social workshops help people gain responsibility, punctuality, and creativity—skills the job market demands.”

Karolis’s story reflects broader progress, as more companies open doors to workers with disabilities. Yet experts emphasize that systemic challenges, including employer biases and self-doubt among job seekers, remain hurdles to inclusive hiring.