This year, Muvisa Parking is celebrating ten years of managing and operating public parking in La Laguna. Over the past decade, it has expanded its facilities by 300%, achieved record vehicle turnover figures, and has become a crucial service in supporting local commerce and citizen mobility. An interesting fact is that the entire workforce of Muvisa Parking comprises individuals with disabilities. This initiative extends beyond just providing employment, offering a real opportunity for social and labour integration, equipping selected individuals with the necessary support to achieve independence.
With 200 individuals having participated in its training and support programme in the last 5 years, the Muvisa Parking Special Employment Centre has established itself as one of the most esteemed centres in the Islands. Currently, the Centre employs 32 individuals with various physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities, as well as cases where disability has been declared in adulthood leading to a change in profession. Notably, even the deputy coordinator and the team leader have disabilities, showcasing the Centre’s commitment to inclusivity and teamwork.
President of Muvisa, Adolfo Cordobés, states, “At the Municipal Housing and Services Company of La Laguna (Muvisa), we are dedicated to building a more inclusive community. This objective is woven into our core values of professionalism, quality, and sustainability. Through the Special Employment Centre, we aim to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and local companies, fostering opportunities for employment within the municipality and on the Island.”
According to the CEO of the company, Juan Ignacio Viciana, the Centre provides tailored training to enhance the skills and employability of individuals with disabilities, while also serving as a platform to promote diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace.
The Centre caters to individuals of all ages, with a specific focus on supporting those over 55 who may face greater obstacles in securing employment. Employees undergo specific training in roles such as parking agents, facility managers, cleaning staff, and administrative roles, with the opportunity for curricular accreditation.
All employees work in shifts, receive training during working hours (35 hours per week), earn a salary above the minimum wage, and undergo a pre-selection process conducted by organisations working with individuals with disabilities like Simpromi, Adecco, or Inserta.
A municipality dedicated to inclusivity
The initiatives of this company align with the inclusive programme initiated by La Laguna, which has garnered prestigious awards such as the Access City Award 2024 from the European Union for universal accessibility and disability, the Solidarios award from the ONCE Canarias Social Group 2024, and the cermi.es 2022 from the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI).
The Support Unit of the Special Employment Centre plays a pivotal role in this integration effort. Comprising a social worker and a trainer for parking agents and attendants, they provide continual support to employees, aiding in their personal and professional development. Viciana affirms that the greatest success for them is when an individual secures a stable job and moves on before the contract term ends.
Training offerings
Over the past 5 years, the company has implemented an extensive training programme, conducting more than ten specialised courses annually tailored to the specific needs of its employees. The company also covers the costs for additional external and complementary training upon request.
The courses encompass a range of topics including basic computing, Excel (basic, intermediate, and advanced levels), English (basic and intermediate), basic life support and AED, occupational risk prevention, customer service enhancement, job search strategies, improvement in language skills, healthy lifestyle habits, digital literacy, social skills, and self-confidence development.
Furthermore, the company offers training on managing workplace violence situations, raising awareness on workplace violence and harassment, effective communication strategies, equality promotion, conflict resolution in the workplace, and education and training for employment.
What is a Special Employment Centre?
A Special Employment Centre (CEE) is a company that aims to provide meaningful and remunerative work to individuals with recognised disabilities, tailored to their personal abilities, with the ultimate goal of facilitating their integration into the job market.
In compliance with the Regulations of Special Employment Centres (Royal Decree 2273/1985), CEEs offer personal and social adjustment services to their workers, encompassing therapeutic, social, vocational integration, cultural, sports, and rehabilitation services.
The Professional Activity Support Units within the centres are responsible for delivering these adjustment services in line with the regulations stipulated in Royal Decree 469/2006, which governs the professional activity support units as part of the personal and social adjustment services within Special Employment Centres.
CEE Muvisa Parking No. 132 submits an annual report to the Canary Islands Employment Service detailing the personal and social adjustment services provided on an individual basis to each worker.
