This new Marriott hotel is training and employing people with disabilities

Marriott's latest property may not be the fanciest in its portfolio, but it may be the most socially responsible. The newly-opened Courtyard Muncie in Indiana is the first teaching hotel in the U.S. for people with disabilities, according to The Arc of Indiana. The hotel, which opened December 22, employs 129 people, 20% of which have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The disabled employees work in positions ranging from front desk to housekeeping. Owned by The Arc of Indiana, an advocacy group for the disabled, the hotel also features an on-site institute offering hospitality, food service and health care training. Students from around the state will intern at the hotel and its restaurant.

According to Disability Scoop, the $32 million project was partially funded by the government. The group says in a promo video that an unemployment rate of 82% unemployment rate exists among people with disabilities, and it hopes the teaching hotel leads to a better-trained workforce around Indiana.

The concept might be new to the U.S., but not overseas. In the Italian city of Asti, Hotel Ethics offers a similar three-year program where staff learn to be everything from receptionists to sommeliers and tour guides.

In the event that we find ourselves in Muncie, Indiana, we know where we're staying.