Opinion: Joey Travolta urges hiring people with disabilitie
Quote:
From my experience in the film and entertainment industry, I have been lucky enough to work with hundreds of adults with disabilities who are exceptional employees. And when businesses overlook these applications, they miss out on incredible opportunities.
I believe in individuals like Hayek and I know we can all have a part in increasing the number of adults with disabilities in the workforce. So in 2007, I created a company called Inclusion Films
First, employees with disabilities had to work harder to get where they are today to be ready to enter the workforce. They are dedicated employees with incredible skill and precision.
Second, employees with disabilities want to be there. Just like Hayek. They will show up with a smile on their face, thrilled to be at work.
Third, employees like Hayek add diversity in thought and actions. They look at problems with fresh perspectives.
Today, there are few barriers to hiring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All that is needed is leadership at the top, an open-minded team and a commitment to true diversity that includes people with disabilities.
Joey Travolta is an actor, producer, director, and screenwriter — and older brother of actor John Travolta. Joey is founder of Inclusion Films. He works with Bay Area organizations, including Futures Explored in the East Bay, Gatepath in Redwood City and Anova Education in Sonoma. He runs an annual two-week camp in Moraga to teach principles of filmmaking to teens and young adults with high-functioning autism.
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
26 Dec 2017, 12:56 am
