What Disability Employment Can Look Like, from the Community Provider Network of Rhode Island, offers a thoughtful look at employment for people with disability. It explores themes around autism, intellectual and cognitive processing disability, and the experiences of young adults working in group settings. The film does not claim to tell every story, but it asks simple, important questions about access, support and inclusion at work. Shown in the Focus on Ability festival, it sits alongside other films that highlight practical possibilities and everyday achievements. A steady, human portrait, it invites viewers to consider how workplaces can become more welcoming and realistic.
Mike does a really good job. This is Mike. He has a disability and has worked at Gregg's for years. I work hard, has a team here, so, and I love it here very, very much. And his co-workers love him. I love working with Mikey. Whether it's breading chicken or preparing tomatoes, Mike works hard. He's always got a good eye for detail, so if something doesn't seem right or seems fishy, he'll come looking for me and he'll ask questions, which is great. Mike's hard work is helping his employer realize the impact of an inclusive workplace. Just made us open our eyes to be, you know, we have this guy that's doing such a great job, let's travel down this road and give some more opportunities and see what else we can out there because everybody has staffing shortages, you know, so if we can find other ways to find staffing that can kind of offset that pressure from the current staff, you know, why not? And for Mike, he's found more than a job and a paycheck. What I love about my job is that everybody all here has, has such wonderful, wonderful hearts here. He's found a home and family.
Wonderful work by CPNRI and Greggs A great example of what is possible for the employer individuals with disabilities and their co-workers.