By Joey Travolta
Ninety percent of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in California are unemployed. This number baffles me, especially since the state’s overall unemployment rate is only 6 percent.
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.
When ABC agreed to hire an additional employee on set of “The Neighbors,” I knew Hayek, an adult with a disability, would be perfect. He was well-trained, a hard worker and an absolute pleasure to be around. Hayek and his job coach arrived on set at 6 a.m., an hour before call time, and waited in the dark for the crew to arrive. After 90 minutes of work, Hayek’s job coach was sent home. Hayek went on to work two seasons on the set of “The Neighbors.”
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.
Inclusion Films trains adults with disabilities throughout California on the nuts and bolts of filmmaking — from writing the script to using editing equipment — with the goal of finding them jobs in the entertainment industry or a related field. Students at Inclusion Films are trained by working cinematographers, set designers, actors and other professionals who are active in the industry. Our
efforts have paid off.
I believe a capable workforce is being left untapped. Hard workers like Hayek are ready and eager to work in all types of jobs — from on-set cameramen to office coordinators. And it is up to businesses to create these opportunities.
The good news is that there are programs in the Bay Area to help organizations hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
When I speak with CEOs and other decision-makers, I am often asked, “Why do you choose to work with someone with a disability?” To me, the question is, “Why not?” There are so many reasons to hire someone with a disability.
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. They will show up with a smile on their face, thrilled to be at work. Most importantly, these employees add diversity in thought and actions. They often look at problems with fresh perspectives.
What if I told you that your company can access a pool of dedicated and qualified candidates? And that these job candidates are hard-working professionals who aspire to have meaningful employment and become a valuable member of your team? And finally, you can get on-site support and training to make sure the transition is seamless, at little to no cost? What would you say? I’d say yes in a heartbeat.
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.
