MANILA – In 2013, Vico Cham was 22 years old, a young man with a talent for painting and computer graphics in search of work. Like any job applicant, he went in for a job interview, and was soon hired. On May 6, he went to the office for his first day as an Administrative and Graphics Design Assistant, becoming Employee Number One of Project Inclusion.
Unlike most jobseekers, though, Vico is a Person With Disability, diagnosed with autism at age 2. And this year, he will be celebrating his fourth year of regular employment.
Is disability a hindrance in the workplace?
Unlike Vico, many PWDs are unable to find work. And yet many of them are skilled, diligent and efficient. In the newly launched Project Inclusion video series, viewers are invited to consider the question: Would you dare to hire a Person with Disability?
Titled #daretohire, the video series is both a challenge and an invitation to companies: to embrace Persons with Disability (PWDs) in their work pool, and to experience the rewards of hiring persons with unique capabilities.
Through this series, Project Inclusion aims to increase awareness about the benefits of hiring PWDs. Project Inclusion is a program that advocates for workplace inclusion, and enables gainful employment of PWDs in the Philippines.
Since 2013, Project Inclusion has placed more than 100 PWDs in different industries, including retail, food and beverage, hospitality, and technology. More PWDs like Vico are ready and willing to be placed.
Launched online on May 6, the videos feature some of the PWDs seeking jobs through and placed by Project Inclusion. The PWDs featured include persons with autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, visual impairment, and hearing disability, who are now employed in different companies. Set in the PWDs’ actual workplaces, with their colleagues and supervisors, the videos draw from real experiences of companies that now practice workplace inclusion. The videos also provide different perspectives on why more companies should hire PWDs.
Launched online on May 6, “Special” highlights the PWDs themselves. The traits that most people see as their disadvantages often turn out to be the factors that allow them to contribute and excel in the workplace.
“Purpose” is a reminder for people not to take their jobs for granted; and to appreciate and celebrate their tasks, challenges, and accomplishments at work. (coming soon)
“Grateful” echoes the doubts employers may have about hiring PWDs; and their realization that disability is not a barrier to work productivity, efficiency, and integrity. (coming soon)
Each video is a call to action: “More than 100 Persons with Disability are already hired through Project Inclusion, and are valuably contributing to their organizations. Seven million more are waiting to share their skills and dedication. Dare to hire one.”
Building a healthier, more inclusive Philippines
There are an estimated 10 to 15 million PWDs in the country. Approximately half of them are of working age. Despite the laws that protect their rights, PWDs continue to be an untapped human resource.
Project Inclusion is a program of the Unilab Foundation, focused on enabling the employment of PWDs. Project Inclusion believes that given the right preparation and support, PWDs can make unique contributions to the workplace and to society. The program advocates workplace inclusion by preparing the job-seeking PWD, preparing the employer, and supporting the job transition, putting everyone in positions to succeed.
For more information on Project Inclusion, visit www.daretohiremenow.com or send an email to projectinclusion@unilabfoundation.org.
