Hyatt Video – “Imagine the Possibilities: Innovative Hiring Through Assistive Technology.”
There is a new video out that features assistive technology and the workplace supports for employing people with disabilities at the Hyatt Hotels in Florida. It is a great training tool and includes a variety of VR consumers with assistive technology supports that have been provided by or with support of the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Florida Division of Blind Services. You can access this video off of the Hyatt website. Click on Media Center and then scroll down to the video “Imagine the Possibilities”. The video is 12 minutes in length.
There is a caveat, I think this is a great tool but apparently the project to produce this video was funded by DOL. Though the work with Hyatt wasn’t done by DOL or our partners at JAN, the DOL logo is on it and their funded programs are listed in the resource section, VR is not referenced. I have discussed this at length with John Ficca. You all know that John is a huge VR supporter. Though he credited VR for the work, it was edited from the video. He asked that I share the following message with you on his behalf. We are working to insert VR back into the video and in the resource section, I will keep you posted. Meantime, I am sure that you can find a creative way to use the video as a resource tool. I look forward to our continued working relationship with John, Hands on Education and the Hyatt.
Thanks!
Kathy
Dear State VR/DBS Directors/Commissioners:
I wanted to share this video project with you and your staff, however I felt compelled to apologize in advance for some editing that was done to the video. As you will see in the video, the Assistive Technology featured in the video enables the VR Consumers to perform the functions of their jobs at Hyatt Hotels in Florida. And, as you know, most of the tools and devices were purchased by the State Agencies that serve them best – Vocational Rehabilitation. I mentioned that it my interview because I felt that it was important to give VR credit for the wonderful work they do, but also to educate prospective employers on the financial assistance that is available to them when the accommodations are not “reasonable” or costly. I have asked WHY that part of my interview was edited and the producer’s answer was that all editing was done for the sake of time.
The video is a great way to illustrate what VR and Blind Services CAN do for the consumer they serve AND it is very complimentary of Hyatt – and Hyatt deserves the recognition for their commitment to training and hiring PWD’s. However, I felt really bad when the words “Vocational Rehabilitation” were edited from my interview. I know that VR folks are humble and always the “unsung heroes”, but it is also nice to receive credit where it is due. And your agencies and staff certainly deserve a great deal of credit.
Enjoy the video and the message it provides. I look forward to working with you all in the future and singing your praises. Take care.
John L. Ficca, Program Director
Hands On Educational Services, Inc.
hndsoned@verizon.net
www.handsoneducation.net