Securing employment these days is as challenging as it sounds, and for Persons with Disability (PWDs), the chances of getting gainful employment are even harder. In a time when people are clamoring for inclusivity, the reality is that PWDs still continue to face barriers to securing meaningful work opportunities. This realization ultimately became the inspiration behind Unilab Foundation’s Project Inclusion program.
Unilab saw the crucial need to be a catalyst in breaking down barriers for PWDs. At the heart of this advocacy is the Project Inclusion Network (PIN), a program that incubated within Unilab Foundation, but has now grown into a powerful force for change and inclusivity in the corporate arena.
PIN Executive Director Grant Javier shared his journey as a father to a Person with Disability (PWD). Javier’s son, who was diagnosed with autism, has been a driving force behind his passion for inclusivity and accessibility for PWDs in the workplace. Javier’s dedication to this cause was discovered by a colleague who worked for the Unilab Foundation in 2012. Mr. Javier was invited to spearhead a project to support equality and fair job opportunities for PWDs.
PIN’s initiatives focus on building strong business cases for hiring people with disabilities, intending to destigmatize the narrative of companies hiring PWDs as an act of charity. While creating an inclusive and compassionate environment is commendable, PIN’s vision is for companies to recognize PWDs as individuals who are just as capable as their able-bodied counterparts.
Since its inception in 2012, PIN has successfully advocated for the employment of over 100 PWDs across various companies, with Unilab as one of the first organizations to employ PWDs through the program. A notable achievement for PIN was the partnership with a major chain of drugstores in the country, which hired over 24 PWD employees.
Furthermore, PIN’s commitment to diversity extends beyond neurodevelopmental disabilities. In 2017, they opened doors to hiring PWDs with physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and orthopedic disabilities. In 2018, PIN launched the “May 1 Percent Ka Ba?” campaign in partnership with the government in alignment with RA 10524, an act that stipulates that 1% should be reserved for employment of PWDs in government agencies.
PIN’s dedication to fostering inclusivity is exemplified through empowering individuals like Gian and Randy, who have overcome challenges and succeeded under the wings of the organization. Their stories echo the essence of the organization’s vision—a world where individuals with disabilities are not just employed but are also valued, who enjoy equal opportunities, and who are celebrated for their unique talents and contributions.
