Although we are slowly getting much more inclusive in helping to provide opportunities for marginalised groups such as those with disabilities, there is much more to do.
Unfortunately for those with mental disabilities such as autism, securing a job is an unnecessarily difficult task as plenty of companies tend to stray away due to fears that they would not perform well.
However, companies that do accept and tolerate will be highly praised for their efforts to promote inclusivity. Recently, popular food vlogger Ceddy took to social media to share about a meet-up he had with an autistic fan.
He wrote that the girl almost lost her life due to Covid, and when her mom asked her what her wish was, she said she wanted to meet him.
Ceddy then found out that the mother of the fan, is a doctor at Kota Damansara’s Thompson Hospital and that she has even opened up her own Chatime outlet in the hospital where she employs those with autism.
“She employs autistic folks and being a mum of 2 autistic children, she wants to create more awareness on autism.”
She told him that, “When you get to hire autistic workers, they’re the BEST. They follow the recipe, make sure the amount is correct, and are always on time. The sad thing is they are always misunderstood.”
She also mentioned that prior to approaching Chatime, there was a boba tea company that flat out told her, “Your business will not (be) sustainable if you hire these people.”
Ceddy’s tweet and video of the autistic staff has garnered plenty of attention and currently sits on over 296,000 views and 16,400 likes.
Netizens praised Chatime as well as Dr Wan for the initiative and for trying to spread awareness on autism as well as provide them with equal opportunities.
“This is awesome! An opening for even more opportunities to work, for them,” said a user.
Another netizen shared how they have an autistic son whose favourite activity is baking. “It is the single activity where he can sit down the whole time, and follow all the instructions.”
“It is comforting to know there’s (a) growing of platforms for autistic people in Malaysia,” they added.
Meanwhile, a user shared how they loved working alongside OKUs as they are, “the most organised, friendly, don’t complain much and easy-to-joke-with colleagues.”
Watch the full video here.
Also read: KJ: MOH To Establish National Autism Council in Malaysia By End of 2022
