"Disney Side-by-Side Journey” fosters an inclusive work environment and culture

People with disabilities can be valuable assets in the workplace; all they need is more job opportunities. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) understands this situation, and has taken action to foster an inclusive culture and support equal employment opportunities with its inclusive employment program.

A culture of diversity and inclusion

HKDL has always been committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion, supporting equal employment opportunities, and fostering an inclusive society for people withdifferences.

Aligning with its vision, HKDL initiated an inclusive employment program in 2007 and now named “Disney Side-by-Side Journey”. To date, the program has provided employment opportunities for more than 230 physically or mentally impaired individuals.

“Over the years, HKDL has partnered with over 30 NGOs to help the physically and mentally impaired join the workforce by matching them with suitable jobs and following up on their workplace accommodation,” notes Victor Ng, HKDL’s Diversity Equity Inclusion Manager.  

Providing a total of 36 job vacancies, this year’s program has extended job positions from frontline workers to behind the scenes personnel. Two newly-offered positions include Entertainment Technician and Hair & Makeup Stylist, both of which are rather demanding on professional skills and abilities. Other positions span park operations, security, food and beverages, merchandise, entertainment, maintenance, and more. Trainees have been on duty since late June.

Walking side-by-side with trainees with disabilities

HKDL has designed a comprehensive program called “Disney Side-by-Side Journey” that helps trainees with disabilities become a cast member of HKDL through a seamless transition. The program thoughtfully matches applicants with appropriate roles based on their abilities, so that each of them can excel in a position they truly belong.

Before coming on board, the trainees are briefed on the culture and principles of hospitality at HKDL. A senior cast member is assigned as the trainee’s Buddy to lend a helping hand, while NGO staff and social workers also keep track of the their work conditions and provide support where necessary. In a step-by-step progression, the trainees are assigned to more working hours when they have mastered the required skills.

Diligence breeds success

Coco Ho is a trainee who has completed the program with flying colours. She is now working as an Entertainment Technician, and has taken an active part in the operations of large-scale shows like “Pixar Water Play Street Party”, “Mickey and Friends Celebration” and the brand-new nighttime spectacular “Momentous”.

After completing the Sound Design and Operation course from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), Coco participated in the “Disney Side-by-Side Journey” through the help of Hong Kong PHAB Association (HKPHAB).

As an Entertainment Technician, she is responsible for supporting and checking the sound quality and effects of shows; and actively communicates with colleagues to ensure that the performance synchronizes with the music, providing the best enjoyment for guests. Coco is a proof that people with disabilities can be very capable employees; her diligence, positive work ethics and consistent work performance have won the approval of her colleagues and seniors.

Zoe Yeung, Coco’s Buddy and an Entertainment Technician, notes that Coco is a hard-working colleague, “she is very work-focused, and always follows her seniors’ orders meticulously. She takes note of every work procedure and asking questions when she is unsure.”

Evan Ho, Entertainment Technical Manager, also approves of Coco’s hard work. “Although she may not be familiar with operations of computers and programs, she is very proactive in learning new skills,” comments Evan. “With her enthusiasm, she learns faster than many young counterparts. We trust her ability and so she is recently assigned to pick up her new duty for the new Momentous nighttime spectacular.”

Overcoming obstacles through joint efforts

Coco’s journey at work was not all smooth sailing. At first, she felt that she was lacking in confidence and was stressed about joining the program, which affected her performance. Fortunately, she was quick to overcome her insecurities with the help of HKPHAB.

“We enrolled Coco in small-group art therapy sessions which taught her how to think from different perspectives and handle stress,” notes Lesley Yuen, Employer Officer of HKPHAB. HKPHAB has been a successful partner with HKDL since 2008 through this employment program.

Harmonious work environment with supportive colleagues

The program has also helped cast members with disabilities to enjoy their work by facilitating good understanding and harmonious relationships between able-bodied and disabled cast members.

The trainees’ Buddies are required to attend a four-hour course to learn the skills of interacting with people of different physical and mental impairments. “There is no need to treat people with disabilities any differently; treating them like any normal person is the best and most comfortable way to get along with them,” observes Zoe.

Coco takes delight in working in HKDL because of the pleasant work atmosphere and caring coworkers, “I get along very well and naturally with them; I also love how everyone here is always upbeat and friendly,” Coco shares.

“Having built good relationships with her coworkers, she is more confident now and can show her abilities at work in a better and more consistent way,” observes Lesley.

Meanwhile, HKDL hosted a Disney Side-by-Side Appreciation Party in early-August. NGO partners and cast members who have joined this employment program were invited to join this party to share their delight and recognition for this program.

HKPHAB appreciates HKDL for thoughtfully matching trainees with the most suitable job positions according to their abilities and providing assistance for easy adaptation to work. On-the-job training also plays a vital part by helping able-bodied and disabled cast members to develop better understanding of each other.

Looking ahead, Lesley hopes that more employers will discover the potential in people with disabilities and hire them. “Together, we can foster a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture in Hong Kong for the betterment of the larger society,” she emphasizes.