The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the Munroe-Meyer Institute will be sponsoring a showing of the film “Hearts of Glass,” as well as a panel discussion featuring the film’s director, as part of a series of National Disability Employment Awareness Month events to be held the last week of October.
The film follows the start-up of a hydroponic greenhouse in Wyoming that provides meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, intercutting the business’s launch with the personal stories of its workers with IDD.
“The film demonstrates the tremendous benefit for employers of hiring individuals with disabilities,” said Mark Shriver, PhD, director of the UCEDD. “We are fortunate that the panel discussion about the film will include the director of the film and the employees with disabilities featured in the film, as well as local representatives.”
This week-long series of educational events is the collaborative result of a number of disability partners across Nebraska and highlights an important area of need in Nebraska, Dr. Shriver said.
“We are excited that the MMI UCEDD can be part of this collaborative effort to highlight the need for meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.”
The film, which will be available to view online from Oct. 23-30, and a virtual panel discussion on Oct. 28 is one of a series of virtual events to be held the week of Oct. 26-30 during “Increasing Access and Opportunity Week.” Register to see the film here.
Virtual presentations during the week, which are sponsored by a broad coalition of community partners, include:
- Monday, Oct. 26: Transitioning from School to Work
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: Self-employment and Adult Programs
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: “Hearts of Glass” panel discussion
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Dignity of Employment
- Friday, Oct. 30: Disability Employment and Voting
Excited to watch this film! Thanks for making it available.