Business As Usual

People with disabilities are often assigned to "special" programs within companies that are partially, if not wholly, charity-minded. Most disabled individuals, however, generally want what we all want: a) to be recognized as self-sufficient human beings, and b) to have opportunities for advancement and growth. Sherry Kozak's Business as Usual profiles five companies in Jamaica, Canada, Kenya, and the Philippines where disabled individuals either own or manage the business. Making wood products, reconditioning bolts, designing and sewing clothes, all of the businesses are providing useful services and generating profits. The only sour note, in an otherwise inspiring documentary, is the segment on Canada, where small business owner Ken Caul, who appears to have Down syndrome, runs his own company. A clip of staff members checking decisions with the owner (who seems completely oblivious to the proceedings) seems, to me, a cruel parody of a business meeting. It's a classic example of good liberal intentions being taken to a ridiculous extreme. Excepting the Canadian segment, Business as Usual is recommended for those looking for ADA-related materials. (R. Pitman)