A short film released on 10th November 2005 aims to encourage workers to ‘come out’ about their long term health condition so they can continue to work effectively.
The film - The Appointment - follows the journey of Alan, a hotel manager as he finds out he has diabetes. In the film, Alan is forced to think about how he needs to adjust his life, and whether others he employs at his hotel could be facing similar issues. The Appointment also aims to dispel the myth that disability is just about wheelchairs and white sticks.
The film, made by the Disability Rights Commisson (DRC), will give details on where to get help and advice about managing a disability in the workplace.
The Appointment is being screened in Vue cinemas across the country from Friday 11th November until Thursday 5th January 2005. It is also available on DVD from the DRC Helpline. Bert Massie, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, said:
“I’m very proud of this film. It helps dispel the myths about whether disabled people can work and banishes some of the stereotypes.
“I hope it will help people feel more confident about disclosing their condition. And that it will teach employers that many people in their workplace probably have some sort of health condition.”
Benet Middleton, Director of Nations, Regions and Campaigning at Diabetes UK, said:
“Diabetes UK welcomes this film which explores how attitudes to long-term health conditions can affect people’s chances of getting and keeping a job.”
The DRC marketing team, who produced the DVD, have recently been awarded three International Marcom Awards for excellence.
