About this Short Film
See Ability (50 Kal Communications, Australia, 2019) explores how people view and value ability in everyday life. The film raises questions about attitudes, stereotypes and stigma around intellectual disability and Down syndrome, with a particular eye on workplace participation and young adults navigating employment. Rather than telling a single story, it invites viewers to reflect on common myths and the ways perception shapes opportunity. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, See Ability sits alongside other works that celebrate achievement and challenge assumptions, prompting thoughtful conversation about inclusion and what it means to be seen.
Film Details
Film Transcript
I'm trying to run a business here. It's not a charity.
In any workplace it's best to have the people who fit the workplace and to make sure that the workplace fits them. I've been asked to talk about the myth that Down syndrome people have more absences, I'm going to sick more often than normal employees. One, it's fundamentally not true. The biggest contributor to theism is how excited are people about coming to work. Different brings creativity, initiative, different ways of thinking, different experiences, different fun. You know, there's going to be a more vibrant, rich, diverse and inclusive culture. We encourage our people to think differently, to embrace diversity. We can welcome our new employees into the business with the trial, but it also will help our established employees find the way that we can effectively work together. We believe that we are better by being more diverse and inclusive, and this is a way to do it where people across the board can work together in support of our clients.
Okay, so are we ready? Okay, so I'm out of shot, so you won't see me, but I'm right next to you the whole time. All right. Yeah, you just got to relax, my man — you're gonna be fine. All right. Isn't there a stiff? Yeah, you'll get it, man, you'll get it. Now you're gonna be talking to Shane. Talk to me. I know I don't say it is to have a brother. I'm just spin offenders. Everybody here, right? Nice deep breath and so on, a relaxing ultra. I'm trying to run a business here. It's not a charity this time. Try to me, and that's followed in, that's why open. Okay, okay. We just got the cup of tea card here, and it's like the noisiest card in history.
Filmmaker
50 Kal Communications is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from 50 Kal Communications.
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Very clever and I love the way you subvert the stereotypes.
Love this idea. Really stops and makes you revisit your own prejudgments and behaviours. Compelling viewing.
What an incredibly clever concept. I love it.
Having worked for 23 years with adults who have faced this prejudice daily I think this is a brilliant portrayal of lives filled with challenges made no easier by the attitudes of many others in the community.
I'm a mum of 4 children who are autistic. This resonates so much with me. Congratulations. Such a wonderful way to open up eyes hearts and break down barriers.
A great effort to overcome prejudices and ignorance
Loved it. Really liked the outtakes included at the end too. Nice touch.