Beyond delivering a variety of delicious and value-friendly dishes, Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin’ Steak have strengthened their advocacy of inclusion, diversity, and respect in the workplace through their partnership with communities and organizations such as CSB-SDEAS (College of Saint Benilde-School of Deaf Education and Advanced Studies) and LCDPFI (Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation, Inc.), empowering deaf Filipinos with employment opportunities in their stores across the country.
Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin’ Steak, both well-loved casual dining brands under Max’s Group, Inc., began extending relevant work openings to deaf individuals in 2018, starting with 10 employees who’ve been working as back of house staff handling the bar and sushi stations across several branches in the country. They look to provide even more members of the community the same opportunity with their renowned local partners aiding in the screening and training of qualified, capable members of the deaf community.
“We believe in the positive impact our advocacy carries not just for the deaf community, but also for our employees and customers. “Our pilot program of 10 employees last year proved to be successful based on very encouraging feedback from our staff and diners, and most importantly from the very uplifting experiences of our deaf employees. We look to expand this with the assistance of our gracious partners, the CSB-SDEAS and the LCDPFI,” shared Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin’ Steak Chief Operating Officer John S. Amante.
The College of Saint Benilde-School of Deaf Education and Advanced Studies is at the forefront of building the Filipino Deaf identity and culture through its academic programs, formation programs, and role in brokering meaningful partnerships between the Hearing and the Deaf communities. Students are offered a holistic academic experience which revolves around personal development, faith formation, volunteerism, and self-expression. There is also continued support post-graduation for advocacy, employment, and social entrepreneurship through personal and professional development programs.
The Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation, Inc. aims to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (PWD) and access to equal opportunities to education, employment, and inclusion in society. LCDPFI is a part of a global alliance of more than 250 partners from 54 countries providing services and programs for PWDs.
The increase in employment opportunities is complemented by simple sign language guides to be implemented in select Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin’ Steak stores for customers and staff to use in communicating with the deaf staff working there.
“Moving forward, it is our goal to continue bannering inclusivity and diversity in our workforce in our stores and ensure that Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin’ Steak stores are safe spaces for the deaf and other persons with disabilities,” said Amante.
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