Manny the Barber: Transitioning the Neurodivergent from High School to Workplace

Author

Julia Barlas, CUNY Graduate CenterFollow

Date of Degree

6-2025

Document Type

Master's Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Edward D. Miller

Subject Categories

Disability Studies | Education | Film and Media Studies | Film Production | Other Film and Media Studies | Special Education and Teaching | Vocational Education

Keywords

neurodivergent, autism, vocational education, small business, documentary film, Krzysztof Kieślowski

Abstract

This capstone project is a documentary short film. The narrative focuses on Manny, a young man on the autism spectrum, who dreams about working in a barber shop. He lives in New York City and attends a specialized public high school. The film empathizes with Manny and with his community at large, illustrating the need for further job training and hiring initiatives acknowledging the potential and value of the neurodivergent. The observational mode of this documentary with some participatory elements serves to present the neurodivergent behavioral nuisances, patterns of speech, and interactions with the surroundings. Pieces of interviews with teachers illustrate the implemented vocational training at high school, and a final scene at a barber shop demonstrates the need for further conversation about the possibilities of collaboration between small businesses and public educational institutions leading to employment of this particular population.

Recommended Citation

Barlas, Julia, "Manny the Barber: Transitioning the Neurodivergent from High School to Workplace" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6261