Working inspiration

All it takes to include people with disabilities in the workplace is a willingness and openness to explore the options. Chris Joynson’s experience on Saltspring Island is a stellar example of what can happen when employers and community find ways to include someone’s unique abilities.

Chris is a friendly and enthusiastic person who has a developmental disability. Since moving to the island at age 14, Chris has been supported by the Gulf Islands Family Together Society (GIFTS), a community-based organization started by families to help connect relatives with developmental disabilities to their community.

Through GIFTS’ work with local employers, Chris has four paying jobs: cleaning at GIFTS, storefront maintenance for a local real estate company, stocking shelves at the local Country Grocer, and stocking and facing shelves at Mouat’s Home Hardware, the only hardware store on Saltspring.

Manager Kim Young, Chris’s supervisor at Mouat’s, has hired four people through GIFTS, and says the experience has enriched her business and provided a great learning opportunity for everyone involved.

“It’s fulfilling and inspiring to see these four employees grow and gain confidence. I’d say to other employers, give hiring a person with a developmental disability a chance. By working with them, you can find out how well they can contribute.”

A person with a developmental disability may need to focus more on using a specific skill that he or she excels at in the workplace. Yet their employment can bring very positive benefits to an organization – diversity, development of supervisory skills, and better team morale. Employees who work with a person with a developmental disability often say it contributes to a more positive work environment. Many employers say they have seen business increase as people like to support an inclusive company.

“Employment has given Chris an opportunity for independence and self-reliance,” says Erin Fawcett, one of Chris’s GIFTS support workers. “He enjoys having his own money, and to be able to purchase things he may want or need. It gives him a sense of well-being and being in charge.”

Chris also volunteers his time at the local fire department where he helps with recycling, general maintenance and testing the radios and sirens. On other days, he can be found volunteering at the food bank and local dump.

“I am so happy,” says Chris. “I like all of my jobs and I enjoy working. I have many friends in the community who help me and I help them.”

“Chris is popular and well-known is his community,” says Erin. “He brings so much joy wherever he goes, and feels very much a part of his community. Being connected also means that he is safe and secure in community, a feeling that all people need.”