Seeing the ability, not the disability

The moment Jasmine Calabretta walked into Joe Fresh, Vaughan Mills, she knew it felt different. Maybe it was the colourful displays of clothes, the music playing softly, or the friendly faces that greeted her. Whatever it was, she felt welcome.  

Finding a job hadn't been easy. Navigating online applications felt like trying to decipher a foreign language, and the sting of rejection from another company still lingered. But here, at Joe Fresh, they saw the skills Jasmine brought to the table and the value she adds to the team.   

Her manager and team had a knack for putting people at ease. During the in-person interview, Jasmine felt comfortable enough to be herself, sharing her love for Disney fashion and her dream of finding a job where she felt valued.   

Her managers Jessica and Agnes took the time to understand Jasmine’s strengths and patiently walked her through the basics of the job. There were challenges, of course. Reaching high shelves sometimes required help, and mastering new tasks took time. But with each success, Jasmine’s confidence blossomed. She was part of a team.  

She loves the camaraderie of her team, most of whom are around her age. For Jasmine, working as a Sales Associate at Joe Fresh isn’t just a job; it’s a place where she belongs.  

“I like being in the working world and telling people that I have this job. This is my first official paying job and it feels cool to get a paycheck,” she says. 

“I also understand what it means to have a job, listen to my supervisor and keep working hard.  I feel confident and happy to be part of the Joe Fresh team.” 

Employers should not focus on the disability first; instead get to know the person, Jasmine relays.  “Evaluate their skills and willingness to learn, offer good training and feedback, and be patient. A person with a disability can learn to do so much when given the opportunity.”  

Jasmine’s story is a testament to the power of inclusive hiring. She wished more employers understood that people with Down Syndrome are capable of so much more than society often assumes.  "Give us a chance," she'd say, "show us the ropes, and be patient. We can learn, we can work hard, and we can thrive when given the opportunity." 

When hiring people with visible or invisible disabilities, you're helping create a more inclusive workplace for everyone. One that values everyone for their abilities to become contributing members of their community. One that gives them a world of opportunities.  

“People should be open minded to those who are willing to work. Get to know the person to see that they have many abilities,” says Jasmine. "Don't focus on the disability.”