Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month with Sobeys employee and Special Olympics athlete, Jonathan Henry 

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and we are celebrating inclusion in the workplace by hearing from Special Olympics New Brunswick, Jonathan Henry. Special Olympics Canada has been fortunate to partner with Empire Company Limited (Sobeys Inc.) since 2016, raising funds and advocating for inclusivity across Canada.

Meet JONATHAN HENRY:

What sport do you participate in with Special Olympics?

I currently participate in Speed Skating, Swimming and Curling.

Where are you employed?

Sobeys, Moncton Employment and Training Services (METS) in the Pallet shop and also as a volunteer assistant equipment manager with the Moncton Wildcats hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey league. 

How long have you worked there? 

15 years at Sobeys, 16 years at METS, 16 years as a volunteer with the hockey team

What is your favourite part about your job?

At Sobeys I am a part of the Produce team, in charge of the wet wall where I stock the vegetables. 

Have any skills or values you’ve learned at Special Olympics helped you succeed at your job? 

Special Olympics has given me confidence and the value of being a team player . These skills I use every day at work.

What is a something you’ve accomplished through your job that you are proud of?

I am proud I have been working at the same Sobeys for 15 years. I love my job.

Why is inclusion in the workplace important?

Inclusion is important because every person is a valuable team worker. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the same hopes and dreams as other people. Give them a chance to prove they can be a valuable employee.

What advice would you give to employers about hiring individuals with intellectual and development disabilities? 

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities love to work and are hard workers. They value their job and are dedicated. Like me, they don’t want to miss work. You can count on them. It may take longer to learn a task but once they learn you will be proud of them.