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Triumph Vocational Services Climbing the hill to success A Triumph Vocational Services™ Success Story • June 2004 Within the hustle of Griffin’s Pub in Courtenay, 20-year-old Christopher Lane carefully moves around the kitchen to avoid being in the way of the busy kitchen staff. You wouldn’t know it to watch him cook, but Christopher has Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.Christopher is one of a half-million British Columbians with a self-identified disability. Over 74 per cent of Persons with Disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. Defying all odds, Chris graduated from North Island College with a Level Two Professional Cook certification in January 2004. Chris actively responded to a flurry of job vacancies. Prospective employers were impressed by his resume and he succeeded in landing interviews, but was unable to secure employment. The demand for professional cooks is very high and growing at a rapid rate. So why then, did Chris have such a difficult time finding employment? Myotonic MD is the most common adult form of Muscular Dystrophy.This degenerative disease wastes away the muscles, particularly in the upper body, face and arms. Caused by a defective gene, it is accompanied with Myotonia, a symptom similar to muscle spasms. Against other applicants, Chris appears frail and has a slight speech impediment. However, in the kitchen, Chris has only abilities. His lowest moment was being turned away from an interview upon first sight, without even a chance to demonstrate his abilities.The Lanes took this in stride and decided to “just not eat there anymore.” Fortunately, Chris was directed towards Triumph Vocational Services where he found a broad range of services, including disability management, assertiveness training, career exploration and job placement. “Triumph was dynamic in encouraging Chris and finding him employment on his own terms,” says Trevor Lane, Chris’s father. “They have an awful lot of experience finding the right match” Triumph’s Norm Attwell worked closely with Chris to find the right fit, coaching him through interviews and building his self-confidence. “It was a real pleasure working with Chris,” he says. Within a short time, Norm secured Chris a part-time position in the Griffin’s kitchen. “We had originally approached the employer to provide Chris with work experience so he could demonstrate his abilities and enthusiasm for the job. It turned out they hired him on a permanent part-time basis.” Working has done wonders for Chris’ self-esteem and gives him the camaraderie and social integration that was missing from his everyday life. Many individuals with myotonic MD require more sleep than usual, and this job gives him a reason to get up in the morning. “We are indebted to Norm Attwell and Triumph for giving Chris this chance in life,” explains Trevor. “The true value is not money he is making, but in the real-life experiences he is gaining.” Chris dreams of working as a chef at a ski resort. An avid member of the Vancouver Island Skiing for Disabled Society, Chris gets in as many ski days as possible. “Mount Washington has offered me a job as breakfast cook based on my credentials and experience,” explains Chris. “Triumph opened the door for me, and now I am following my dreams. I feel great about myself, and am moving forward in life.” “Triumph opened the door for me, and now I am following my dreams. I feel great about myself, and am moving forward in life.” Success on your own terms |