A grocery store manager is being recognized for his work helping people living with disabilities find meaningful employment.
To the average customer, the Cole Harbour, N.S. grocery store looks just like any other. However, general manager Paul Keinik says there is something special about his team; more than a third of his staff are people living and now working with a disability.
“It’s just a great experience, it certainly opens everybody's hearts…their minds to different people,” says Keinik. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Keinik says, at his store, people living with disabilities are able to showcase their abilities on the job.
“They're energetic, enthusiastic, great attitudes and want to be here and help out,” says Keinik.
Cashier Anil Dastidar has Crohns disease and a cognitive disability.
“When you have a disability or are labeled as a disabled person you have to overcome the mental stigmas,” says Dastidar.
It takes him longer to read and comprehend, but Dastidar quickly worked his way up from produce stocker, to cart gatherer, to cashier.
“Paul is so open about everything and all employees here are great about it if you need help,” says Dastidar. “Here I don't feel as much like a person with an inability. I'm able to use my gifts.”
“I know Anil has certain customers that always pick him out in line and will swap lines, even wait longer, just to have a chat with Anil and talk about food because he truly is a big foodie,” says Keinik.
Keinik’s campaign for inclusive workplaces is deeply personal. His twin boys, now eight, were born prematurely. Both are blind, with mental and physical challenges to overcome.
“I saw a real need to stand-up and do something for our community, for people with disabilities,” says Keinik. “My company has always encouraged me to be part of the community, to support our community in any way we can, and I saw this as an opportunity to hire people with disabilities.”
Keinik has helped staff with autism spectrum disorder receive the social supports they need and has provided simple accommodations for staff with ADD, learning challenges, or mental health issues and hopes it will one day open the door for his own sons.
“I hope I'm part of building the future for people with disabilities,” says Keinik. “I know my sons will enter the work world and I hope they will have employers that are welcoming and welcome them with open arms and realize what a great resource that they are.”
Keinik just received a provincial award for his work, but says his greatest reward are the dedicated hard-working people he employs.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Marie Adsette
