Meet Kristen Domingues from Caledon! Kristen is a multi-talented athlete, participating in swimming, bowling, soccer, basketball, bocce, athletics, and golf. Over the years, Kristen has made countless friends and stayed active through Special Olympics, competing at events like the 2009 Provincial Games in Windsor, the 2014 National Games in Vancouver for athletics, and the 2020 National Games in Thunder Bay for 5-pin bowling. She was even selected as an Athlete Ambassador for the 2017 Peel Region Provincial Games and had the honour of giving the Athlete Speech at the closing ceremonies.
Kristen has been working at Sobeys for 5 years, helping keep the store clean. Through her job, Kristen has learned the value of teamwork, confidence, and dedication. What makes Kristen love her job is the respect she receives from her team, which makes her feel important and valued. Helping customers when they ask for her assistance also gives her a sense of pride, and she’s always excited to put on her uniform and get to work.
Kristen believes Disability Employment Awareness Month is essential because it shows that people with disabilities can be valuable employees if given the chance. Having a job brings a sense of belonging, pride, and motivation for people with disabilities, and it allows them to contribute to society and feel like an important part of the community.
Are you a Special Olympics athlete with a job? Complete our form for a chance to get featured! https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/disability-employment-awareness-month-special-olympics-athlete-spotlight/
–
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month – an annual reminder of the pressing need for equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the unique talents and contributions that individuals with diverse abilities bring to the workforce. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and promoting workplace diversity, Disability Employment Awareness Month encourages not only economic empowerment but also societal transformation, where individuals of all backgrounds are treated with respect, dignity and given the chance to contribute their skills and talents. It serves as a catalyst for change, driving home the message that inclusivity in the workplace is not only a matter of equality but a cornerstone of progress and collective success.