Work Skills

For Benji and Giulietta, employment has never been about simply filling time or having somewhere to go during the day. Work has become an important part of who they are. Like everyone else, Benji and Giulietta want to be involved in their communities, contribute in meaningful ways, and have responsibilities that matter. Employment provides opportunities to do all of those things while continuing to build confidence, skills, and independence. For many individuals with developm

Over time, health became one of the most important foundations in Benji and Giulietta’s lives, not because it stands alone, but because it directly shapes how they are able to participate in everyday life. When people think about independence, health is often seen as separate from learning, communication, or community involvement. For Benji and Giulietta, it is what makes all of those things possible in the first place. Health is not something separate from daily life or trea

When Benji was an infant, from the time he was about three months old, we would take him to coffee shops. There he was mesmerized by baristas making coffee. We would either prop him up on the counter or stand on the side of the counter holding Benji while he gazed tirelessly at all the activity, from the making of the coffee to the paying. He was mesmerized. As he got older, while he had little interest in playing or watching videos, he remained focused on kitchen tasks and a

"Eighteen-year-old Benji Fisman was born with a rare genetic disorder yet despite his complex medical issues Fisman recently celebrated his first anniversary working at IKEA. A personalized plan was set in place to help Fisman achieve workplace goals. Today he's enjoying a life of remunerated employment, increased independence and a sense of belonging with a large and cohesive workplace team. Susan Hay has the story." - Global Celebrating Work and Growth Benji has been making

Because Giulietta is non-verbal, traditional resumes and interviews don’t highlight her strengths or the way she communicates. A visual resume allowed us to show her abilities in a clear and accessible way. When it comes to hiring, traditional resumes and interviews often focus on verbal communication and standard qualifications. But some people communicate differently or non-verbally and have so much to offer. Giulietta’s story shows how creativity and a fresh perspective ca

Benji is a valued and proud member of the IKEA North York team, where he works in the cookware, décor, and rug department. His main role is part of the Back to Shelf (BTS) team, where he returns misplaced items to their proper locations around the store. Growing Confidence and Skills Since joining IKEA, Benji has made remarkable progress. He recently celebrated his three-year anniversary on June 6, 2025, marking three years of hard work, learning, and growth. Over time, Benji

Giulietta is thriving as a valued member of the PC Express (PCX) department at Loblaws, where she helps fulfill online orders for customers. She works two hours a day on Mondays and Fridays, a schedule that allows her to combine her passion for food with meaningful work while developing independence and life skills. Journey to Employment Benji and Giulietta have long been familiar faces at Loblaws in North York, first as customers. Their early visits provided opportunities to