When we moved to Olathe, Kansas 10 years ago, I met the Palangi family. Their daughter Ella, who like Rachel has Down syndrome, was a toddler and has now grown into a beautiful young lady who is embracing middle school life and thriving. As parents, we all look for others who are just ahead of us on this journey.
We learn from each other and look to others for motivation, role models, mentors, gut checks, compassion, and example. A few days ago Joy Palangi texted me that she and her mom had been to Olive Garden and saw Rachel in action in her hostess job. She told me how it impacted her and again, inspired a sense of hope and optimism for Ella’s future.
Me being me, I invited her to send me a few paragraphs for a guest blog. Joy’s perspective illustrates the importance of interacting with individuals with disabilities who are thriving in their jobs, communities, and families. Through these interactions, individuals with Down syndrome, other disabilities, and their families find the promise of not just a more inclusive tomorrow but meaningful employment and life experiences. In the case of Rachel’s role as a hostess at the Olive Garden, we hope it does the same for customers and colleagues. Here’s what Joy has to say.
“When Ella was an infant my husband and I worried incessantly. Will Ella succeed in school? Will she be able to participate in activities like her peers? Will she be included? Will she have opportunities? We have always set expectations high for Ella, and Ella has always set the bar higher for herself. Ella is 13 years old and an active, happy, vibrant teen. Throughout elementary and middle school Ella has flourished. Her social and extracurricular activities rival that of any child I know. The one detail that is starting to weigh on our minds as parents is the realization that opportunities for Ella may be more limited once she graduates from high school.
How do we as parents address this apprehension over our children transitioning into the adult world? I do not claim have the answer, but I certainly know what eases the worry and fosters hope in my heart: employment. And not just any type of employment. It’s the kind of employment that brings Ella purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
My family ate at Olive Garden last weekend. I knew Rachel worked there and was hopeful we would get the chance to say hello. As we ate our lunch, I was saddened that I didn’t see Rachel. As I asked for the check, I looked over at the front doors and watched Rachel walk in for her shift. Rachel walked in confidently with warm smile on her face. She greeted fellow employees and walked over to clock in and begin her shift.
While I was celebrating Rachel’s ability to navigate in her work environment with confidence, I was taken aback watching the rest of the Olive Garden staff interact with Rachel. The staff was warm and welcoming. I particularly noticed Rachel’s independence and pride in performing her hostess duties. She was not smothered by fellow employees telling her what to do or where to go. She was treated as an equal. I was overcome with emotion witnessing Rachel work purposefully in such a supportive environment. It was beyond meaningful to me to witness a young woman, like my own daughter, have meaningful employment. I applaud Olive Garden for investing in Rachel and creating a work environment for all persons. As I left Olive Garden, my heart was full and my worry a little less. I felt optimistic and hopeful for the possible employment opportunities for Ella. “
NOTE: Rachel was hired at our local Olive Garden for a hostess position this fall. She is taking a break while she attends college classes and is hoping to work there again on summer break. Olive Garden has been a great fit for her and her skills. We have seen a truly inclusive work environment there. Businesses and educators alike could learn from their practices.
