Isabelle Ouellette, a member of Bank of Montreal’s (BMO) Dining Services Team, has been a dedicated employee at the organization for over a decade. Through her unwavering commitment and positive attitude, Isabelle has shattered misconceptions about people with Down Syndrome, proving they can be invaluable team members.
From being celebrated for her milestone achievements to contributing to a supportive and inclusive work environment, Isabelle’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of diversity.
My experience as a person with Down Syndrome has taught me…
That people with Down Syndrome (DS) are capable of working and want to work as much as any other person. People with DS are often underestimated by the general public. They only see the disability, not the ability.
A misconception about people with Down Syndrome in the workplace that I want to correct is…
Most workplaces don’t see opportunities within their organizations for people with DS. However, if people with DS are put into a job at a suitable level and supported through job learning (scaffolding) and skill development over time, there is opportunity for success. These employees value the work even if it is entry-level and can be some of the most loyal and reliable employees.
Editor’s note: For those unfamiliar, scaffolding is a strategy where learning and performance are supported by a “knowledgeable other” or additional resources, enabling individuals to perform while still learning.
The most unexpected lesson I’ve learned from my work is…
Corporations can create successful work environments for employees with disabilities. Once BMO decided to hire me, they provided support at every step of my on-boarding and skill learning.
A powerful moment in my career that I’ll never forget is…
When I reached my 10-year work anniversary at BMO, my senior boss insisted on acknowledging my milestone. She hosted a lunch for me at the bank, including my closest colleagues, family members, and other close BMO friends. I was very touched by the gesture and thoughtfulness of my boss in recognizing the contribution I had made to the bank over 10 years.
One way my colleagues have supported me at work is…
My colleagues in Executive Dining have supported me by patiently helping me learn new skills. They do not rush me and give me the time I need to learn new things.
One way my employers have made the workplace more inclusive for me is…
This year, several of my BMO colleagues came together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing mismatched socks to honour and recognize people with DS. It was a good feeling to have colleagues show support for Down Syndrome.
BMO takes part in many fundraising events for important charities. In May 2023 and 2024, I was invited to join a team and walk in support of the Kids Help Phone Walk-a-Thon, Walk So Kids Can Talk event. I enjoyed walking to raise money and awareness for kids’ mental health. I was able to meet other BMO employees.
An example of how I’ve contributed to my team’s success is…
I am a reliable team member. I am never late for work. I rarely miss a day due to illness, and I arrive with a positive attitude.
The thing I love most about what I do is…
The thing I love most about my job is the people I work with. We work hard but have fun doing it.
If I were to pick one thing that has helped me succeed, it would be…
I am a disciplined person. On work nights, I go to bed early. I don’t mind getting up early and love to get my day started. I get to work on time and am ready to go.
One thing that makes me proud of my work is…
I’m proud of the fact that I have DS, and I am working successfully at a leading Canadian bank. I put in a full day and always give it my best. I’m proving to people that individuals with DS can be valuable, contributing, loyal employees.
Balancing my roles at work and my personal interests means…
I balance work and personal interests by understanding what my priorities are. I take care of my health, so I have the energy to do my work and enjoy my personal interests; that means, getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising and enjoying socializing with family and friends. I also feel it’s important to take time off for vacation.
The impact of having neurodiverse individuals in the workplace is…
I think it’s important to have neurodiverse individuals in the workplace because it gives others the opportunity to see that these individuals can be valuable members of a workplace team. It helps to normalize being around neurodiverse people.
The future of workplace inclusion looks bright because…
I think the future of workplace inclusion looks brighter because there is real effort to have employees, in all organizations, (banks, stores, restaurants, museums, etc.) reflect the people they serve. However, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to including people with neurodiversity in the workplace.