Morrissey: two deaf employees hired at IGA Pointe-du-Lac

Pointe-du-Lac IGA, in Morrissey, demonstrated openness by hiring staff from the deaf community last October, an integration that is slowly but surely happening with their colleagues and clients.

“People pay attention. We have a good relationship with the staff too. People learn certain signs and they want to learn too, so I showed them a few words in LSQ (Quebec Sign Language),” explained Elial Corne, a deaf staff member through the interpreter and volunteer. Lynn Otier.

The two recruits were still able to understand themselves beyond words, even if it took a little longer.

The owner of the place was aware of the challenge when he hired them.

Perhaps what scares entrepreneurs is that there is a fine line between good service and bad service. When the customer spoke to Yuri, he took 30 seconds to get a sheet and a pencil from behind. But you know, the customer would probably say, ‘Uh… so it looks stupid. What type of service is this? ”, said the owner, Raynald Gegoire.

Mr. Giguère has been used for several years to offer employment opportunities to people who have a disability or who need to integrate better into society.

“Sometimes there are clients who do not know anything about deafness, but you have to be patient, because sometimes you have to write things down. The client has to write down what he wants. “Then, I will do things,” said another deaf employee at IGA, Yuri Daigle.

For Jerome Blanchett, former employee of the IGA des Chenaux, it is an honor to see people from his community succeed.

He also filmed a video of teaching a few words in sign language to customers at the grocery store and anyone who wanted to learn them.

“Today, we need more employees. We need deaf, hard of hearing, oral scientists, etc. They also want to work to live! It is really great to see such kind employers support the deaf community,” added Jerome, accompanied by his sister as an interpreter.

“It is always encouraging to see employers who are not familiar with deaf culture and enjoy this openness,” said Chloe Blanchett, co-founder of Vibrasigne and sister of Jerome.

“Are we really the ones who incorporated them or are they the ones who push us forward?” , stated by the owner of Pointe-du-Lac IGA.