Hiring A Mentally Challenged Dishwasher
Throughout my career, I have met many great people. Chefs and line cooks knew their way around a kitchen and always produced excellent food. There were pantry personnel and waiters that knew the ins and outs of their job, but only one man ever stood out from the rest. His name was Blaine – the best dish machine operator I had ever met who was mentally challenged with a disability.
The Dish Machine Operator
Blaine had some observable mental challenges. By recommendation from the state worker who was overseeing his progression came to me for employment. Getting Blaine into the workforce would significantly increase his independence and self-esteem. People with mental disabilities can find work very empowering, and it will help them develop meaningful relationships.
The day he entered the restaurant, I saw a kid with the friendliest smile. He was quite desperate for the opportunity and begged for a job as a dishwasher. Along with his state worker, we decided that Blaine would work on a trial basis, and we would monitor his progress.
Helping Hands
Unfortunately, it is common for employees to tease and degrade dish machine operators because they are in the lowest position. The day after hiring Blaine, I had a staff meeting asking all staff members to be patient and kind to the team’s new member.
Preparing the team in advance for Blaine’s arrival was essential to ensure everyone gets treated with respect, and no job is more important than the other. The lead chef is not more important than the dish machine operator. A restaurant is like a well-oiled machine when members work together and fulfill their duties in a safe environment.
Blaine’s Success
Blaine’s employment was a complete success; to this day, I remember him being the best employee I ever had. He may not have been fast, but he was very organized. Everything had its place, and his workstation was spotless. He would presoak all the silverware, and everything that came out of the machine was shiny. Blaine demanded that the machine stay clean so that everything that came out of it was also clean.
The state worker monitoring his progress made fewer trips because of Blaine’s incredible success. While I made a career move and left the restaurant, I remained in contact with Blaine. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed three years later, and I lost track of him.
Lesson to Learn
Blaine’s ability to adapt to the workplace is an inspiration to many. I still use the story of Blaine as an example of how organized a work area must be. I also emphasize the importance of not judging a book by its cover and seeing people for who they are and not the things that are holding them back.
The story of young Blaine – the best machine operator – reminds me of the importance of taking a chance on people. His expectations and workflow serve as a lesson that it is not how fast you are going but how far you have gone towards progress. There is a Blaine everywhere in need of an opportunity to prove what they are capable of. You can be that person to help another Blaine!
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