'They're pulling out all the stops': Vision-impaired boy starts job in Kmart
An Adelaide mother who documented her partially-blind son’s job hunt online has shared a touching photo of him proudly donning his new employer’s uniform.
Lee-Anne Domeika took to Facebook in June to thank Kmart for 15-year-old Zach Moore’s opportunity of an interview, with her post quickly inundated with words of encouragement for her son.
Days later she confirmed to Yahoo7 News Zach had landed his first paid position and nearly two months later on Tuesday, was finally able to share a heart-warming image of the smiling teen in his full uniform.
“He’s really liking it. He got his badge two weeks ago and had some training and had two shifts since,” Ms Domeika told Yahoo7 News.
The proud mother revealed the retail giant had taken extra steps all on their own accord to make sure Zach felt at home among his new colleagues.
“We’re meeting with a disability service organised by Kmart to make sure he’s working in the right area, to make sure he’s comfortable,” she said.
“They’re pulling out all the stops.”
Zach, who was born with a rare form of microphthalmia meaning he has a prosthetic eye after his right eye failed to develop properly, was evidently chuffed over his new role and told Yahoo7 News he was enjoying working life.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve had two shifts and they’re basically showing me what they need me to do,” he said.
While Zach said he has “no idea” of what he wants to spend his hard-earned wages on, his mother said he does have his eye on a certain something.
“Sports gear,” she said laughing.
Online community reacts to Zach’s news
And it wasn’t just his family and friends who were over the moon for the teen, with hundreds from the online community offering their well wishes to Zach and his brother Cameron, who also landed a role at Kmart’s Kilburn store in Adelaide.
“Good for Kmart looking at ability not disability. I’m sure both boys are an absolute asset to the Kmart team. Inspiration right there!” one Facebook user commented on the Ms Domeika’s latest post.
“That’s awesome! Well done boys and good on you Kmart!” another said.
“Please tell your boys that there are literally thousands of us random mums that think they are just bloody brilliant,” one mother remarked.
Ms Domeika had taken to the Kmart Mum’s Australia Facebook page several times in June to document her son’s application, with her posts garnering significant interest from intrigued users over Zach’s story.
She revealed that Zach has had a difficult upbringing during his childhood.
“He’s had to fight so many things. He started in a special education class and is now at a regular one. He’s had to deal with bullying as well,” she said.
Her latest post of Zach and his brother has so far been liked over 13,000 times.
Kmart’s promise
A Kmart Australia spokesperson told Yahoo7 News in June stores across Australia had an emphasis on inclusion and would never rule out an applicant because of a disability.
“At Kmart Australia we want to reflect every person who walks into our stores – whether they are a team member, a customer, a contractor or supplier,” the spokesperson said.
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“Inclusion is important to us no matter a person’s race, gender, ethnicity, age, ability, appearance or attitude and we are focussed on continuing to improve on this commitment.
“This is not a new focus, but an extension of our broader and very important focus on improving diversity within our business and truly representing our team, customers and communities that we operate in and are part of.”
