Luxury chocolate factory provides employment for people with special needs

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Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. exclusion / ɪkˈsklu ʒən / (n.) – the act of not allowing someone to participate in or be a part of something
    Example:

    Gina felt hurt by her exclusion from the party. She wondered why her friends didn’t invite her.


  2. therapeutic / ˌθɛr əˈpyu tɪk / (adj.) – having a positive effect on someone, causing him/her to feel happier, more relaxed, or healthier
    Example:

    For John, painting is a therapeutic activity that helps him relax and express his emotions.


  3. sensory / ˈsɛn sə ri / (adj.) – relating to the physical senses, such as touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste
    Example:

    The baby enjoyed playing with sensory toys that had various textures and colors.


  4. apprentice / əˈprɛn tɪs / (n.) – someone who works for an expert to learn a specific skill or job
    Example:

    Jim is training to become a chef and works as an apprentice in a restaurant.


  5. first and foremost / fɜrst ən ˈfɔrˌmoʊst / (idiom) – the most important aspect that should be considered more than anything else
    Example:

    When making a decision, first and foremost, consider the possible advantages and disadvantages.


Article

Read the text below.

A luxury chocolate retailer is helping young people with special needs find employment and self-confidence at their factory in Eastern England.


Harry Specters is a chocolate maker with a difference. This social enterprise seeks to employ neurodiverse workers. It was founded by Shaz and Mona Shah, originally from Islamabad in Pakistan. When their son Ash was born, they faced exclusion and discrimination because of his special needs. It was Ash who came up with the name Harry Specters, which he says he plucked from his brain.


Mona always loved chocolate and after enrolling in a chocolate-making workshop, she discovered not only her passion for making chocolate but also its therapeutic benefits for her son.


She says: “And it was while I was there, I realized that it could be suitable for autistic people because of the processes involved in this quite structured work. And plus, it’s quite a sensual experience as well. And you know, it’s the sensory part of it would be really good for autistic people.”


Harry Specters currently employs 11 people with special needs and has three people with work experience with neurodiversity but has worked with many more over the years.


One of those who have graduated from apprentice to chief de-molding officer is Joseph Carass. He says: “And I’m just glad that they’ve been a company that has accepted me because after I left college in 2017, I found it very, very difficult to get a job. I would apply for many, many jobs and I just get turned down.” He is grateful for the opportunities he has been given. “You know, no other company has ever done that,” he added.


Shaz and Mona Shah say a neurodiverse workforce is loyal, hardworking, and incredibly honest.


Harry Specters is a social enterprise, which means it is eligible for specific grants, but Mona Shah is clear this is a business first and foremost and is not a charity or daycare. She would like Harry Specters to serve as a role model for other companies to show that you can be both a profitable business and have a neurodiverse workforce.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Mona Shah would like Harry Specters to serve as a role model for other companies to show that you can be both a profitable business and have a neurodiverse workforce. In your opinion, why is it important for businesses to prioritize both profitability and inclusivity in their operations (ex. positive work environment, enhanced company reputation)? Discuss.
  • Do you believe that society and businesses in your country are doing enough to provide employment opportunities for individuals with special needs? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Harry Specters is helping young people with special needs find employment and self-confidence. Why do you think it is important for people with special needs to have meaningful employment and self-confidence (ex. to develop their social skills, to be more independent)? Discuss.
  • Shaz and Mona Shah talked about the benefits of having a neurodiverse workforce in their company. How do you think having a coworker with special needs would benefit you as an employee (ex. new perspectives in problem solving, better teamwork)? Discuss.