This year, Michael partook in a unique opportunity his high school offered the Grade 11 students…a Business Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).
A SHSM, is a ministry-funded program providing students the opportunity to participate in specific courses, complete a semester in a co-op, experience extra learning opportunities, and receive certification in First Aid, CPR and customer service.
It has been a great learning experience and opportunity for Michael…a first-hand look at working in the ‘real world’ with food allergies.
It was a great learning experience for his co-op placement as well…once they learned of Michael’s multiple food allergies…they had all kinds of questions.
Would he be all right to answer the phone? What if he had an anaphylactic reaction?
A meeting was held with his co-op supervisor, the board of education co-op representative, his business teacher, myself and Michael where all their questions were easily answered.
Their anxiety over Michael’s multiple food allergies (dairy, egg, sesame, peanut/tree nuts, beef, lamb, fish, shellfish, mustard and raspberry) were eased by simply educating them all on the importance of washing hands, the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and the administration of the Epipen. (When Michael switched to the Allerject…he took in the Allerject trainer to train his supervisor and those working with him)
Michael’s Epipen/Allerject had a special spot on his desk that his co-workers were aware of for easy access.
Tuesday was Michael’s last day at his co-op placement…he wanted to bring something to all his co-workers as a way to thank them for all their support and guidance.
What does one bring a large group of staff?
When I was working, people would just stop at Tim Hortons for a dozen doughnuts/muffins or pick up something from a bakery or the grocery store…unfortunately, that does not work for Michael with his multiple food allergies…dairy, egg, sesame, peanut/tree nut, beef, lamb, shellfish, fish, mustard, and raspberry.
Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Free Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes to the rescue!
Everybody loves cupcakes!
A simple solution to solve…sure it takes it bit more time and energy to prepare…but then, good things in life usually do!
The staff were pleasantly surprised when Michael arrived with his assortment of allergy friendly cupcakes…everyone loves to celebrate a job well done!
Click here for Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Free Chocolate Cupcakes.
Click here for Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Free Vanilla Cupcakes.
Enjoy!
How do you raise awareness of your food allergies or sensitivities with your co-workers?
Have you ever found that your food allergies or sensitivities have limited your job choices?