Matt Jans, the Annual Giving and Stewardship Coordinator at PACE Kids, shares a deeply personal and transformative journey of navigating sight loss and reclaiming his sense of self. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye condition that leads to progressive sight loss, Matt initially grappled with feelings of inadequacy. He recalls a pivotal moment in his life when he realized, despite his challenges, he would always remain a human deserving of dignity and respect. This epiphany was not merely an acceptance of his condition but a profound recognition of his value.
Before participating in CNIB’s Come to Work program, Matt struggled with his professional identity, feeling that his sight loss diminished his capabilities. The program, designed to empower individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment, played a crucial role in reshaping his self-perception. Through the support and training provided, Matt learned that he could thrive professionally, gaining the confidence to embrace his role in the workplace.
“I felt like I wasn’t a professional person,” Matt explains. “But with the Come to Work program, I discovered that I do have value in my community.” This newfound sense of purpose has propelled him to not only perform his duties effectively but also connect on a deeper level with families and children at PACE Kids.
Matt’s unique perspective allows him to engage with parents in a more impactful manner. By sharing his own experiences with sight loss, he fosters a genuine connection that enriches the storytelling aspect of his role. “It’s such a beautiful thing for me to be able to work at PACE Kids and use what I thought was a weakness all my life as an amazing, beautiful strength,” he reflects.
The accessibility accommodations provided by his workplace, such as screen magnification software, are simple yet transformative tools that enable him to excel in his position. Matt’s story is a testament to the power of inclusive programs like CNIB’s Come to Work, which not only assist individuals in finding employment but also help them rediscover their humanity and place in the world.
Through his work, Matt continues to inspire others, proving that disabilities do not define one’s worth or potential. He encourages anyone facing similar challenges to embrace their value and pursue their dreams, highlighting that everyone deserves to feel like they belong.