Recognising that many people with disabilities face discrimination in the workplace and have limited options for meaningful employment, Downlights has created a business that challenges the common perception of a disabled employee’s capability.

Downlights is a New Zealand owned and operated artisan candle company that began in 2019 when established candlemaker Jennifer Del Bel met Emma Sykes, a school leaver with Down Syndrome who was unable to find a job.

Today, Downlights is an Akina Impact provider, Living Wage Principal Partner and award-winning business that employs six people with disabilities and has provided 12 work experience placements for people with learning or cognitive disabilities.

“Through the actions of our employees who identify as disabled, we proudly challenge the perception of a disabled employee’s capability, and our thought leadership demonstrates a replicable business model that is founded on principles of equality, accessibility and inclusion,” says Jennifer, who is the company’s Managing Director.

An integral part of the business model was the establishment of the Downlights Charitable Trust. One dollar from the sale of every Downlights candle is donated to the trust, which also receives donations from individuals and businesses.

“Each Downlights employee (the Downlights crew’) is a valued member of our business with unique needs, and the Downlights Charitable Trust supports our commitment to providing an individually customised work environment to help our crew operate independently in the manufacturing studio,” says Jennifer.

Recognising the unique strengths and needs of each crew member, Downlights HQ was designed through the eyes of a disabled person. This created scope for Downlights to adapt each workstation to an employee’s individual requirements, ensuring every crew member is comfortable, feels valued and receives an equal opportunity to shine.

“In February 2022 we acquired ‘Walter the Wax Melter’ which allows every member of our Downlights Crew to safely complete all 21 steps in the process of making a Downlights candle,” says Jennifer.

Downlights supervisors support each crew member’s growth with a values-led approach. They are monitored and coached on skill development via a personal Goal Book, which extends beyond Downlights into life skills such as travelling to work safely and independently via public transport.

“We have worked with our crew to develop their skills and confidence to a point where their work is comparable to non-disabled artisans, challenging commonly held perceptions that the disabled workforce is only suitable for low-paid unskilled work,” says Jennifer.