Photographer with Down Syndrome Builds Business with Support of United Way Program
A 27-year-old photographer in Toronto is thriving as a small business owner after receiving support from SMILE Canada’s Open Shop program, funded by United Way Greater Toronto.
Zafeer Madani, who lives with Down syndrome, faced significant challenges finding meaningful employment for years, experiencing repeated rejections and accessibility issues. The Open Shop initiative paired him with mentors and provided workshops to transform his passion for photography into a viable business. “It was hard,” Madani says. “There are so many people who feel discouraged.”
Today, Madani’s work is featured at local markets, and he photographs weddings, community events, and portraits. He credits the program with giving him the technical skills – including lighting, framing, and editing – and the confidence to pursue his dream. Program coordinator Abinaya Rajaganapathy explained the program’s purpose: “So many of our youth finish high school and find nothing waiting for them… We step in to bridge that gap and focus on their strengths.” This success story highlights the critical need for inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities, a population that faces disproportionately high rates of poverty and discrimination. You can learn more about United Way Greater Toronto’s work in the community.
United Way Greater Toronto has committed $71 million to over 250 programs across Peel, Toronto, and York Region, with over 30 programs specifically supporting people with disabilities. According to United Way data, more than one million people aged 15 and up in the region live with a disability. Investing in programs like Open Shop is seen as a key step towards creating a more equitable and accessible job market, as detailed in this Statistics Canada report on disability.
Officials say United Way will continue to prioritize funding for programs that break down barriers to employment and support individuals with disabilities in building sustainable livelihoods.
