This week is the DSA's Awareness Week. The following is a what the national association are focusing on:
Only one in five adults of working age with Down’s syndrome are in paid employment, new research from the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) reveals today. The research was conducted as part of the DSA’s campaign to highlight that far too many capable adults are being overlooked by potential employers due to their learning disability.
The research shows that:
- 20% of adults aged 18-60 with Down’s syndrome are in paid employment – this is nearly four times less than the general population of working age
- Over half of adults with Down’s syndrome are not working at all, either on a voluntary or paid basis
- Two-thirds of those who aren’t working would like a job
- 26% of respondents are doing voluntary work, either through choice or because they cannot find paid employment
Many respondents stated that they felt let down by employment support services, or felt that potential employers could not see past the disability.
Patricia McDonald, mother of 27-year-old Michael with Down’s syndrome, said:
“I have written to various large retail outlets on Michael’s behalf. I have explained that he has done work experience in retail in the past, and is more than capable of stacking shelves or packing bags. He has his own personal assistant funded by his Independent Living Fund (ILF) so they wouldn’t need to provide the extra support themselves. I only wanted an opportunity for him to do further work experience at first, I wasn’t even asking for paid employment. Most companies didn’t even bother to reply, and those that did said a firm ‘no’ – with no offer to keep an application on file or to get back in touch if something came up.”
Employers who have successfully recruited someone with Down’s syndrome have noted benefits such as improved staff morale, reduced staff turnover, improved staff attendance, access to an untapped pool of labour and a positive corporate image.
Television production company Lime Pictures, inspired by the DSA’s employment campaign, have taken on new recruit Yvonne Weaver, a post room assistant who happens to have Down’s syndrome. Supported into the role by Shaw Trust employment agency, Yvonne decided for herself that she wanted to have a 4-week trial period working one day a week to ensure that it was the right move for both parties – she now works two days a week and is a fully-fledged member of the team.
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA, said:
“We firmly believe that adults with Down’s syndrome should have the same choices and chances as the rest of the population. Paid employment will not be suitable for everyone, but for those who want to work, the opportunities should be available without seemingly endless barriers. Young adults with Down’s syndrome today are rightfully leaving school with the same hopes, dreams and expectations as their peers and all too often find that doors are closed to them. We have to change employers’ attitudes and preconceptions, as well as making it easier for them to access this potential workforce. With appropriate training and support, people with Down’s syndrome can and do make a huge contribution to their workplace.”
The DSA is offering bespoke training for either employers considering recruiting someone with Down’s syndrome, or for those who have a member of staff with Down’s syndrome and would like further support. For further information about training, or to speak to an Information Officer about employment issues, please call 0845 230 0372.
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