Employability

Employment

Training and skills development

With the right support, achieving success at school and finding employment as an adult is increasingly within reach for individuals with Down syndrome. This support often includes training that can be enhanced thanks to technology and computer programs. One skill that is useful for many in this day and age is learning how to type. That’s because it not only opens up job opportunities, but the process also reinforces phonics skills through multi-sensory learning.

Source: https://www.readandspell.com

What skills and working experience do you have?

Need to think what work you have done in the past and what qualifications you have. Some people work without being paid, they are called volunteers. Volunteers do many different types of jobs and can get experience and skills. For example:

Have you had any work experience? Do you want to do work experience to learn more skills? Do you want to do an apprenticeship to learn more skills? Have you had a volunteer job? Will you be a volunteer to learn more skills? Have you had a paid job in the past? What did you do there? How will you get to work? Do you need to do some travel training? What was your favourite subject at school?

Source: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au

If you are looking for a job, prepare your self for the right job

Do you like to work with other people, or on your own?

Would you like to work inside or outdoors?

What do you like to do?

What are you good at?

Some tips you may have in consideration:

Work experience

Getting work experience in real workplaces is a great way for people with Down syndrome to prepare for paid employment.

A person with Down syndrome can get familiar with the routines and responsibilities of being an employee. Work experience can also help a person with Down syndrome to discover what they’re good at and where they might like to work.

Source: https://epicassist.org/

Interview techniques

Job interviews can be daunting, especially for people with Down syndrome. Sometimes a person with Down syndrome may have difficulty with communication and social skills, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have the skills or abilities to succeed in the role.

Source: https://epicassist.org/

Interview techniques

The below steps can help people with Down syndrome to prepare for a job interview:

• Role-playing and practice interviews. Try role-playing an interview situation to practice eye contact and listening.
• Dress for success. Wearing a clean and professional outfit can help people with Down syndrome to feel confident and ready for a job interview.
• Take a support person. It is okay for a person with Down syndrome to have a friend, family member, or employment consultant to provide support during an interview. It’s important to let the employer know in advance.

Interviews can be adapted to give people with Down syndrome the best opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities

Source: https://epicassist.org/

On-the-job support

People with Down syndrome have a greater chance of success in the workplace if they are given tools and support to help them on their journey. It is important to discuss what tools and mechanisms the person with Down syndrome needs, prior to them commencing work. This means they can be more confident in entering a new environment.

Source: https://epicassist.org/

Reasonable adjustments

People with Down syndrome often benefit from having tasks broken down into small steps with clear instructions. By using the ‘show and tell’ method of training, a person with Down syndrome can work alongside their support person, first by watching and learning, and then by doing the task themselves.

Source: https://epicassist.org/

Support networks

It is important for people with Down syndrome to feel supported in their professional and personal lives. Support groups and social clubs offer a safe and encouraging space for people with Down syndrome to make new friends and connect with their community. Some social groups get together over a meal, do training together, or practice a common hobby.

Source: https://epicassist.org/

Employment

In the workplacet for employers