Hiring a person with Down syndrome
A course for employers
Meet Eoin's Manager
Page 3
Getting to Know Your Employee
Learn the most effective way for them to absorb new information.
Determine areas where additional support may be required.
Click to reveal
Recognize the employee's strengths and how they can be utilized in their role.
Identify the employee's current skills, knowledge, and role understanding.
Getting to Know Your Employee
Assess the employee's communication methods and preferences.
Click to reveal
Investigate any relevant prior experiences benefitting their current role.
Tailor training and support plans based on gathered information.
Evaluate how well the employee comprehends instructions.
Next
Strategies for Learning Support
Click on each concept for a brief definition.
Customise steps
Backward chaining
Break down tasks
Start teaching from the last step, ensuring the learner finishes the task successfully each time to boost confidence.
Tailor the number of steps in a task to suit the individual learner abilities and needs.
Divide the task into manageable steps to simplify learning for employees with down syndrome.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Feedback and adjustment
Visual Aids
Identify challenges
Provide feedback to help refine steps and methods in the task analysis process.
Spot specific steps where the employee might face difficulty and focus support here.
Use visual guides to help users clearly understand and remember each step of the task process.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Next
Physical Prompts
Physical prompts involve hands-on or touch-based support to help a person understand or complete a task.
In the workplace, these prompts should be used sparingly, with consent, and faded as soon as possible to promote independence.
Important Practice Considerations: • Always seek consent and respect personal boundaries. • Use the least intrusive prompt needed for success. • Combine physical prompts with visual or verbal supports where possible. • Fade physical prompts quickly to encourage independence and confidence.
Examples of Physical Prompts in the Workplace
Gently guiding the employee’s hands through the movement of a task, such as showing how to operate a piece of equipment or place items in a specific location.
Lightly guiding part of the movement, such as guiding an arm toward the correct tool or pointing the hand in the right direction without fully completing the task.
Lightly guiding the employee to the correct workstation, storage area, or equipment location.
Hand-over-hand guidance
Partial physical guidance
Guiding to a location
Assisting with body positioning, such as showing where to stand or how to align materials for a task.
Using a gentle tap on the shoulder or hand to draw attention to the next step in a task or to redirect focus.
Positioning prompts
Tactile prompts
Next
What are verbal prompts?
Verbal prompts are spoken instructions or reminders that guide the employee through tasks sequentially. You can combine verbal with physical prompts Use verbal explanations while demonstrating with physical prompts for clearer guidance. Positive feedback assist prompts, positive feedback encourages correct task completion, reinforcing learning and self-esteem.
+ info
Gradually reduce prompts as the employee gains confidence and can complete tasks independently.
Visual Support
03
01
02
04
05
06
Planning the workday with visual schedules
Assess Individual Needs
Incorporate flexibility
Allow some flexibility in the schedule to accommodate unexpected changes or adjustment s in task
Work closely with the employees in creating the schedule to ensure it address their preferences and work duties.
Understand the employee’s literacy and preference for visual or text schedules to best support their daily tasks.
Create a visual format using images, symbols, or text according to the employee’s comprehension level and work tasks.
Divide the workday into time slots with specific task including break times for better manageability and focus.
Design the schedule format
Involve the employee.
Planning the workday with visual schedules
Utilize Technology
Provide clear visuals
Implement digital tools like apps or devices for portable access to visual schedules during the workday Periodically revisit the schedules effectiveness, making changes as needed to optimize productivity and comfort
Ensure all visual aids are clear, with Easy Read text where necessary to enhance understanding and daily task execution.
Review and adjust regularly
Click to download an Easy read guide
Examples of Schedules and Procedures
How can visual schedules aid literacy?
Visual schedules with images and symbols support varying literacy levels, guiding task completion effectively. A basic schedule format is a simple list of tasks with corresponding times, which can include images, assists in daily task management.
Make use of photographs in schedules you can add photoraphs of the employee doing tasks providing a step-by-step visual reminder for recurring daily activities.
Step by step example
Schedule example
Examples of Schedules and Procedures
A movable task schedule can also work well. Using Velcro or magnetic boards where task images are moved once completed, reinforcing task completion. Arrange task images in order with timers or tick boxes to track and motivate task completion efficiently.
Add breaks within the schedule for expected routines, this helps maintain focus and well-being at work.
Whiteboard example
Symbols can be used to simplify task understanding and execution, especially for organizing and processing new tasks.
Regularly refresh visual schedules to reflect any changes in tasks, roles, or priorities for clarity.
Key Points for Providing Task Support
Click on each concept for a brief definition.
Offer Step-by-Step Guides
Incorporate Visual Aids
Use Clear Language
Provide detailed guides that break down tasks into individual steps. This structured approach supports learning and enables employees to follow procedures more efficiently.
Utilise diagrams, pictures, and videos to complement verbal instructions. Visual aids strengthen comprehension and help bridge any communication gaps that may arise.
Ensure instructions are simple and straightforward, avoiding complex jargon. This helps employees to easily understand what is expected and facilitates smoother execution of tasks.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Tailor Support to Individual Needs
Provide Consistent Feedback
Encourage Active Engagement
Recognise each employee’s unique learning style and adapt the level of support accordingly. Personalised instructional support ensures inclusivity and boosts confidence.
Offer regular feedback to reinforce good practices, make necessary adjustments, and guide improvements in task execution. Constructive feedback contributes to skill development.
Foster an interactive learning environment by asking questions and encouraging employees to voice their thoughts and queries about tasks.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Next
Creating an inclusive workplace means making sure people like Eoin feel welcome, supported, and able to succeed from day one. It’s about understanding that everyone works differently, taking the time to provide the right support, and creating an environment where everyone can contribute and feel valued.
- Promote respect and teamwork
- Provide clear communication
- Offer reasonable adjustments
- Encourage feedback
- Celebrate achievements
- Support continuous learning
The advantages of employing people with Down syndrome
Here are some more good reasons to employ people with Down syndrome. As well as being punctual, reliable and committed, having a workforce that reflects the
diversity of the community is good for public relations and for business. Employers
who have employed people with Down syndrome say this has:
- improved staff morale
- reduced staff turnover
- improved staff attendance
- given them access to an untapped pool of labour
- given their other staff the chance to step up to a supervisor or mentor role, and
- improved teamwork
Click to download a guide for employers
Next
In Summary
- Recognise and appreciate the strengths each employee brings to the team.
- Facilitate open communication for feedback and continuous improvement.
- Provide necessary accommodations and tools for all employees' success.
- Encourage collaboration and teamwork among diverse groups.
- Educate staff on inclusivity and diversity to foster empathy.
In Summary
Educate staff on inclusivity and diversity to foster empathy.
Foster a culture of respect and understanding within the workplace.
Implement regular check-ins to address any concerns or needs.
Celebrate achievements to boost morale and employee satisfaction.
A final word from Eion
Subtitle
Thank you for takingthe course!
Do you have questions?
We are here to help you. If something was not clear or you want to delve into a topic, do not hesitate to write to us. Your curiosity is also part of the learning process. www.downsyndrome.org.au 1300-881-935
Use Consistent Formats
Ensure visual supports are presented in a uniform style to avoid confusion and promote familiarity across different tasks.
Create Customised Aids
Design visual aids like schedules and task lists using symbols, pictures, and simple text to fit individual preferences.
Pair with Verbal Instructions
Accompany visual aids with spoken explanations to reinforce understanding and facilitate clearer communication.
Evaluate and Update
Regularly review the effectiveness of visual supports, making necessary adjustments to meet evolving needs of the employee.
Incorporate Into Routine
Integrate visual supports seamlessly into daily activities, placing them where they are frequently visible and easily accessible.
Assess Needs
Determine the specific visual supports that align with the employee’s strengths, learning style, and tasks at hand.
Hiring a person with Down Syndrome
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Transcript
Hiring a person with Down syndrome
A course for employers
Meet Eoin's Manager
Page 3
Getting to Know Your Employee
Learn the most effective way for them to absorb new information.
Determine areas where additional support may be required.
Click to reveal
Recognize the employee's strengths and how they can be utilized in their role.
Identify the employee's current skills, knowledge, and role understanding.
Getting to Know Your Employee
Assess the employee's communication methods and preferences.
Click to reveal
Investigate any relevant prior experiences benefitting their current role.
Tailor training and support plans based on gathered information.
Evaluate how well the employee comprehends instructions.
Next
Strategies for Learning Support
Click on each concept for a brief definition.
Customise steps
Backward chaining
Break down tasks
Start teaching from the last step, ensuring the learner finishes the task successfully each time to boost confidence.
Tailor the number of steps in a task to suit the individual learner abilities and needs.
Divide the task into manageable steps to simplify learning for employees with down syndrome.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Feedback and adjustment
Visual Aids
Identify challenges
Provide feedback to help refine steps and methods in the task analysis process.
Spot specific steps where the employee might face difficulty and focus support here.
Use visual guides to help users clearly understand and remember each step of the task process.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Next
Physical Prompts
Physical prompts involve hands-on or touch-based support to help a person understand or complete a task.
In the workplace, these prompts should be used sparingly, with consent, and faded as soon as possible to promote independence.
Important Practice Considerations: • Always seek consent and respect personal boundaries. • Use the least intrusive prompt needed for success. • Combine physical prompts with visual or verbal supports where possible. • Fade physical prompts quickly to encourage independence and confidence.
Examples of Physical Prompts in the Workplace
Gently guiding the employee’s hands through the movement of a task, such as showing how to operate a piece of equipment or place items in a specific location.
Lightly guiding part of the movement, such as guiding an arm toward the correct tool or pointing the hand in the right direction without fully completing the task.
Lightly guiding the employee to the correct workstation, storage area, or equipment location.
Hand-over-hand guidance
Partial physical guidance
Guiding to a location
Assisting with body positioning, such as showing where to stand or how to align materials for a task.
Using a gentle tap on the shoulder or hand to draw attention to the next step in a task or to redirect focus.
Positioning prompts
Tactile prompts
Next
What are verbal prompts?
Verbal prompts are spoken instructions or reminders that guide the employee through tasks sequentially. You can combine verbal with physical prompts Use verbal explanations while demonstrating with physical prompts for clearer guidance. Positive feedback assist prompts, positive feedback encourages correct task completion, reinforcing learning and self-esteem.
+ info
Gradually reduce prompts as the employee gains confidence and can complete tasks independently.
Visual Support
03
01
02
04
05
06
Planning the workday with visual schedules
Assess Individual Needs
Incorporate flexibility
Allow some flexibility in the schedule to accommodate unexpected changes or adjustment s in task Work closely with the employees in creating the schedule to ensure it address their preferences and work duties.
Understand the employee’s literacy and preference for visual or text schedules to best support their daily tasks. Create a visual format using images, symbols, or text according to the employee’s comprehension level and work tasks. Divide the workday into time slots with specific task including break times for better manageability and focus.
Design the schedule format
Involve the employee.
Planning the workday with visual schedules
Utilize Technology
Provide clear visuals
Implement digital tools like apps or devices for portable access to visual schedules during the workday Periodically revisit the schedules effectiveness, making changes as needed to optimize productivity and comfort
Ensure all visual aids are clear, with Easy Read text where necessary to enhance understanding and daily task execution.
Review and adjust regularly
Click to download an Easy read guide
Examples of Schedules and Procedures
How can visual schedules aid literacy?
Visual schedules with images and symbols support varying literacy levels, guiding task completion effectively. A basic schedule format is a simple list of tasks with corresponding times, which can include images, assists in daily task management.
Make use of photographs in schedules you can add photoraphs of the employee doing tasks providing a step-by-step visual reminder for recurring daily activities.
Step by step example
Schedule example
Examples of Schedules and Procedures
A movable task schedule can also work well. Using Velcro or magnetic boards where task images are moved once completed, reinforcing task completion. Arrange task images in order with timers or tick boxes to track and motivate task completion efficiently.
Add breaks within the schedule for expected routines, this helps maintain focus and well-being at work.
Whiteboard example
Symbols can be used to simplify task understanding and execution, especially for organizing and processing new tasks. Regularly refresh visual schedules to reflect any changes in tasks, roles, or priorities for clarity.
Key Points for Providing Task Support
Click on each concept for a brief definition.
Offer Step-by-Step Guides
Incorporate Visual Aids
Use Clear Language
Provide detailed guides that break down tasks into individual steps. This structured approach supports learning and enables employees to follow procedures more efficiently.
Utilise diagrams, pictures, and videos to complement verbal instructions. Visual aids strengthen comprehension and help bridge any communication gaps that may arise.
Ensure instructions are simple and straightforward, avoiding complex jargon. This helps employees to easily understand what is expected and facilitates smoother execution of tasks.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Tailor Support to Individual Needs
Provide Consistent Feedback
Encourage Active Engagement
Recognise each employee’s unique learning style and adapt the level of support accordingly. Personalised instructional support ensures inclusivity and boosts confidence.
Offer regular feedback to reinforce good practices, make necessary adjustments, and guide improvements in task execution. Constructive feedback contributes to skill development.
Foster an interactive learning environment by asking questions and encouraging employees to voice their thoughts and queries about tasks.
+ info
+ info
+ info
Next
Creating an inclusive workplace means making sure people like Eoin feel welcome, supported, and able to succeed from day one. It’s about understanding that everyone works differently, taking the time to provide the right support, and creating an environment where everyone can contribute and feel valued.
The advantages of employing people with Down syndrome
Here are some more good reasons to employ people with Down syndrome. As well as being punctual, reliable and committed, having a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community is good for public relations and for business. Employers who have employed people with Down syndrome say this has:
Click to download a guide for employers
Next
In Summary
In Summary
Educate staff on inclusivity and diversity to foster empathy. Foster a culture of respect and understanding within the workplace. Implement regular check-ins to address any concerns or needs. Celebrate achievements to boost morale and employee satisfaction.
A final word from Eion
Subtitle
Thank you for takingthe course!
Do you have questions?
We are here to help you. If something was not clear or you want to delve into a topic, do not hesitate to write to us. Your curiosity is also part of the learning process. www.downsyndrome.org.au 1300-881-935
Use Consistent Formats
Ensure visual supports are presented in a uniform style to avoid confusion and promote familiarity across different tasks.
Create Customised Aids
Design visual aids like schedules and task lists using symbols, pictures, and simple text to fit individual preferences.
Pair with Verbal Instructions
Accompany visual aids with spoken explanations to reinforce understanding and facilitate clearer communication.
Evaluate and Update
Regularly review the effectiveness of visual supports, making necessary adjustments to meet evolving needs of the employee.
Incorporate Into Routine
Integrate visual supports seamlessly into daily activities, placing them where they are frequently visible and easily accessible.
Assess Needs
Determine the specific visual supports that align with the employee’s strengths, learning style, and tasks at hand.