County Carlow Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), to support adults with Down syndrome through their National Employment Programme.

DSI are working to break down barriers and change the low employment rates adults with Down syndrome experience.  People with Down syndrome want to work and represent a substantial source of untapped commitment and talent.  Through DSI’s partnership with employers they can help to ensure adults with Down syndrome successfully access meaningful employment opportunities. 

Companies who employ people with Down syndrome report that those employees are committed and motivated, and often only need an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. They take tremendous pride in their work and earning a wage, demonstrating unparallel levels of loyalty to their Employer. Not only that, but in our experience, they un-intentionally add a new & welcome dynamic to staff morale and customer engagement. Their presence in the workplace is reflected by higher levels of patience, tolerance & goodwill within the existing workforce. The positive impact on the person with Down syndrome is substantial too. Working helps improve confidence, increase social connectivity and helps integrate the individual into the local community.

DSI provide support to employers around looking at Job Roles & Work Tasks/Duties in their organisation, that would provide meaningful work for an adult with Down syndrome. In turn this could benefit the workplace by freeing up existing employees’ time, so they can complete more highly skilled tasks. DSI also provide support around Contracts and any Materials/Documentation required, along with Awareness Training for your team to ensure awareness around working with adults with Down syndrome.

The aim and hope of our partnership is to encourage employers in County Carlow to consider hiring a person with Down syndrome in their company.  There are many industries that we have successful placed person(s) with Down syndrome in, and DSI can explore which role would best suit your company. 

To find out more about how you can be part of the change, complete your details in the below form or get in touch with Joanne Dawson at DSI directly on Email – joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie or phone 0861073979