Every hiring brings new hirings.
People with Down syndrome want to work for the same reasons as anyone else: the right to earn an income, learn new skills, meet new people, feel valued, contribute to society and have the chance to be more independent. For most of us, it is a vital part of having a good life. But people with Down syndrome often face barriers and prejudice, lack of opportunities, low expectations, stereotyping and other negative attitudes.
Did you know that inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace is a human right? It was enshrined under international law in 2008 by Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities:
“States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.”
Debunking misconceptions about the capacity of people with Down syndrome to work and the benefits of an inclusive workplace are the stories and experiences of companies, employers, and employees. Every person with Down syndrome can work according to their abilities. The first step is finding out what the person wants to do then finding a job that fits each individual so they can do their job successfully. When given the right opportunity and support, people with Down syndrome can achieve great things and make valuable contributions to their workplace.
Diversity strengthens every workplace and companies that employ people with Down syndrome often report significant benefits, including in their organizational health. Employing a person with Down syndrome can have a positive impact on the attitudes and behaviour of company leaders and co-workers, and improve workplace culture.
Better workplaces make for more satisfied clients.
By hiring someone with Down syndrome today, you can start a virtuous chain: one opportunity leads to another. Seeing people with Down syndrome as employees challenges low expectations and prejudice that stand in the way of opportunities. The more people with Down syndrome are seen at work, the more they’ll be recognised as valuable employees and the more they’ll be hired.
A virtuous cycle that spreads into the rest of society.
What’s Coordown
CoorDown is an Italian organization that works to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. In the last 9 years CoorDown has transformed advocacy about these issues by creating innovative and brave social campaigns. CoorDown campaigns have opened up conversations on social networks and have had a huge impact on the public, helping to dismantle prejudices and stereotypes about people with Down syndrome. Every year on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, CoorDown creates an international communication campaign.
Learn more about CoorDown and how to be the change for people with Down syndrome at: hiringchain.org.
