Not Everyone Can Plan for the Future so Easily

Not Everyone Can Plan for the Future so Easily

by: Alyssa Fields

 

    People everywhere plan for their future. Kids in high school think about what college they will end up at, and as they get to college, they then wonder what future job opportunities they will receive after years and years of working for their diploma. But what about people with Down syndrome, do they have those same thoughts? 

 

    Apart from some, most do not think about college or future careers. This isn’t because they don’t have hopes and dreams, but rather because our society doesn’t offer the same opportunities to the Down syndrome community as it may towards others. But just like me and you can work and live on our own, so can they.

 

What Does the Employment Field Look Like for People with Down syndrome?

 

    The National Down Syndrome Society categorizes three types of employment that those with Down syndrome are available too. Number one is competitive employment. The person with Down syndrome would have a job coach at first for the position. Number two is supported employment and has a long-term support system to help them succeed in the job role. Finally, number three is sheltered employment which involves working with others with disabilities on completing administrative tasks.

 

        “Just like with anybody, the key is finding the right role for the individuals personality.”

 

    Instead of looking at the limits of people with Down syndrome may encounter while working, it’s important to look at the strength of the individual and see what they CAN do, instead of what they CANT.  Our society shouldn’t be limiting opportunities for people, but rather be creating new and better ones for those of all abilities.

                                                          

                                                                         

                                                    A Non-profit organization teaching skills to people with disabilities

 

    The unfortunate truth is that people with Down syndrome are not as equal as those without. In an article it shows that 20% of adults with Down syndrome between 18-60 years old are paid unemployment. That number is already low on its own but the fact that it is nearly four times as less than the general population of working age is ridiculous. Again, in this article it said that the employers could not see past the disability, showing that they aren’t focused on inclusion.

 

    Often employers look at the inabilities of people with Down syndrome and despite may having a code of conduct of how to treat people with disabilities at the job, the real hard part is for the person with Down syndrome is to get hired in the first place. 

 

    Let’s look at the strengths. According to Adaptive behavior, executive function, and employment in adults with Down syndrome, throughout a life span of someone with Down syndrome, they often show an adaptive behavior profile. These involve relative strength in socialization and daily living skills. One of the many reasons they often don't live on their own is the lack of income. Many who have Down syndrome are capable of having their own responsibilities but are prevented by demonstrating their skills because of the lack of inclusion and opportunities in the world. 

 

 

                                                                                                                    

                                                        Bake Abilities, a bakery in Holicong Pa, hiring people with disabilities

 

 What can we do to make a change? 

 

     A way to create opportunities in the world is to teach employers about inclusion and diversity. Know the disability, but also know the abilities of a person and give them a chance. People with Down syndrome are proud of who they are, and often wouldn’t want to be anyone else. A great way to start change is preparing kids with Down syndrome while in high school for what to expect in the real word. In other words, how to make a successful transition. A nonprofit organization called The Next Step Programs is one who works for this exact cause. They are centered out of Doylestown Pennsylvania and their mission is to teach and provide skills to young adults with special needs and how to adapt to the world after high school.

                                            

                                                         An Event at The Next Step Programs

 

    Another way to create change is from within a company. Having correct diversity and inclusion training, so that not only the person with Down syndrome feels comfortable but also the employees do as well.

 

The Other Side

 

    Now of course there are people who never bat an eye at this issue for the Down syndrome community. There are stereotypes floating in the air of how people with disabilities are just challenged and unable to function on their own. Because Down syndrome is a noticeable disorder, people discredit them before they have a chance to prove them wrong. 

 

    There are people who think people who have a disability aren’t able to do anything, and they don’t want them to take job opportunities that could be offered to them. According to the article Employment in Adults with Down Syndrome in the United States: Results from a National Survey, said that people with Down syndrome get a supplemental security income. Many will be unhappy at the fact that they get the help from the government, but then can have a job too. That's just ridiculous thinking because they get maximum $750 per month compared to an average salary in the United States which is about $47,000.

    

    Employers don't want to spend the money on inclusion and disability training for their companies and because of the cost, it provides an excuse to not have this training.

 

Back to Reality

    The opportunities for those with Down syndrome are simply limited. There needs to me more resources, more open minds in the world, and better diversity and inclusion training in companies. For there to be a change in the work field and different available opportunities for people with Down syndrome to thrive, it’s up to those without a disability to help achieve that goal