Know the Disability as Well as the Ability
This country is considered to be a place where people can establish freedom and opportunities for themselves. America is supposed to be a place where it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you’re from, but that people have equal rights. People everywhere have plans for their future. Young adults of this country think about furthering their education after high school, while older adults plan for their retirement. It seems like a simple picture to make, but this isn’t true for those with Down syndrome.
Those with Down syndrome have limits. Many think these limits are from their disability, but in reality, these limits come from society. Our society doesn’t offer the same opportunities to people with Down syndrome that it would to those without. The lack of opportunities hinders the successful futures for people with Down syndrome.
There are three types of employment that are available to those with Down syndrome according to The National Down Syndrome Society. The first type is called competitive employment and in this the person with Down syndrome would have a job coach at first for the position. The second type is supported employment and has a long-term support system to help them succeed in the job role. The third and final type is sheltered employment, and this involves working with others on administrative tasks. In all these types it’s important to note that “just like anybody, the key is finding the right role for the individuals personality.”
To make this country as best as it can be, it’s a necessity to have an open mind to others and look past the disability. A citizen of this country deserves the same type of respect that anyone else would receive. Our society should be looking at the abilities of people with Down syndrome, not the disabilities. Creating and providing opportunities to this community will provide strength to America. It will show others that this country is credible and reliable in its persona of being a country for everyone.
Unfortunately, the truth is that people with Down syndrome are not being treated equal especially in the work force. In article about employment barriers, it shows that 20% of adults with Down syndrome between the ages of 18-60 years old are on paid unemployment. This is nearly four times as less than the general population. The same article reports that employers couldn’t look past the disability. The lack of knowledge about inclusion is a flaw in our employment system that needs to be brought to the attention of others.
It is likely that most employers have a code of conduct regarding the treatment of people with disabilities in the workplace, but the fundamental issue to start with is the uphill battle that a person with Down syndrome will have to go through in order to get the job. There are many strengths to someone with Down syndrome according to Adaptive behavior, executive function, and employment in adults with Down syndrome. They say that throughout a life span of someone with Down syndrome that they often show an adaptive behavior profile. These involve relative strength in socialization and daily living skills. Though they have these strengths, they are restricted by not having an income from a job. People with Down syndrome are capable of many things but are prevented by demonstrating their skills due to the lack of inclusion and opportunities in the world.
Many Americans are not concerned at this issue for the Down syndrome community. They are focused on how they can make the most money and how can they be the most successful. In this day in aged people are self-oriented in the things they want for themselves. Many believe that people with disabilities are unable to function on their own because they are “just” challenged. Many higher up people think that it would be too expensive and timely to implement the correct training needed for inclusion and diversity in their workplace. It’s easy for people to make these accusations due to Down syndrome being a noticeable disorder and they are discredited before having a proper chance to prove them wrong.
People are worried that if they give opportunities to those with Down syndrome then that would limit their chances at obtaining a certain job. Some people are unhappy according to an article, Employment in Adults with Down Syndrome in the United States: Results from a National Survey that those with Down syndrome receive a supplemental security income and help from the government all while still being able to get a job. This can be seen as an incredibly selfish take being that the maximum, they would receive per month is $750 compared to an average salary in the United States which is around $47,000 Despite the cost of training and time it will take, its important to implement this in all companies.
A great way to make change is creating opportunities in the world to teach employers about inclusion and diversity. It’s important to have correct training in companies so both the employer and the one with Down syndrome feels comfortable. People with Down syndrome are often confident in who they are and wouldn’t want to be anyone else. A way to start this change is by preparing kids with Down syndrome while they are in high school on what to expect in the real words. A nonprofit organization called The Next Step Programs works on making people with disabilities have a successful transition. This organization employs people with Down syndrome onto their team. They are centered out of Doylestown Pennsylvania and their mission is to teach and provide skills to young adults with special needs, so that they are able to adapt to the world after high school.
The opportunities for people with Down syndrome are limited. Our country can help by providing more resources, being open minded, and having better diversity and inclusion training in companies. It becomes our responsibility to make a change in the world because those with Down syndrome can’t do it alone.
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