- Ask for what you need
- Talk to your boss or manager
- Know your rights at work
Down syndrome is the most common genetic disability, caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 (also called trisomy 21). It affects intellectual development, physical characteristics, and health to varying degrees. Each individual with Down syndrome is unique, with their own strengths, needs, and potential. In the workplace, supportive strategies like clear communication, task breakdowns, and inclusive practices help people with Down syndrome thrive and build independence. Respectful language, supported decision-making, and a strengths-based approach are key to creating an inclusive and empowering work environment. This resource is developed for people who work with people with Down syndrome in the open job market, wanting to learn more about how to make their workplace an inclusive and welcoming place.
Employment in the open employment market for people with intellectual disabilities means giving them jobs and opportunities in regular workplaces where they work alongside people without disabilities. This promotes inclusion, equality and diversity by providing opportunities for meaningful work and fair wages.
There are many benefits to employers hiring people with intellectual disability in their workplaces. These benefits include diverse perspectives, improved workplace morale, and enhanced company reputation. Employers should provide reasonable accommodations and flexible work arrangements where ever possible.
This resource discusses open employment in more detail and shows how it can benefit both employees and employers.
Employing people with intellectual disabilities in open employment benefits individuals, businesses, and the wider community. While supported wages have been an option in the past, transitioning to open employment with fair wages provides greater financial independence, confidence, and inclusion. This factsheet offers key points to help employers encourage parents and carers to support this transition.
A reasonable adjustment is a change to a usual process or procedure that makes it easier for someone to do something. These changes make it so that everyone has a fair chance to succeed or take part.
This resource focuses on onboarding and what adjustments you can make to make them more accessible to people with intellectual disability.
A reasonable adjustment is a change to a usual process or procedure that makes it easier for someone to do something. These changes make it so that everyone has a fair chance to succeed or take part.
This resource focuses on interviews and what adjustments you can make to make them more accessible to people with intellectual disability.
A reasonable adjustment is a change to a usual process or procedure that makes it easier for someone to do something. These changes make it so that everyone has a fair chance to succeed or take part.
This resource focuses on job descriptions and what adjustments you can make to make them more accessible to people with intellectual disability.
Visual supports are tools that can help individuals with intellectual disabilities understand and navigate their workplace more effectively. This resource outlines why visual supports are beneficial, details the kinds of visual supports you could consider and discusses considerations for implementing visual supports in your workplace.
This guide provides helpful tips for people seeking recommendations for their loved one with intellectual disability.
This resource discusses and explores what customised employment is, how it can benefit people with intellectual disability seeking employment and what benefits it can have for the workplace.
This curated selection of books can help young people learn about Down syndrome and diversity.
This curated selection of videos support knowledge of Down syndrome and inclusion in a way that is inclusive and fun.
Keyword sign is a great way to support communication in people who may find verbal communication a bit tricky. This resource provides employers with some new signs to use with their employee and includes a video to help learn the sign.
Keyword sign is a great way to support communication in people who may find verbal communication a bit tricky. This resource provides parents with some new signs to use with their child and includes a video to help learn the sign.
There are many stereotypes about people with intellectual disability and what they can provide to their workplace. This resource dispels some of the more common misconceptions.
This resource investigates some of the ways that people with intellectual disability benefit their workplaces.
This comprehensive resource lists the different resources and services available to support a person with intellectual disability navigate puberty and relationships.
Keyword sign is a fantastic way of supporting communication in people who find it tricky to communicate verbally. This resource outlines some of the many resources available to assist people learn more about this communication method.
In this factsheet we investigate the common misconception that employers will need to pay someone to assist a person with intellectual disability while they work.
Are you an employer who needs support to hire or support a person with intellectual disability in your workplace? This resource provides you with some key contacts that may be able to help.