National Employment Programme

We launched our National Employment Programme in 2018 after finding from our research that only approximately 6% of adults with Down syndrome were in paid employment in Ireland.

To date (2024) we have supported 325 adults with Down syndrome into jobs nationwide.

6% has risen to 14% in employment now.

Our National Employment Programme aims to:

Provide meaningful employment opportunities

Develop direct links with employers

Raise awareness and provide specific training

We aim to build relationships with employers who can offer opportunities for our members throughout Ireland. 

We provide:

Assistance to identify meaningful roles and tasks within organisations

Pre-employment and interview training for our job-seekers

Bespoke Down syndrome awareness training for our employment partners

Ongoing support once placement has commenced

Industries in which we have successfully placed adults with Down syndrome include but are not limited to: hairdressing salons, office administration (corporate, public sector, academic), retail, hospitality (hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants), leisure centres, opticians, manufacturing.  We are always looking to partner with new employers and explore new exciting opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. 