Ability Programme

Employment  

Down Syndrome Ireland’s Employment team supports adults to make informed choices about their careers and works to provide them with the necessary resources to seek, obtain and be successful in gaining employment. 

This support consists of our adult education courses, practical training partnerships in a variety of industries, specialised pre-employment and interview training, combined with ongoing support once employment 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, childcare.  We are always looking to partner with new employers and explore new exciting opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. 

We are currently engaging with a wide range of progressive organisations that see people with disabilities as key to making their workplaces more diverse and inclusive. 

Are you interested in finding out more? Please contact our Head of Employment, Aoife Gaffney, by email at aoife@downsyndrome.ie.  

Are you an employer?

If you are interested in employing a person with Down syndrome, take a look at the following information pack for employers that we have developed to help give an overview of our process and goals. 

Companies that employ people with Down syndrome report that those employees are committed and motivated, and often only need an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities.

The positive impact on the person with Down syndrome is substantial. Working helps improve confidence, increase social connectivity and integrate the individual into the local community.

If you are an employer, we ask you not to make assumptions about what a person with Down syndrome can do. We ask you to consider the skills, abilities and aspirations of each individual. 

We can provide support to you around looking at job roles and responsibilities in your organisation that would provide meaningful work for an adult with Down syndrome.  We can also provide support around contracts and any materials that may need to be written to support the individual and employer training to ensure awareness around working with adults with Down syndrome.

If you are an employer who wishes to employ a person with Down syndrome, we are here to support you. Please contact our Head of Employment, Aoife Gaffney at aoife@downsyndrome.ie.

FAQ 

I’m an employer, how do I get involved?   

• Please watch our employment FAQ video in the above ‘Are you an employer’ section.  
• Download our Employer Introductory Pack for information on the supports that Down Syndrome Ireland can offer and the many benefits of employing a person with Down syndrome.   
• If you have any further questions please reach out to our Head of Employment, Aoife Gaffney, by email at aoife@downsyndrome.ie  

I am a person with Down syndrome/parent and I want to find a job, what do I do?   

• If you need advice or have further questions please reach out to our Head of Employment, Aoife Gaffney, by email at aoife@downsyndrome.ie.  
• Keep an eye on our member Digest, our website, and social media platforms as we advertise across all of these when training and positions become available.  

How can I prepare myself to be “employment ready”?  

There are lots of skills you can practice at home, with your family and friends, and out in the community.  These will all help you work towards becoming a more independent and confident adult.  It will also help you prepare for work. You can practice:  

• Conversation skills – small talk, staying on topic, knowing the difference between personal and professional conversations 
• Independence Skills – problem-solving, making decisions, being on time, traveling on public transport, managing your money 
• Communication Skills – introducing yourself to someone new, having good eye contact and body language, following instructions, communicating your choices, expressing your opinion, showing an interest in other people 
• Boundaries and Behaviour – knowing what appropriate personal space is, being sure of privacy (private places and private behaviours), knowing the different ways to act and communicate with colleagues compared to friends and family.