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  • inclusive-employment
  1. Key issues
  2. Inclusive employment

Inclusive employment

We believe everyone should have access to employment in inclusive workplaces

People with Down syndrome have the right to work, as described in Article 27 (Work and Employment) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This work should be in an open, inclusive and accessible labour market and work environment.


The challenge

Experience in many countries shows that with the right opportunities, support and training, people with Down syndrome can make substantial contributions in the workplace.

Some are already doing this in open, inclusive and accessible workplaces. This is a basic right.

However, stereotypes, mistaken assumptions, negative attitudes and lack of knowledge are preventing most from realising this right.

Employers are missing opportunities to improve the quality of their workplaces.


What is inclusive employment?

Everyone should have access to employment in inclusive workplaces.

For people with Down syndrome this can be achieved if:

  • work opportunities are provided by employers, in open settings, without segregation or exclusion;
  • people have the support needed to apply for jobs, start in work and develop careers and
  • people have opportunities to show the contribution they can make, develop good work relationships and gain confidence and independence. 

This is also true of every person who currently faces barriers to employment. 

What we are describing here is an inclusive employment system 


What we are doing

We are working with our global network of member organisations to advocate for inclusive employment.

Check out our current projects:

Project focus - Employment advocacy

  • WHEN - We are running a 3 year project from 2020 to 2022.
  • WHO WITH - With our member organisations in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda.
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING - Supporting the development and activities of 5 self-advocacy groups to advocate for inclusive employment, providing training, guidance and crucial funding.  

The work is part of a programme led by the International Disability Alliance and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

LEARN MORE IN AFRICA

LEARN MORE IN BANGLADESH


Project focus - Inclusive employment case study and webinars

  • WHEN - In 2021. 
  • WHO WITH - With our member organisations in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda.
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING - We have published a case study on best practices in inclusive employment of people with intellectual disabilities in Bangladesh. We delivered 5 self-advocate led webinars on best practices to an audience of stakeholders.

This work is funded by Inclusive Futures, a UK Aid-funded consortium of 16 disability and development organizations led by Sightsavers working to create a future that is inclusive of people with disabilities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDY AND WEBINARS


What's next?

We are learning all the time from our current projects. In the future, we hope to do more work like this with our members, using what we are developing to have a substantial, positive impact. We are also exploring ideas to work with employers and other key stakeholders around the world to facilitate inclusive employment.


Get involved

We would like to share information and updates from our employment work with you. From supporting individuals with Down syndrome and organisations to advocate for inclusive employment, to helping employers hire people with Down syndrome.

Please sign up here:

SIGN UP FOR PROJECT UPDATES


Related employment news and events

#InclusionMeans - in employment

#InclusionMeans - in employment

Find out what we think inclusion means in employment, and what it doesn't mean! Read more

Published: 18th March, 2022

Updated: 30th March, 2022

Author: Anna Sands

Employment advocacy success in Bangladesh

Employment advocacy success in Bangladesh

Two self-advocates with Down syndrome have been employed following Bangladesh employment advocacy campaign. Read more

Published: 26th January, 2022

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Preparing to advocate for inclusive employment in Kenya

Preparing to advocate for inclusive employment in Kenya

Self-advocates from Down Syndrome Society of Kenya are preparing for an inclusive employment advocacy campaign they will deliver in 2022. Read more

Published: 29th November, 2021

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Launch of our Inclusive Employment Case Study

Launch of our Inclusive Employment Case Study

DSi is delighted to announce the publication of the Case Study on Best Practices in the Inclusive Employment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Bangladesh. Read more

Published: 4th October, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Anna Sands

Give us a chance!

Give us a chance!

Throughout our Inclusion Works webinar series, we heard from self-advocates who talked about the barriers they face in employment. Read more

Published: 1st October, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Anna Sands

What job do you do?

What job do you do?

We asked people with Down syndrome to tell us about their job. Read more

Published: 23rd September, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

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Planning employment webinars

Planning employment webinars

Self-advocates shared their ideas as we develop webinars on inclusive employment. Read more

Published: 24th May, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Nathan Rowe

Inclusive employment for people with intellectual disabilities

Inclusive employment for people with intellectual disabilities

Ishaque reports on his work in Bangladesh, writing a case study on the best practices of inclusive employment for persons with intellectual disabilities. Read more

Published: 12th March, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Nathan Rowe

Sting performs "The Hiring Chain"

17-time Grammy award winning artist lends his voice to World Down Syndrome Day global campaign that calls on employers and workplaces to be more inclusive. Read more

Published: 1st March, 2021

Updated: 23rd February, 2022

Author: Anna Sands

Advocating for employment in Africa

Advocating for employment in Africa

Four newly established self-advocacy groups have been learning about their human rights and how to advocate for their right to employment. Read more

Published: 25th February, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Nathan Rowe

Inclusive Employment Case Study and Webinars

Inclusive Employment Case Study and Webinars

We are developing a case study and webinars on best practices in the inclusive employment of persons with intellectual disabilities Read more

Published: 19th January, 2021

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Nathan Rowe

Employment advocacy in Bangladesh

Employment advocacy in Bangladesh

We are supporting self-advocates in Bangladesh to advocate for employment opportunities Read more

Published: 19th January, 2021

Updated: 2nd February, 2022

Author: Nathan Rowe

Employment advocacy in Africa

Employment advocacy in Africa

We are training Down syndrome organisations in Africa to support self-advocates to fight for employment opportunities. Read more

Published: 16th December, 2020

Updated: 20th February, 2022

Author: Anna Sands

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