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.
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.
Everyone should have access to employment in inclusive workplaces.
For people with Down syndrome this can be achieved if:
This is also true of every person who currently faces barriers to employment.
What we are describing here is an inclusive employment system
We are working with our global network of member organisations to advocate for inclusive employment.
Check out our current projects:
The work is part of a programme led by the International Disability Alliance and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
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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.
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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.
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.
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Find out what we think inclusion means in employment, and what it doesn't mean! Read more
Two self-advocates with Down syndrome have been employed following Bangladesh employment advocacy campaign. Read more
Self-advocates from Down Syndrome Society of Kenya are preparing for an inclusive employment advocacy campaign they will deliver in 2022. Read more
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
Throughout our Inclusion Works webinar series, we heard from self-advocates who talked about the barriers they face in employment. Read more
We asked people with Down syndrome to tell us about their job. Read more
Self-advocates shared their ideas as we develop webinars on inclusive employment. Read more
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
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
Four newly established self-advocacy groups have been learning about their human rights and how to advocate for their right to employment. Read more
We are developing a case study and webinars on best practices in the inclusive employment of persons with intellectual disabilities Read more
We are supporting self-advocates in Bangladesh to advocate for employment opportunities Read more
We are training Down syndrome organisations in Africa to support self-advocates to fight for employment opportunities. Read more