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.

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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.

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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 

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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

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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

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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.

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Sign up.

Sign up to hear more about the work we are doing to improve quality of life for people with Down syndrome around the world.

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