Supported Employment

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society works to ensure equitable opportunities for all Canadians with Down syndrome by fostering a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity, worth and equal rights for ALL people.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society knows that people with Down syndrome are competitively employed in their communities. Individuals with Down syndrome should be supported to make informed choices about work and careers and have the resources to seek, obtain, and be successful in community employment with fair wages for fair work.

ISSUE

Many individuals with Down syndrome are either unemployed or underemployed, despite their demonstrated ability, desire, and willingness to engage in meaningful work in the community. Of those employed, many have had no choice but to work in sheltered, segregated programs that separate people from their communities. Whatever the setting, few have had the opportunity to earn much money, acquire benefits, advance their careers, or plan for retirement. Without appropriate education, career development, job training, technological assistance and support, people with Down syndrome are unable to enjoy the benefits of employment and life as full Canadian citizens.

POSITION

People with Down syndrome should be supported in preparing for careers and have the opportunity for jobs alongside other citizens based upon their preferences, interests, and demonstrated strengths.

Employment Opportunities Should Include:

• Ongoing career planning, job advancement and retirement planning.
• Flexible and comprehensive individualized supports to ensure the person’s employment success.
• Wages and benefits that meet labour standards.
• Provided access to opportunities that include micro-enterprises, small businesses and self-employment.

Employment Preparation Should Include:

• Transitional planning and social skill development, starting early in secondary education settings and continuing through graduation.
• General and specific job skill training and actual paid work experiences in the community (This could include Co-op and paid internship opportunities).
• A comprehensive plan for transition to adult life, including retirement planning, housing, transportation and medical.
• Accessible transportation options.
• In addition, employed individuals with Down syndrome must have the opportunity for continued education or specialized training to enhance their marketability and to help them advance in careers or chosen areas of interest.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society believes in the following supported employment guiding principles:

• Work enhances an individual’s quality of life.
• All employed persons should receive a fair and equitable rate of pay. Compensation for skill and effort expended by employed individuals will be minimum wage or better.
• All employment will meet all requirements of applicable labour standards.
• Young people will have access to after-school and summer employment that will provide them with work experience and help them explore career options.
• People have a range of choices in the work that they do.
• Job choice and supports will be identified though individual planning.
• People will not be ‘ghetoized’ in job sectors because of their disability or label.
• Required accommodations and supports for individuals will be available and portable.
• Supports will be provided on an on-going basis for as long as a person may require them.
• Natural supports will be used to the greatest extent possible.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS

• All work has value
• All people have the opportunity to work in the community.
• The most appropriate place for people to learn about the job is on the job.
• People have many jobs over the course of their lives.
• Jobs promote lifelong learning and career development/ advancement.
• People have the right to fail. We all learn through mistakes.