The Down’s Syndrome Association is celebrating a major milestone after its supported employment programme, WorkFit, secured its 1,000th job opportunity in the UK.
The charity has also announced the launch of WorkFit in the United States.
For almost 15 years, WorkFit has helped people who have Down’s syndrome find meaningful and sustainable paid employment.
The programme also gives employers the confidence and practical support to build genuinely inclusive workplaces.
Following WorkFit’s success in the UK, the Down’s Syndrome Association is partnering with the National Down Syndrome Society in the United States to bring the employment model to employers and jobseekers across America.
The announcement of WorkFit|US reflects the growing number of employers recognising the value that people who have Down’s syndrome bring to their organisations.
Members of the WorkFit team celebrated the milestone at Nando’s in Ashford, Kent, where Rachel Arnold, from Folkestone, started her new job as a Team Member.
Arnold said: “Having a job makes me feel happy.
“To someone thinking about getting a job, I would tell them to do it.
“I love my job!”
Carol Boys OBE, Chief Executive at the DSA, said: “We are incredibly proud to both celebrate Rachel in her achievement as WorkFit’s 1,000th placement in the UK and to see the programme go global with the unveiling of WorkFit|US.
“Together with NDSS, we are creating a future where talent is recognised, opportunities are accessible, and every person has the chance to contribute, belong and succeed.
“By building truly inclusive workplaces, we are not only changing individual lives, we are helping to create stronger organisations and a more inclusive society for all.
“The positive impact of work is transformational, as colleagues from NDSS saw first-hand during their visit to the UK, and we are committed to supporting both individuals and employers every step of the way.”
WorkFit provides tailored support throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
The programme helps employers recruit, train and retain employees who have Down’s syndrome.
Candidates are supported to develop workplace skills, build confidence, increase independence and benefit from the friendships, purpose and financial independence that meaningful employment can bring.
During a week of events to mark the US announcement, representatives from NDSS visited employers across the UK to see WorkFit in action.
They met candidates working in organisations including Hilton, the UK Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, Amazon, CEVA Logistics, Dunelm and GXO.
The partnership will enable the DSA’s employment model to be delivered across the United States.
It is designed to create opportunities for more people who have Down’s syndrome to demonstrate their talents in the workplace.
Kandi Pickard, CEO of NDSS, said: “At NDSS, our mission is to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive.
“Through our ongoing partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association, we are truly fulfilling our mission by carrying forth a remarkable, now international, program.
“We are thrilled to expand on the DSA’s incredible work and legacy in inclusive employment.”
The Down’s Syndrome Association is encouraging employers interested in creating a more inclusive workforce, and people who have Down’s syndrome who would like support to find paid employment, to contact the WorkFit team to find out more.