There are a wide range of studies that have been done on the benefits of stable, meaningful work on a person’s physical and mental health.
It’s been found that employment which suits an individual’s needs, skills, and interests can help anyone thrive, find confidence, and a sense of purpose.
For those living with Down’s syndrome, it is just as important to find meaningful work especially for these benefits. The meaning of meaningful work can vary from person to person, and not everyone’s the same.
Meaningful work that’s well-suited to a person living with Down’s syndrome takes into account their level of independence, their social skill development, as well as what skills they can develop for the tasks required.
There’s a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled roles that people living with Down’s syndrome have flourished in.
Below, some amazing job ideas to consider if you’re living with Down’s syndrome:
Hospitality
If you have strong communication and social skills, working in hospitality in a face-to-face role might interest you.
Cafes, restaurants, and hotels provide a wide range of opportunities for job seekers to thrive and develop their skills in a dynamic environment, where you can meet customers from all walks of life, too.
Hospitality has many repetitive tasks that can be well-suited to those who like structured routine work.
This can be:
- washing dishes,
- clearing tables,
- setting up crockery for service,
- assisting with food preparation and so much more.
The key to finding a suitable role in hospitality is to make sure that the workplace is supportive and ready to provide accommodation to help you grow in the position.
Warehouse / factory worker
If you’re after a role with repetitive yet still flexible tasks, finding a job as a warehouse or a factory worker might be an ideal role for you. Their main goal is to help prepare and package products for customers to purchase.
As such, people in this role need good hand eye coordination, as well as an understanding of safe handling procedures.
It’s important to note that warehouse and factory worker roles can be adjusted to help accommodate for those living with a disability to excel. For example, training and instructions can be provided with a focus on written instructions as opposed to verbal.
Greeter
For those who love to talk to others and make their days brighter with a smile, becoming a greeter can be an amazing way to harness your natural positive energy and do meaningful work greeting customers into restaurants, shops, events, and so much more.
You’ll need to be able to communicate information clearly to customers as they enter the establishment, have a welcoming attitude, as well as be able to stand for long periods of time.
Need A Little Help Finding Meaningful Employment?
It’s important to remember that there can be many barriers to getting a job, especially if you’re living with Down’s syndrome.
When it comes to suitable employment, everyone’s definition of meaningful can differ, and what can be the perfect job for one may be a bad fit for another. Because of this, taking the time to look for suitable employment in a workplace that provides the necessary accommodations is one of the key ways to thrive at work.
When it comes to this, speaking with an employment consultant at your local disability employment services provider can help you go a long way in finding meaningful employment that lets you flourish.
These should include things like:
- Helping you to find safe and easy to access workspaces and supportive employers,
- Suitable workplace adjustments to keep you thriving in your role
- Flexible roles that keep you engaged, and
- getting a personalised and tailored support plan
These things can go a long way in helping you find an amazing job that you love.
Make sure to register with a provider that has a proven track record in helping people living with a disability find amazing roles that fit their skills and interests, and take advantage of the comprehensive support that’s available to you!
