I love my job very much. My mom says, Chris, you have the perfect job.

-Chris Hebein, Mail Clerk, Rotary International6

Success Stories2
Wells Fargo Best Buy REI Valspar Great Clips Wal-Mart Whole Foods Chick-fil-A3 Culvers Green Mill YMCA Target Panera Bread McDonalds

Down Sy ndr ome in the Wor kplace

Bringing joy and results through hard work and love for their job.

How to get st ar ted

Although the initial commitment to training someone with Down Syndrome to work for your company is high, the result is clear. Many companies hire an agency to help them through the process of hiring these new employees. These agencies are very knowledgeable about the needs of Down Syndrome workers and are a very worthwhile in the long run. Careful research of such companies is the best way to begin the journey of welcoming those with Down Syndrome into your company. 9

We have practically no absenteeism and very little turnover. Weve also seen higher production, increased profits, better employee morale, greater respect from the community, and better customer relations. -David Morris, CEO Habitat International, Inc.1

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National Association for Down Syndrome Lifeworks Services Inc. National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Pictures used with permission from NDSS Down Syndrome Footprint Picture and Quote From National Association for Down Syndrome Copyright held by Marcel Jancovic and used with permission Owned by The University of Notre Dame Quotes and information courtesy of Lynn Vashro, Lifeworks, Best Buy

Brochure written and designed by

Alexander Streff
As a project at the

Down Syndrome is the next employment opportunity f or your business

Down syndrome is the most common chromosome disorder in the world with over 400,000 people living with the condition in the United States. 3 Of these individuals between 18 and 60 years of age, only 18% are in the workforce. 5 Many of these adults are fully capable of holding full time jobs and their desire to work is often overlooked by employers. What is quite unknown are the benefits that their addition can provide. Their presence can offer financial results, morale boosts in the company all because of the tremendous work ethic of these individuals. Literally hundreds of thousands of Americans with Down Syndrome are waiting for work as you read this. One of the primary goals of my agency is to meet the business needs of the companies we work with as well as offer people with disabilities opportunities that lead to personal growth and meaningful experiences.9 -Lynn Vashro Lifeworks Best Buy

Financ ial Results

As a result of hiring individuals with Down Syndrome, many employers see dramatic increases in output and as a result, financial improvements to the company. These benefits often come from savings in training cost. Rather than filling high-turnover positions many times, Down Syndrome employees are often long-term dedicated workers. Their efficiency coupled with the one time training can produce large financial results, usually immediately.1,2
4

Work Ethic
The work ethic of employees with Down Syndrome is often some of the highest in the company. Enthusiasm for their work and satisfaction from what they accomplish makes hiring them a very meaningful business venture.9 Reliable workers are also a result. The commitment to be to work trumped being robbed in the case of Chris Hebein, a mail clerk with Down Syndrome. His mother said he refused to come home and miss work saying, Mom, he only stole my money, not my bus pass!1

I really love my job being able to work at Best Buy. I always enjoy eating lunch with my coworkers and meeting celebrities like NASCAR drivers and Minnesota Vikings Players!9 -Ellen, employee with Down Syndrome at Best Buy Headquarters

Morale Boost
Employing individuals with Down Syndrome can bring unexpected results in the form of morale boosts for the entire company. Meaningful interactions with other employees brings joy to each work day for everyone.9