Transition to Employment for Adults with Down Syndrome

The period when anyone leaves school and seeks further education and employment is a challenging time for all young people, but it can provide additional challenges for young people with Down syndrome and their families. This book discusses in a straightforward manner the range of situations that young people face at this time.

It opens by noting that families must accept the challenge of ‘letting go' if their young person is to grow. Most families find this difficult at some stage, and this task is obviously harder where the young person has a disability. The book discusses some practical checks and strategies that can be looked for in transition programmes, and lists some key questions that should be asked when looking at further education courses. A social skills and work support programme that has been successful across Italy is described in detail. A wide range of employment options are examined and there is discussion of the benefits and disadvantages of various options including full-time or part-time work, supported employment and volunteering. Finally it provides suggestions on how to help individuals select the option that is best for them, and gives some proven strategies for identifying employment opportunities and finding a job.