People with Down syndrome may have:

• areas of strengths and other areas where they need more support, just like everyone else in the community
• some level of intellectual disability
• some characteristic physical features
• some developmental delays.

Down syndrome is the world's most common chromosomal condition and genetic cause of intellectual disability.

Every person with Down syndrome is an individual, just like everyone else. So each employee or jobseeker with Down syndrome has different things they are good at and other things that they find more challenging.

People with Down syndrome have an intellectual disability, which can affect their memory, communication and attention-span. However, each person with Down syndrome is also an individual and brings their own strengths and skills to the work they are doing. Some employees may need ongoing support in the workplace, while others may be relatively self-sufficient.

To learn more about supporting employees with Down syndrome, download this guide from Down Syndrome Australia.

To ensure your needs are met in the workplace we may discuss with you and your employer the following adaptions:

• A mentor to help you settle in to your new role and help with any questions
• An extended orientation period
• Access to assistive devices like an electronic stapler and non-skid material
• Large text and easy to read font all written material
• Flexible work hours

Helpful guides to help you settle in can include:

• A breakdown of what your daily schedule looks like with a visual as well as written schedule
• A map of the work space, with photos of who works where, where items are stored, and where things can be found
• An orientation folder to keep all of your onboarding information in one place
• The unwritten rules of the workplace (ie - using the kitchen)

Reference: Down Syndrome Australia