Down Syndrome Ireland’s Ability Programme is preparing adults with Down syndrome for meaningful employment. With less than 5% adults with Down syndrome obtaining employment in Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland is setting out to not only ensure that there are increased opportunities, but that this unique community is prepared for them. “People need meaningful work,” explains Gary Owens, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland. “We all need to use our brains and we need social inter- action. Without it, people with Down syndrome often see their peers achieving milestones which they themselves are not. What we are most interested in is working with adults with Down syndrome and asking them, ‘What are you interested in? What would you enjoy doing? What can we help you become compe- tent for?’ So, we’ve developed the Ability Programme that focuses on key sectors such as hospitality, catering, retail, hairdressing, horticulture and busi- ness administration. There is huge opportunity. What we are finding is they are truly adding value and their employers are really happy.” First, Listen. The Ability Programme offers numerous options around training and skills. Beginning with first listen- ing to the individual’s interests and educating them on different jobs to the nuts and bolts of applying and interviewing. Lastly, work experience and hands-on training prepares students for workplace life learning everything from practical skills to how to handle the inevitable stresses of a work day. Companies participating in the program are recruited by Down Syndrome Ireland and the organization provides training for employers as well to ensure that all involved are supporting the key goals of meaningful work. Beauty In All Its Forms One particularly successful training and employment partner has been ALFAPARF Milano, a leading Ital- ian hair salon and beauty product manufacturer with a strong presence in Ireland. Its “Beauty In All Its Forms” program gives adults with Down syndrome an opportunity to train as Hairdressing Assistants with a path to long-term employment. THE ALFAPARF MILANO PROGRAM CONSISTS OF: • 2 weeks of pre-employment course work • 8 weeks in the ALFAPARF Milano salon where students learn the basics of a hair salon environment, product use, how to greet clients, how to wash hair, and basic cleaning and sterilizing tasks • 4 weeks of work placement where students work in salons, many in their local communities, for 6 hours a day, 1 day a week • A final practical exam to assess their knowledge level which, upon passing, earns them an ALFAPARF Milano certified Hairdressing Assistance Certification Thus far, it has shown an 80% success rate of employment after training. connect 2019 • 11