You may wonder what is going to happen when your young adult with Down syndrome ages out from the school system. What will she or he spend their time doing? Will they be capable of live independently? What are the government programs that can help give their care?
It Can be a Scary but Exciting Time
You feel so pleased with your Down syndrome (DS) child but so uncertain about their future, almost as if you were walking on a tightrope with no net. Be confident, though, that there are programs for your young adult which can help them live independently this will let you satisfying life.
Young adults with Down syndrome can function. They often live either on their own by incorporating help, and will even get married.
Develop a Transition Plan Whenever your Loved One Leaves School
Every person with Down syndrome is unique, needless to say, so no two life courses could be the same. As soon as your child becomes prepared to leave school, you should speak to school officials and try to produce a transition arrange for them. You should consider numerous things.
Do you imagine your youngster is able to work? Adults with DS can hold a variety of jobs, as an example, doing work in restaurants.
Jobs for Young Adults with Down Syndrome
The want to feel productive for some reason is normal to most people, including people who have disabilities. Many adults with DS wish to work, however, many face multiple obstacles in their way when trying to obtain a job and find work that theyll do. Here are three strategies for finding employment to your loved one:
Sheltered Workshops - Sheltered workshops are certainly one selection for people who have DS who aren't able to handle the stress of the regular workplace. A sheltered workshop provides employment for people with disabilities.
Job Coach - Another option is really a job coach. Job coaches give one-on-one instruction to individuals with disabilities who would like to are employed in regular employment but take some extra help.
Voc Rehab - Vocational Rehabilitation, or Voc Rehab, because it is known as, can also be a big help in finding and assisting to tailor jobs for young adults with DS. One would have to submit an application for Vocational Rehabilitation services where you live to be eligible for this kind of service.
adults with down syndrome
Computers Open Job Opportunities
Computers are checking opportunities for adults with Down syndrome which were never there before. Many jobs before required plenty of social interaction and keeping track of large amounts of data and skills in one's head. Now, with all the creation of computers, a lot of the work has been simplified, and a lot of communication can take place over email. On the computer, the challenges that a young adult with DS faces might not be as noticeable.
Here are also jobs that young adults with Down syndrome can do with all the computer:
Data entry - theres often a requirement for people who have data entry skills
Digital photography or art and graphic design - many individuals with DS have an artistic streak included, plus a computer might help them put these talents to use.
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Manual Labor are a Good Option for Adults with Down Syndrome
Simple jobs using manual labor are a good selection for a lot of teenagers with Down syndrome. Some individuals could handle receptionist or office assistant jobs in the low-key place, when they have particularly good communication skills. Restaurant tasks are a common field if you have Down Syndrome.
Overcoming Prejudice
Prejudice can be quite a serious issue when it comes to people who have Down syndrome getting hired. Because the Guardian newspaper reports,
"Some employers mistakenly believe that people with Down's syndrome have mental health issues. So when people who have Down's share "similar" physical characteristics, theyre judged immediately on those rather than anything else", says Carol Boys, the DSA's leader. "Employers are only exploring the label and making assumptions by what people can and cannot do, when there is such a great deal of abilities."
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"In america, drugstore giant Walgreens is experiencing the advantage of recognizing these abilities. Its distribution centre in South Carolina is reckoned being 20% more efficient than some of its others - and 42% from the full-time workers there have a physical or cognitive disability, including Down's syndrome, says Randy Lewis, Walgreens' senior vice-president of distribution and logistics." ("Opening Doors," 18 August 2007, the Guardian, Matt Keating)
It usually takes some time, but eventually there is a right placement as the child transitions up. Whether it be a sheltered workshop or traditional employment, all of us have a place somewhere. It merely requires longer for many people to discover their place. Maturing is definitely an exciting thing, and no less so for teenagers with Down Syndrome.
And to ensure your Down syndrome child stays healthy and happy, download my free guide "12 Methods for New Moms of Down Syndrome Babies" and sign up for my free newsletter. And also to be sure that your Down syndrome child thrives and you also have a wonderful loving relationship together with your Down syndrome cherished one, read my book, How to Live, Love and Succeed with Down Syndrome.
