Y is for Your Next Star

Employment ... I've mentioned that people with intellectual disabilities are overwhelmingly unemployed, underemployed, and underpaid. Most people with ID do want to work and be more independent, but it can be sometimes be difficult finding a job if you don't have a disability and even more so if you do have a disability.

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Society has created a new initiative based on a comprehensive membership survey (the first in their 30 year history). The 450 responses "proved to be a wealth of data perfect for guiding our planning and activities for the future."

The new initiative that came out of this survey is called Your Next Star and it aims to "open eyes to the power of individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace."

You can watch a video of John, a Boston Bruins' employee; Philip, a Market Basket employee; and Melissa, an aide in Sen Eldridge's office in the Massachusetts State House.

Your Next Star is partnering with the Employment First initiative at the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services throughout the state helping employers finding qualified, pre-screened candidates with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

This sounds like a great campaign and hopefully other states will follow suit to adopt something similar in their state.


Grab This Button