Down's Syndrome Awareness Week, 4-10 June 2007
Press release 31 May 2007
What do you think you know about Down's syndrome?
Down's Syndrome Scotland are leading the way in tackling workplace discrimination by employing staff members who have Down's syndrome. The role of these new workers is to provide training about Down's syndrome to staff in shops and organisations across Scotland.
As part of their work, trainers are supported to run short 'myth busting' sessions at stores including John Lewis and Asda.
Examples of myths are that babies with Down's syndrome are only born to older women and that people with Down's syndrome cannot read, write or be employed.
Kim, a trainer who has Down's syndrome said: 'I went to a workshop at the start, which was all about how to be a good trainer. I was a wee bit nervous to start with but am more confident now. I wanted to follow in my Mum's footsteps, she does training too.'
Karen Watchman, Director said: 'There are two key parts to the training sessions. Firstly we want to support staff to provide a better service for their customers who have Down's syndrome. We also want to show the potential of people with Down's syndrome as employees.'
Down's syndrome affects approximately one in every thousand babies born in Scotland every year. For the past twenty five years Down's Syndrome Scotland has provided families and carers with advice and support on all aspects relating to Down's syndrome from pre natal information to adulthood and ageing.
Further information Karen Watchman, Down's Syndrome Scotland, 158/160 Balgreen Road, Edinburgh EH11 3AU, 0131 313 4225 karen.watchman@dsscotland.org.uk