World Down’s Syndrome Day – Building Inclusive Workplaces

Down’s Syndrome Scotland AIME Programme – Building Inclusive Workplaces

Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s (DSS) Accessible Inclusive Meaningful Employment (AIME) programme is being developed to create a meaningful approach to employment for people with Down’s syndrome. AIME is in its first phase of development. A small number of people are working collaboratively with us and accredited employment partners to shape AIME and ensure sustainability. AIME will be launched nationwide in Autumn 2026.

The national employment rate in Scotland is 74.8%. Only 4-7% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid work despite research showing that 86% of these who don’t have a job would like one. For people with Down’s syndrome, employment rates are even lower. We are working to fix that.

AIME removes traditional employment barriers, like CVs and interviews, to focus on real skills and long-term success in the workplace.

Top Tips for Inclusive Employers

Being an inclusive workplace doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s how to start:

• Focus on skills and strengths, not paperwork: Use practical work trials to identify abilities. Take time to find out about your employee and their interests.
• Work Buddies: We recommend that a colleague volunteers to be a Work Buddy, a friendly face for social and practical support. This ensures that inclusion is a natural part of the team.
• Clear communication: Use plain language and provide step-by-step instructions. Visual aids or checklists can be highly effective.
• Establish routines: Keep tasks and rotas the same to build confidence, especially at the beginning.
• It’s OK to ask for help: Encourage staff to ask questions. This prevents small issues from becoming barriers.
• Ask DSS: Use the support of our AIME team, including our Training and Mentor Worker with lived experience, to bridge the gap during the initial onboarding and beyond. We offer a range of interactive training sessions to build confidence and develop knowledge and understanding.