Partnering for Career Success
The Partnering for Career Success guide provides advice for both employers and individuals with Down syndrome interested in pursuing competitive integrated employment in their community. It covers career exploration choices, workplace best practices, self-advocate testimonies, and more. A standout feature of the guide is its collection of inspiring success stories from individuals with Down syndrome who have excelled across various industries. These real-life examples highlight how thoughtful job placements, personalized training, and supportive work environments contribute to meaningful career success. By combining these success stories with practical advice, the guide provides employers with valuable insights on how to effectively support employees with Down syndrome while celebrating their unique talents and contributions.
Resume Resources
Our resume resources are designed to help individuals with Down syndrome create strong resumes. The Resume Guide provides easy-to-follow guidance on what to include in a resume, such as personal contact information, work experience, education, and skills. It offers practical advice to help create a clear and professional resume. The Resume Checklist is a simple list to ensure all important details are included and nothing is missed. Additionally, our Resume Template is a ready-made document that can be downloaded and used when building a resume. Together, these resources aim to make resume writing easier and more accessible to job seekers with Down syndrome.
Entrepreneurship Guide
The Entrepreneurship Guide was created to support anyone with Down syndrome who is considering starting their own business and is an introduction to the world of entrepreneurship. This guide discusses types of business, reasons entrepreneurship can be a good fit, frequently asked questions, and things to consider before starting a business.
Additionally, the guide includes valuable insights and advice from successful entrepreneurs with Down syndrome, offering both practical wisdom and inspiration. It also provides resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs in taking their first steps toward starting a business.
Guide Me & Watch Me Succeed
The Employment Program is proud to present Guide Me & Watch Me Succeed. This valuable resource is designed to support employers as they train their employees with Down syndrome.
Dress Code Guide
This infographic was designed to help individuals with Down syndrome easily differentiate between casual, business casual, and business attire. This is an ongoing reference tool for navigating various professional settings. It helps individuals with Down syndrome understand the nuances of different dress codes, enabling them to make strong first impressions and dress appropriately for any occasion. Caregivers, job coaches, and teachers can use this guide to provide clear, practical advice and support in preparing for interviews and meeting workplace expectations.
Subminimum Wage Guide
Our Subminimum Wage at a Glance one-pager provides an overview of the current landscape of subminimum wage practices in the United States and highlights ongoing federal and state-level efforts to eliminate or phase out 14(c) certificates.
NDSS is committed to advancing competitive integrated employment, vocational training, and self-employment for people with Down syndrome. For further details and to get involved in NDSS’ efforts to eliminate 14(C) and subminimum wage, check out our Ending Subminimum Wage Toolkit - https://ndss.org/ending-subminimum-wage-toolkit.
Volunteer Resource
This resource is for self-advocates and provides an introduction to volunteering. Charlotte Woodward, a Programs Associate, helped create this resource to share the benefits of volunteering and encourage others to get involved in their communities.
Additional Resources
NDSS Resources
You can email employment@ndss.org or call 202-956-8895 for more information.
External Resources
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
A source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues