Inployable, the first employment community for people with Down Syndrome on LinkedIn, is a new initiative from FCB Canada for the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS).
There is an unprecedented labor shortage in North America. Many employers are having difficulty finding qualified candidates to fill vacant positions. The Down syndrome community offers a long-overlooked solution. Due to wrongly perceived abilities and value within the workforce, over half of people with Down syndrome have difficulty finding paid employment. There is also a barrier to employment when it comes to connecting with employers who are interested in hiring someone with Down syndrome. Now there is.
"Although many people with Down syndrome have demonstrated abilities and aspirations to engage in meaningful work in the community, a large percentage of the Canadian population with Down syndrome remains unemployed, are under-employed, or may not be working to their full potential," says Laura LaChance, Executive Director, CDSS. "This initiative addresses that disparity. People with Down syndrome have a right to be employed in the community, where they can work alongside people of all abilities and earn competitive compensation."
Inclusive Job Networks
Inployable is an Employment Community for People with Down Syndrome
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Employment - Creating job networks and communities for underrepresented groups, like those with Down syndrome, can disrupt traditional hiring practices and bridge the labor shortage gap.
2. Diversity Recruiting - Emphasizing the hiring of people with disabilities can enhance company diversity and create untapped pools of talent that can drive innovation and growth.
3. Socially Conscious Hiring - Employers who prioritize inclusivity and intentionally hire people with Down syndrome can disrupt societal biases and create a more compassionate and equitable workforce.
Industry Implications
1. Human Resources - HR can lead the charge in creating inclusive job networks and promoting diversity recruitment initiatives, unlocking new pools of talent to tackle labor shortages.
2. Nonprofits - Nonprofits like the Canadian Down Syndrome Society can partner with companies to create employment opportunities for their membership and drive positive social change.
3. Social Media - Social media platforms like LinkedIn can expand their reach and impact by partnering with organizations like FCB Canada to create new and inclusive digital communities of professionals.