For Emma Williamson the chance to work in Western Australia’s bustling hospitality sector has been life changing.
Key points:
- Open Employment is connecting employers with people diagnosed with Down syndrome across WA
- So far 10 people have been employed including three in the South West
- Participants say the chance to work has been a dream come true
Ms Williamson is one of about 10 people across WA diagnosed with Down syndrome who have found jobs through Open Employment, a new program run by the organisation Down Syndrome WA.
The program operates across WA with about six businesses involved so far.
Ms Williamson is one of three people employed at Abbey Beach Resort in Busselton through the partnership.
She spends her days working with the housekeeping team folding towels, cleaning sheets and servicing hotel rooms.
Claire Robinson works at the same resort as Ms Williamson.
She said one of her dreams was to raise awareness for people diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Assistant general manager Mark Barham said the first month of the program has been amazingly successful.
He said they are looking to expand the program to employ more people due to its success.
“They want to do everything perfectly. If you show them a how to do a job they want to do it themselves and they want to do it correctly and perfectly every time.”
Down Syndrome WA chief executive office Cassandra Hughes said programs that get people in jobs are incredibly important.
She said while this program is just beginning they are hoping to expand it.
“What it allows us to do is … work with the individual and the employer to find the very best role for that person’s strengths.”
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