Employment in Adults with Down Syndrome in the United States: Results from a National Survey

Background There is no current data about employment/unemployment of adults with Down syndrome in the United States. The data that exists includes adults with Down syndrome as part of the larger group of people with disabilities or people with intellectual disability. Method This study used a survey to investigate paid and volunteer employment, unemployment, types of jobs, job training, job settings, job schedules and job satisfaction in adults with Down syndrome. There were 511 survey responses received. Results Findings were that there is high unemployment for adults with Down syndrome and that current employment is in a limited number of fields, primarily in the areas of food, janitorial work, landscaping, and office work. A small percentage of respondents have full time paid employment. A combination of part time paid employment and unpaid volunteer work is typical. Conclusions Implications for educators, counselors, legislators and employers are discussed.