The MDSC is thrilled launch our new public awareness campaign, Your Next Star (www.yournextstar.com), aimed at opening the eyes of employers to the power of people with Down syndrome in the workplace!
Two years in the making, Your Next Star came about because of our increasing awareness of the challenges facing adults with Down syndrome looking for meaningful work opportunities in their communities.
In 2013, we conducted a comprehensive Membership Survey, which revealed a shortage of growth opportunities for our self-advocate members after leaving high school. It was reported in stark terms that our adult self advocates and their families were frustrated by unsuccessful attempts to find good work in their communities.
Upon further investigation, we found that people with Down syndrome and other disabilities have drastically higher unemployment rates than their non-disabled peers despite typically showing more loyalty and lower turnover, and having similar job performance ratings.
YNS is the MDSC's attempt to change that. Visit www.yournextstar.com to learn more.