Writing skills with Down syndrome and possible job opportunities

Even though Down syndrome was aneglected condition when it comes to the impairments it brings in thefield of writing and education in general, in recent times thesituation is changing. Basically, in the world of today, people withDown syndrome have greater chances of finding employment. Therefore,the necessity of their educational improvement have increasedsignificantly.

Down Syndrome Writing Skills

It is a well known fact that peoplewith Down syndrome have the capacity for learning reading and writingskills of high enough levels for matching the requirements necessaryfor employment at certain posts. Thus, their access to books,newspapers and education in general has broadened in modern times,giving these people a great opportunity to excel.

Due to the small number of literaturepieces dedicated to the statistical information regarding thepresence of skilled readers and writers suffering from Down syndrome,we cannot make any conclusions yet. However, we know that childrenwith Down syndrome, who have been educated in surroundings equal toregular education have managed to learn more than those who have beensent to special schools.

Since this was noticed and taken intoconsideration, the number of literate Down syndrome people is muchhigher now than it was a couple of decades ago. Moreover, the numberscontinue to rise and further improvements are expected to take placein times to come.

The onset of language learning iscrucial for the development of reading and writing skills.Subsequently, Down syndrome children who have started learning how toread and write during their preschool years have also shown greaterchances of excelling in these skills later in life.

Nevertheless, we need to bear in mindthat reading is a crucial skill which all people need to have. Peoplewho cannot read have little to no chances of finding employment, letalone living a financially secured life. Furthermore, individuals whocannot read are bound to find it difficult to orient themselvesaround civilized areas, use technological devices or keep track withthe time and timetables. Also, being incapable of enjoyingreading and receiving information in this form is a hardship on itsown, depriving one of a major part of modern human lives and ways ofexpression.

In order to read most of the modernbooks and newspaper articles, one needs to have reading and writingknowledge matching that of an eight to nine-year-old student.Reaching this level of language competence may be too hard for manypeople suffering from Down syndrome. On the other hand, numeroussufferers from this genetic disorder manage to reach and breach theselevels, reading and writing without problems.

Job Opportunities for People with DownSyndrome

Down syndrome is considered to be acommon genetic disorder which does not have a specific risk group itappears the most in. Rather, all people may suffer from Downsyndrome, regardless of their biological, sexual, national or otherfactors.

Yet, all people with this syndromeexperience some or all of the following impairments. Namely, theirintellectual capabilities are bound to range from mild to moderate.Additionally, their physical features are likely to be abnormal,resembling the condition they suffer from. So, they usually have flatnoses, upward slant to the eyes, a single, deep crease in the palms,short legs and arms, along with their entire body build and a flatfacial profile. Also, people with Down syndrome are more prone todeveloping hearing loss and shortsightedness or other vision problemsand most of them face Alzheimer's once they cross the age limit of40.

All these things may make it hard forDown syndrome patients to find adequate employment. However, certainchanges in their lifestyles can be made in order to help these peoplework successfully, overcoming the symptoms of their condition.

First of all, other people, workingtogether with an individual suffering from Down syndrome can helpthis person get the most out of his/her productivity at work.Additionally, organizing the day carefully and paying attention tomaintaining the working routine are both factors which will helpthese people function better at work. Furthermore, these peoplemanage to work best in familiar situations. Thus, assigning them toconstant posts is the best choice, since these will allow them tolearn and get familiar with their environment.

Alarms, prompts, computer reminders,cue cards and all other forms of memory recall are advised to beused, helping people with Down syndrome organize better. Allco-workers need to undergo proper education regarding Down syndrome,learning how to understand these people better and assist them whennecessary.

Finally, these people may requirevisual and auditory assistance devices, allowing them to see and hearall the information they get exposed to both at work and whileperforming regular, daily tasks. Speaking of such assistance, ifthese people suffer from some forms of physical impairment, they needto be assigned to fixed workstations compatible with theirrequirements.

All in all, living with Down syndromeis not an easy task and neither is working while suffering from thiscondition. Rather, this situation requires work and support from boththe employer and coworkers, directed towards employees sufferingfrom this condition.