Sarah’s making an impact in pilot program

LAST week, people all around the world celebrated the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome, advocating for their rights, inclusion and wellbeing.

In Australia alone, there are more than 13,000 people with Down syndrome, with over 8,400 people with Down syndrome receiving support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme at the end of 2018.

In February, the federal government announced $300,000 in funding for Impact21, an innovative new pilot program to help young adults with Down syndrome gain employment.

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services and Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said she was pleased to commit the funding to the Impact21 pilot program, which is delivered by Melbourne-based company e.motion21.

“Support for this kind of program is in keeping with the Australian Government’s broader package of services and initiatives to help people with disability find and keep a job, from Disability Employment Services to the newly established NDIS Participant Employment Taskforce.

“Programs like this provide more opportunities for people with disability to participate in work.

The Impact21 program will improve education and employment outcomes and self-esteem for young people with Down syndrome, helping them to gain employment in meaningful, sustainable jobs.”

Last week, Ms Henderson also met with Geelong resident, Sarah Keating, who is one of the 12 participants in Impact21 – an intensive work readiness program, supported by national employers that are focused on developing the work readiness of participants.

Ms Keating travels to Melbourne on the train to participate three days a week in the Impact21 pilot program.

She also volunteers at a local childcare centre to gain work experience and works eight hours as a casual employee in two local cafes.

“I am really excited to be working with Impact21 and exploring my career path,” Ms Keating said.

Ms Henderson congratulated Ms Keating on her enthusiasm and commitment to the Impact21 program.

“I am looking forward to hearing about Sarah’s career progression in coming years,” she said.