DSCBA Recipient of GDSF Employee Initiative Grant

Amy Parham

Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area Awarded Self-Advocate Employee Initiative Grant

Danville, CA--The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) was awarded a Self-Advocate Employee Initiative grant from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.  A total of eight organizations in seven states received the grant. Of all grant recipients, the DSCBA employs the largest number of self-advocates with Down syndrome.

“This grant will enable Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area to increase the hours, thereby income, of four individuals in our community with Down syndrome,” said executive director Nancy Labelle. “This is another great example of the benefits we receive as an official member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.”

The DSCBA currently employs four adults with Down syndrome.  These self-advocates work with the DSCBA in ability awareness and inclusion, community outreach, organizational administration and as an assistant teacher to children with Down syndrome. Self-advocates are available for interviews.

Nationwide, recipients will use the grant to hire new employees with Down syndrome, or continue employment of existing employees with Down syndrome. Self-advocates will be performing a variety of jobs including medical advocacy, landscaping, conducting ability awareness workshops at schools, and teaching sign language. In total, this grant will support the employment of fourteen self-advocates, four of whom work at the DSCBA in Danville, CA.

Please read the full article by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation: http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-self-advocate-employment-initiative-grants/global-down-syndrome-foundation-announces-winners-of-self-advocate-employee-initiative-grants/