Edinburgh Zoo has recently taken part in an inclusive employment opportunity scheme, employing Emilia, who has Down’s Syndrome, to its retail team.

Arranged through Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) in partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, the placement has given Emilia the opportunity to gain real workplace experience while building her confidence and independence. 

Initially, Emilia needed guidance and support, but as her knowledge and confidence grew, she was able to take on more responsibility. Towards the end of her placement, she was completing the queue line independently and had the opportunity to work on the till under supervision.

Tony Stephens, Retail Team Leader at RZSS, said: “Emilia was always inquisitive and carefully watching what we were doing so she could take on these tasks herself.”

The partnership was launched during Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week in March, to help create employment opportunities for people who often face barriers to work.

Jo Davidson, the charity’s Inclusive Employment Lead, said earlier this year: “Too often the issue is not ability or ambition but the systems and structures within workplaces.

“Many people with Down’s syndrome want to work and have valuable skills to contribute, yet opportunities remain extremely limited.

“By working with charities like the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, we can focus on people’s strengths and potential while providing the training and support that helps both employers and employees succeed.”

Down’s Syndrome Scotland is also working with other employment partners, including Hilton Glasgow and Securigroup, to help shape the first phase of its Accessible, Inclusive, Meaningful Employment scheme.

During this first phase, the charity has provided work-readiness training, helped identify most suitable types of work and paired potential employees with a work buddy to help them navigate the new job.

For Emilia’s manager, Tony, the experience highlighted the contribution people with Down’s Syndrome can make in the workplace.

His advice to other employers considering an inclusive placement is: “I would say go for it. Just go for it. You won’t know until you do it. Then you realise what you’re missing, and what you can offer people by giving them that chance."

Down’s Syndrome Scotland will launch its inclusive employment partnership programme nationally this autumn and is inviting interested employers to come forward.