SPECSAVERS Girlington is appealing to local businesses to consider employing people with Down’s Syndrome.   

Retail director Pete Rooke recently hired two people who have the condition, and they have become valued members of the team.

Rebecca Spalding and Kimberly Booth are two of 47,000 people who have Down’s Syndrome in the UK.

They were supported and trained by Dr Wendy Utley, of Bradford based charity the Down’s Syndrome and Training and Support Service, before joining Specsavers Girlington. 

Pete Rooke said: “Adults with Down’s Syndrome seeking employment face prejudice and stereotypes.

“Being in a working environment with learning disabilities has many positive effects, including gaining independence, improving emotional wellbeing, improving mental health and much more.

“However, those same positive effects have helped us all to improve and be the best opticians we can be for all our customers, who have praised the increased diversity in our workplace.

“One customer recently said to us that it has given her own child with Down’s Syndrome a hope for her future to integrate in the community.

“It continues to be an incredibly uplifting experience for all our team and encourages other businesses to do the same.”

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