Boys test jobs on film to tackle outlook on Down’s syndrome

Mum hopes film will help change perceptions among future employers

A heartwarming video shows identical twins Ollie and Cameron Scougal as they test out jobs to raise awareness of Down’s syndrome.

The Dundee six-year-olds’ starring roles, which their mum hopes will help change “outdated perceptions”, include testing jobs at the fire service, a café, hairdressers and a supermarket.

Elaine claims people expect those with the condition to seek voluntary roles instead of paid work.

She said: “I think there are a lot of outdated perceptions out there about Down’s syndrome, and learning disabilities in general are a barrier to people getting jobs.

“There’s an assumption by many that people with Down’s syndrome don’t have the competence or ability to work and that a voluntary role is more suitable if anything.

“I hope that the film helps employers to think about people with Down’s syndrome as potential employees, people with hopes, dreams and ability.

“I also hope that it encourages parents to talk about employment opportunities with their children so that they have a presumption of seeking employment when the time comes.

“It’s about creating the ethos of seeing each employee as an individual, not as a condition or disability, and evaluating how their individual needs can be met within any employment context.

“That takes an open mind, but I believe, slowly, more minds are opening to employing people with disabilities and tailoring training to meet needs.”

Ollie and Cameron have become internet hits since Elaine set up a Facebook page when they were just weeks old.

It now has more than 200,000 followers who enjoy watching videos of the boys and reading about their latest updates.

The twins took part in the Down’s Syndrome Association’s film for their employment programme WorkFit, which is seeking to promote the message that children with the condition should grow up expecting to be employed.

The WorkFit scheme brings together employers and jobseekers who have Down’s syndrome.

It is a tailored service dedicated to training employers about the learning profile of people who have Down’s syndrome so that they can be supported in the workplace.

Statistics show that just 5.9% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment in England, which is a downward trend year-on-year.

WorkFit hopes that the new film will encourage more businesses to consider signing up to the programme.

Alison Thwaite, WorkFit employment and development manager, said: “The film aims to promote a ‘presumption of employment’, where children who have Down’s syndrome grow up expecting to be employed and are spoken to about what they might like to do from an early age.

“They can then incorporate their career goals into their education and, when they’re ready to transition to employment, come to WorkFit with ideas of what they would like to do.

“We also hope the film encourages more potential employers to consider signing up to WorkFit.

“All of our support is free of charge and without obligation and continues as long as the person who has Down’s syndrome is employed.”

Picture: SWN. Identical twins Ollie and Cameron Scougal try their hand at firefighting as they raise awareness of Down’s syndrome and the barriers to employment faced by those with learning difficulties.