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Health

Down syndrome program Open Employment helps people find work across Western Australia

Emma Williamson has become a beloved member of the team of her new workplace.  (ABC South West WA: Zachary Bruce)

For Emma Williamson the chance to work in Western Australia's bustling hospitality sector has been life changing.

Ms Williamson is one of about 10 people across WA diagnosed with Down syndrome who have found jobs through Open Employment, a new program run by the organisation Down Syndrome WA.

The program operates across WA with about six businesses involved so far.

Ms Williamson is one of three people employed at Abbey Beach Resort in Busselton through the partnership.

She spends her days working with the housekeeping team folding towels, cleaning sheets and servicing hotel rooms.

Claire Robinson said it was exciting to get the opportunity to meet new people and gain skills while at work. (ABC South West WA: Zachary Bruce)

Claire Robinson works at the same resort as Ms Williamson.

She said one of her dreams was to raise awareness for people diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Assistant general manager Mark Barham said the first month of the program has been amazingly successful.

Mark Barham said the partnership with Down Syndrome WA started because they wanted to make a difference in the community. (ABC South West WA: Zachary Bruce)

He said they are looking to expand the program to employ more people due to its success.

"They want to do everything perfectly. If you show them a how to do a job they want to do it themselves and they want to do it correctly and perfectly every time."

Cassandra Hughes encouraged employers who want to employ people diagnosed with Down syndrome to get in touch. ( ABC Perth: Jon Sambell)

Down Syndrome WA chief executive office Cassandra Hughes said programs that get people in jobs are incredibly important.

She said while this program is just beginning they are hoping to expand it.

"What it allows us to do is ... work with the individual and the employer to find the very best role for that person's strengths."

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