Adults With Down Syndrome: An Overview
The life expectancy for people with
Down syndrome has increased substantially. In 1929, the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was nine years. Today, it is common for a person with Down syndrome to live to age 50 and beyond.
In addition to living longer, adults with Down syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their communities. Many people with Down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry. Now that people with Down syndrome are living longer, the needs of adults with this condition are receiving greater attention. With assistance, many adults with Down syndrome have developed the skills required to hold jobs and to live semi-independently.
Medical Conditions in Adults With Down Syndrome
Premature aging is a characteristic of adults with Down syndrome. In addition,
dementia or memory loss and impaired judgment, similar to that occurring in patients with
Alzheimer's disease, may appear in adults with Down syndrome. This condition often occurs when the person is younger than 40 years old. Family members and caretakers of an adult with Down syndrome must be prepared to intervene if the individual begins to lose the skills required for independent living.
Adults With Down Syndrome in the Workplace
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal for an employer of more than 15 individuals to discriminate against qualified individuals in:
- Application procedures
- Hiring
- Advancement
- Discharge
- Compensation
- Job training
- Other terms of employment.
The ADA requires that an employer provide reasonable accommodation for individuals who are qualified for a position -- including adults with Down syndrome. More information about the ADA can be obtained from the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/).
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