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ISSA Collaborates With National Down Syndrome Society to Foster Employment Opportunities

ISSA today announced a collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). ISSA and NDSS will work together to foster employment opportunities within the cleaning industry for individuals with Down syndrome.

“We are pleased to work with NDSS to help create career opportunities for those with disabilities that are rewarding and impactful,” said Brant Insero, ISSA Senior Director of Education. “Creating employment opportunities will also help to mitigate labor shortages within the cleaning industry.”

As part of the collaboration, ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) will provide education, training, and certification to individuals with Down syndrome or similar disabilities. ISSA will also use resources and information provided by NDSS to identify and create job opportunities across the commercial cleaning industry.

“October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we are pleased to enter into this collaboration during this time,” said Kandi Pickard, NDSS President and CEO. “We’re looking forward to working closely with ISSA and CMI to assist those with disabilities on their journey towards finding fulfilling careers and realizing their life aspirations.”

Learn more about NDSS and its work in the below interview with Ryan Rotundo, NDSS manager of employment programs, and register for a special one-hour webinar “Untapped Talent: Employing Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities” on Thursday, November 17.

About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk^®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.