CVGT Australia celebrates World Down Syndrome Day with Inclusion Foundation

Today marks World Down Syndrome Day. 

The date – the 21st day of the third month – was selected to signify of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. 

CVGT Australia has partnered with Inclusion Foundation and Impact21 since 2018 to participate in the co-design and delivery of a new employment program. 

On Saturday, CVGT Australia staff joined in to celebrate Impact21’s Class of 2021 graduation at a special ceremony hosted at ACMI in Melbourne. 

CVGT Australia chief executive Jason Russell gave a speech at the ceremony, highlighting the importance and value of the ongoing partnership between CVGT Australia and Inclusion Foundation. 

“We are perfectly matched with Inclusion Foundation,” he said in his speech. “We are happy that we can provide a better, more successful pathway for young people with Down Syndrome to get into real work. 

“We have assisted with the selection of participants, provided access to training resources, assisted with the engagement and support offered to employer partners, and provided on-the-job support for participants and employers. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming two of these wonderful graduates, Ashleigh and Jamie into the CVGT Australia family very soon. We are very proud of all the graduates.” 

Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Anthony Carbines MP, attended the event and announced an additional $2.1 million of funding as part of the Jobs Victoria Fund with Jaala Pulford MP, Minister for Employment. 

Continuing on with the celebrations, the CVGT Australia team attended the Inclusion Foundation and Carton Football Club’s President’s Lunch, held at the MCG on Monday. 

The event, hosted by Luke Sayers, Carlton Football Club President and Chairman, Inclusion Foundation, aims to champion the inclusion of people with Down Syndrome and raise essential funds for the Inclusion Foundation. 

The event was a success, with many guest speakers at the lunch sharing their knowledge and views on how good leaders facilitate inclusion. 

Speakers included Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott, CEO of Carlton Football Club, Brian Cook and former Australian tennis champion, Kylie Scott. 

One of the highlights of the lunch was watching Jamie, one of CVGT Australia’s newest recruits, interviewing friends about how much they have grown since being with Impact21. 

Congratulations to all the 2021 graduates, the CVGT Australia staff involved in this partnership, and to everyone at Inclusion Foundation and Impact21. 

To view the 10 News coverage of Saturday’s Impact21 Graduation, click here.