In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, MDU Resources’ human resources team collaborated with Designer Genes and the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities to learn what employment supports are important to people who have Down syndrome.

Designer Genes is a Down syndrome support network in Bismarck, North Dakota. Its mission is to strengthen opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them to learn, earn and belong.

During the lunch-and-learn session, young adults who have Down syndrome shared their work experiences and needs, as well as challenges they face in a job. Five managers from MDU Resources served as panelists who asked the students questions following their presentations.

“It was a very insightful event,” said Laura Lueder, MDU Resources manager of communications and public relations who served on the panel. “They explained tools and approaches that support people with Down syndrome and help them be successful in the workplace. This type of knowledge can help us identify future work opportunities in the company for people who have Down syndrome or other special needs.”

The four presenters shared various insights, including:

• They work hard and take pride in their work.
• They learn best by being told how to perform a task and then being shown how to do it.
• Periodic sitting breaks help alleviate foot pain.
• Time management tools, such as timers or clock alarms, can be helpful.
• Let them do the job at their pace.

Lunch was provided by The Gifted Bean, a Bismarck-based coffeehouse that was started by parents to give their son and other individuals who have Down syndrome a place to work.

At the end of the event, Lueder presented Designer Genes a grant from the MDU Resources Foundation.

MDU Resources provides customized employment through internal initiative

According to Terese Schneider, senior human resources generalist, the lunch-and-learn session is part of the organization’s DEI initiative, Energize Diversability, to enhance employment opportunities for people of all abilities. The human resources team plans to partner with other local organizations for continued learning on how to meet the needs of all people.

Currently, MDU Resources’ human resources department in Bismarck employs a young adult who has special needs. Through the customized employment program, he works part time and has been helpful with various projects, such as taking inventory and other tasks.

Andrea Aldinger, senior human resources generalist, said the company hopes to continue offering customized employment opportunities in the future, as well as expand this to different regions of the company.