Digi Lab: Promoting Employment Through Digital Training for People with Down Syndrome

More than 100 young people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities have completed their training through Digi Lab, an innovative project driven by Down España, Vass University, and the Vass Foundation in several cities across Spain. This initiative aims to improve access to employment for this group, which faces significant barriers in the labor market. According to data from the European Down Syndrome Association, 95% of these individuals in the European Union remain unemployed, while in Spain, only 22% manage to obtain a job, of which barely 10% integrate into the regular job market.

Digi Lab focuses on teaching digital skills through practical workshops and immersive experiences that incorporate artificial intelligence. In the context of World Usability Day, an event was held at the Down Toledo association, where several students received their diplomas in “Introduction to Programming.” During the presentation, executives from the involved entities emphasized the importance of this type of training to promote labor inclusion.

Agustín Matía, director of Down España, commented that Digi Lab demonstrates that the digital realm is accessible to people with Down syndrome and believes that the training received will help break down barriers. Antonio Rueda, director of the Vass Foundation, highlighted how technology can serve as a tool for equality, illustrating the growth in confidence and digital skills among the young participants.

Lucía Bravo, one of the students, expressed that the training was very enriching and that she hopes it will be useful in her job search. Digi Lab not only provides digital skills but also includes the creation of individualized employment insertion plans and training for professionals dedicated to supported employment, thus ensuring better integration.

This project complements other initiatives by Down España and the Vass Foundation, such as ‘Paso Adelante’, a virtual reality application that prepares individuals with intellectual disabilities for everyday work situations, which has been awarded the Global Tech Awards.