Spotlights
Spotlight: Highlighting Empowerment Programs During National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
At Amergis Healthcare Staffing, our team members are at the heart of everything we do. Each month, our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) board highlights the story of an Amergis employee who demonstrates our core values.
In October, we are honoring National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. While National Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st as a reference to the fact that those with the diagnosis have three of the 21st chromosomes, this month is meant for raising awareness about the condition. To do so, we are not only spotlighting the story of a remarkable young man, Dylan King, but also some of the tremendous programs that are empowering and raising the standard for the Down Syndrome community. One of these initiatives is ClemsonLife, a program that offers young men and women with intellectual disabilities a collegiate experience. It prepares individuals for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration.
To learn more, our D&I team spoke with VP of Strategic Partnership John King, Dylan’s father, about his experience with ClemsonLife and other organizations making an impact within the Down Syndrome community.
Interview with John
How did you/he begin your/his college search? How many programs?
“We began thinking about college for Dylan 5+ years ago as we met a young woman who attended ClemsonLife and lives in Boston. ClemsonLife was always our goal for Dylan but considered other programs to include Coastal Carolina, UGA, Auburn and Lesley College in Cambridge MA.”
What was it about ClemsonLife that stood out?
“After meeting and speaking with parents in our community, it became clear that the ClemsonLife program was the gold standard and the program many of the other schools have modeled their programs after. ClemsonLife is also one of the oldest programs, celebrating 15 years in 2024. What makes ClemsonLife so special is the total inclusion with the entire university. It is the largest student volunteer club for the whole university. The university, the sports teams and the entire Clemson town and community support and participate in the program. Sports teams have ClemsonLife students as managers, fraternities and sororities welcome the LIFE students as members, and local businesses employ the students in their 3rd and 4th years of the program. One dad said, ‘The most popular students on campus are #1, the football players, #2, the ClemsonLife students.’ Dylan has season tickets to all home football games and has already cheered on the Clemson soccer team this fall.”
Can you describe your orientation at Clemson?
“The orientation was truly remarkable. We felt so welcome and were treated to a fantastic few days, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the athletic facilities including locker rooms and meeting rooms. The President of Clemson, James Clements, was on hand to welcome students on move in day. President Clements has a daughter, Grace, with Down Syndrome and a current student in the LIFE program!”
Was your appreciation for Dabo a deciding factor?
“Dabo started an ALL IN-charity years ago and is very involved in ClemsonLife and raises money through his charity for the program. Dabo played at Alabama for Gene Stallings, who had a son with Down Syndrome he befriended. I believe this is why Dabo has such a strong interest in helping the program and students.”
What are some of your favorite organizations that you’ve had good experiences with that are worth highlighting for people to get involved with?
“Nancy, Katie, John, Ryan and I have been very involved in the special needs community. We actively support and participate in Best Buddies events and help local Special Education Schools and ARCs in the MA area. Best Buddies is a fantastic national organization and volunteering at their events makes you feel wonderful and puts a smile on your face.”
We want to thank John for sharing his experience with ClemsonLife and the impact it has had on his son’s life. As we honor National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, please take some time to recognize organizations in your community that are focused on empowering individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
Join the Amergis Healthcare Staffing Team and Make a Difference
Amergis Staffing always has a wide range of available opportunities for people who are ready to accelerate their careers. We embrace employees from all different backgrounds and always strive to foster a welcoming work environment by following our core values of:
- Promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Winning with integrity and trust.
- Prioritizing quality.
- Investing in development.
- Championing innovation.
- Driving for results.
Learn how you can join the Amergis Staffing team by reaching out online or visiting our jobs site today.
Get the latest blogs, news and company updates
Want to get the latest staffing related news and updates? Subscribe to our resources to get insights sent straight to your inbox.
"*" indicates required fields