“Trista the Barista” proves employees with
Down syndrome enrich the workplace
Trista Kutcher is a busy woman. At 29 years old, she has already successfully worked six different jobs. At one point she was working three at once, simply because, as she says, “I love to work. I just love it so much” — until her mother encouraged her to reduce her schedule to two.
But what sets her apart from the typical, hardworking American employee? Trista was born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition that can pose substantial obstacles for people like her who wish to enter the workforce. According to a 2015 study, 57% of individuals with Down syndrome in the United States reported they were currently working a paid job. However, only 3% reported working a 31–40 hour week, or full time.
Written By: Voices for the Voiceless
