UNiQUE APPROACH
At Foundation LAILA, our distinct approach combines holistic, lifespan-focused support with systemic advocacy, therapeutic interventions and community driven collaboration.
We recognise that addressing the needs of individuals with Down Syndrome requires more than direct service delivery; it involves fostering partnerships, leveraging lived experiences, and driving systemic change.
Our services span from early intervention during pregnancy to mentorship and employment opportunities post-school, ensuring that children, young adults, and their families are supported through every life stage.
We prioritise active involvement from families, volunteers, and stakeholders in developing programs, creating a network that empowers participants to contribute their insights, advocate for change, and foster inclusive community relationships.
By partnering with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and businesses, we amplify our impact and create pathways for employment, advocacy, therapeutic and educational support.
Our advocacy initiatives are designed to address policy gaps and promote inclusive practices at the local, national, and international levels, ensuring that individuals with Down Syndrome have equitable access to opportunities and resources.
The insights of those with lived experience are woven into our approach, enhancing our programs’ relevance, effectiveness, and ability to cultivate future leaders who are deeply connected to our mission.
Foundation LAILA operates through three distinct streams of service delivery, each designed to address the specific needs of children and families:
Our services span from early intervention during pregnancy to mentorship and employment opportunities post-school, ensuring that children, young adults, and their families are supported through every life stage.
We prioritise active involvement from families, volunteers, and stakeholders in developing programs, creating a network that empowers participants to contribute their insights, advocate for change, and foster inclusive community relationships.
By partnering with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and businesses, we amplify our impact and create pathways for employment, advocacy, therapeutic and educational support.
Our advocacy initiatives are designed to address policy gaps and promote inclusive practices at the local, national, and international levels, ensuring that individuals with Down Syndrome have equitable access to opportunities and resources.
The insights of those with lived experience are woven into our approach, enhancing our programs’ relevance, effectiveness, and ability to cultivate future leaders who are deeply connected to our mission.
Foundation LAILA operates through three distinct streams of service delivery, each designed to address the specific needs of children and families:
STREAM 1. Early Intervention
(Pregnancy to Age 4):
We recognise that early support for both families and children is crucial for a child’s development.
Our programs focus on engaging stakeholders and providing tailored interventions that lay a strong foundation for future success.
STREAM 2. Educational Support
(Primary and High School):
Our unique therapeutic programs
empower children within educational settings.
By collaborating with
schools, we create environments where children can thrive academically and socially.
STREAM 3. Mentorship, Life Skills & Employment (Post-School):
Our mentorship & employment programs prepare youth for independence and employment.
We harness the skills and dedication of our volunteer cohort to build strong relational qualities, ensuring that our youth have the support they need to navigate their transitions into adulthood.
We work hand-inhand with organisations to foster employment opportunities for young people.
Integration of services
The synergy between these three streams allows us to provide a comprehensive support system that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters longterm growth and sustainability. Our integrated approach enhances advocacy efforts and promotes policy changes that further support families and organisations within the community, ensuring inclusive workplaces and equal opportunities.
Our unique approach - Community and Collaboration
Filling the void after school completion
Direct sevice delivery + systemic change
At Foundation LAILA, we recognise that our work extends beyond direct service delivery; it encompasses the vital roles of education and advocacy for systemic change. This holistic approach is essential for addressing the broader needs of young people with Down Syndrome. By forming strategic partnerships with other organisations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community
stakeholders, we aim to drive systemic change that enhances support structures and resources for individuals with Down Syndrome. These collaborations enable us to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equity, ensuring that the voices of families and individuals are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
Community engagement is at the heart of our initiatives. We actively involve families, volunteers, and stakeholders in our programs, creating a vibrant network that fosters support and connection. Our volunteers play a crucial role, bringing diverse skills and experiences that enrich our services and enhance community engagement. By fostering a collaborative environment where families can share their insights and experiences, we empower them to become advocates for their children and active participants in their communities.
This collective effort not only strengthens our impact but also cultivates a sense of belonging and shared purpose, driving us toward a future where every individual with Down Syndrome can thrive in an inclusive society.
Young people with Down Syndrome, and other disabilities, face a significant gap in services and support once they finish school. Currently, their educational opportunities are limited to threeyear vocational programs in fields such as baking, hospitality, or floristry. After completing high school, they encounter the greatest challenge of their lives due to the absence of systemic support, leaving them vulnerable to social isolation, unemployment, and marginalisation.
Limited Support and Systemic Challenges
From birth through the end of their schooling, individuals with developmental difficulties receive various forms of support. Early in life, they are eligible for services from mental health centres, and during their school years, they benefit from specialist interventions and peer interactions, all of which contribute to improving their quality of life. However, despite these forms of assistance, the level of support is minimal.
The most significant barriers arise after school, when there are no targeted services or systemic solutions to help them transition into adulthood. This issue is particularly evident in regions like the Brčko District of BiH, where the absence of legislation for the employment of people with disabilities further exacerbates their challenges. Without employment, many of these young people face marginalisation, social isolation, and economic dependence.
Our unique approach - Community and Collaboration
Direct sevice delivery + systemic change
At Foundation LAILA, we recognise that our work extends beyond direct service delivery; it encompasses the vital roles of education and advocacy for systemic change. This holistic approach is essential for addressing the broader needs of young people with Down Syndrome. By forming strategic partnerships with other organisations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community
stakeholders, we aim to drive systemic change that enhances support structures and resources for individuals with Down Syndrome. These collaborations enable us to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equity, ensuring that the voices of families and individuals are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
Community engagement is at the heart of our initiatives. We actively involve families, volunteers, and stakeholders in our programs, creating a vibrant network that fosters support and connection. Our volunteers play a crucial role, bringing diverse skills and experiences that enrich our services and enhance community engagement. By fostering a collaborative environment where families can share their insights and experiences, we empower them to become advocates for their children and active participants in their communities.
This collective effort not only strengthens our impact but also cultivates a sense of belonging and shared purpose, driving us toward a future where every individual with Down Syndrome can thrive in an inclusive society.
Filling the void after school completion
Young people with Down Syndrome, and other disabilities, face a significant gap in services and support once they finish school. Currently, their educational opportunities are limited to threeyear vocational programs in fields such as baking, hospitality, or floristry. After completing high school, they encounter the greatest challenge of their lives due to the absence of systemic support, leaving them vulnerable to social isolation, unemployment, and marginalisation.
Limited Support and Systemic Challenges
From birth through the end of their schooling, individuals with developmental difficulties receive various forms of support.
Early in life, they are eligible for services from mental health centres, and during their school years, they benefit from specialist interventions and peer interactions, all of which contribute to improving their quality of life.
However, despite these forms of assistance, the level of support is minimal.
The most significant barriers arise after school, when there are no targeted services or systemic solutions to help them transition into adulthood. This issue is particularly evident in regions like the Brčko District of BiH, where the absence of legislation for the employment of people with disabilities further exacerbates their challenges.
Without employment, many of these young people face marginalisation, social isolation, and economic dependence.
Creating Opportunities & Uniting Communities
Our Foundation is committed to implementing a social enterprise specifically designed to support young people with Down Syndrome as they transition from school into the workforce. This initiative will create opportunities to develop valuable skills, achieve economic independence, and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Employment plays a crucial role in boosting self-confidence and fostering independence, allowing individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
By creating employment pathways, we not only support their personal growth but also alleviate the concerns of their families. Parents often worry about their children’s future when they are no longer able to provide care. Employment provides a sense of security and reassurance, and the opportunity to thrive independently.
Empowering through Employment
Our Social Enterprise Solution
Our social enterprise is an extension of the Foundation’s holistic support model, offering services across the lifespan of individuals with Down Syndrome. It addresses the critical gap that exists after the completion of school, providing continuous opportunities for personal and professional growth. By ensuring that young people with disabilities have access to equal work opportunities throughout their lives, we contribute to their long-term well-being and social inclusion.
Empowering through Employment
Creating Opportunities & Uniting Communities
Our Social Enterprise Solution
Our social enterprise is an extension of the Foundation’s holistic support model, offering services across the lifespan of individuals with Down Syndrome. It addresses the critical gap that exists after the completion of school, providing continuous opportunities for personal and professional growth. By ensuring that young people with disabilities have access to equal work opportunities throughout their lives, we contribute to their long-term well-being and social inclusion.
Our Foundation is committed to implementing a social enterprise specifically designed to support young people with Down Syndrome as they transition from school into the workforce. This initiative will create opportunities to develop valuable skills, achieve economic independence, and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Employment plays a crucial role in boosting self-confidence and fostering independence, allowing individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
By creating employment pathways, we not only support their personal growth but also alleviate the concerns of their families. Parents often worry about their children’s future when they are no longer able to provide care. Employment provides a sense of security and reassurance, and the opportunity to thrive independently.
Partnerships with Employers for Sustainable Impact
Our approach includes strong partnerships with employers, ensuring a holistic support system that benefits both the employees and the businesses involved.
Employers can focus on mentoring, business development, and integrating these young people into their workforce, while our Foundation provides ongoing life skills training, emotional support, and psychosocial or therapeutic interventions.
This collaborative model allows each party to leverage their strengths, leading to a more cohesive and inclusive environment. By working closely with employers, we not only promote the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce but also demonstrate the immense value they bring to businesses.
We send a powerful message about equality, advocating for the right of all people to work without discrimination, and contribute positively to their communities
A Lifelong Support Model
As part of our Stream 3 offering, this initiative is not just about employment; it’s about building a supportive framework that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes equality across all stages of life.
Together, with our partners and the wider community, we are creating a pathway for sustainable service delivery and societal impact that lasts a lifetime.
Partnerships with Employers for Sustainable Impact
A Lifelong Support Model
Our approach includes strong partnerships with employers, ensuring a holistic support system that benefits both the employees and the businesses involved.
Employers can focus on mentoring, business development, and integrating these young people into their workforce, while our Foundation provides ongoing life skills training, emotional support, and psychosocial or therapeutic interventions. This collaborative model allows each party to leverage their strengths, leading to a more cohesive and inclusive environment. By working closely with employers, we not only promote the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce but also demonstrate the immense value they bring to businesses. We send a powerful message about equality, advocating for the right of all people to work without discrimination, and contribute positively to their communities
As part of our Stream 3 offering, this initiative is not just about employment; it’s about building a supportive framework that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes equality across all stages of life. Together, with our partners and the wider community, we are creating a pathway for sustainable service delivery and societal impact that lasts a lifetime.
