Woman with Down syndrome and autism lands ‘dream job’ as a teacher

A woman with both Down syndrome and autism has landed her dream job teaching a communications program in the United Kingdom.

Eve McIvor, 24, teaches Year 8 students at St. Mary’s in Londonderry. Her subject is Makaton, a language program that uses a combination of speech, symbols, and signs; it can be a person’s main method of communication or a way to supplement a person’s speech. Makaton can help people with communication or learning disabilities better understand those around them, and be understood.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. It’s a big job for me, I’m loving it,” McIvor told BBC Radio Foyle. “I work really hard during the week, Every night I go up to my room, and do Makaton. I’m a Makaton master. I’m now teaching Year 8 and 9 and it is amazing.”

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Currently, McIvor is qualified to teach Makaton through Level 3. She was a student at the school herself, before returning there to teach part-time.

People with disabilities are frequently underemployed; in the United States, the employment rate for people with disabilities is just over 21%, compared to 65% for able-bodied Americans. Additionally, it’s still legal for people with disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage.

Though employment opportunities for people with disabilities are increasing, there are still major gaps present, with this population frequently struggling to find meaningful, lasting work, or to find any employment at all. McIvor has been fortunate to land the former — not only a job but a job she loves.

One of her co-workers, teacher Catriona Keely, told the BBC that McIvor was the perfect addition to the staff.

“We encourage them to find their talent and pursue their dreams – that’s what Eve has done, lived out the motto – go after what you want to do in life and Eve wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “She has a very detailed programme that she works hard on and practices and plans her lessons every evening. More importantly she is teaching the skill of Makaton.”