SPOTLIGHT
Scaffolder with Down’s Syndrome Building An Inspirational Future I
nspiration constructs itself in many forms. And there can’t many greater than the case of 29-year-old trainee scaffolder, Todd Scanlon from Coles Scaffolding in Wiltshire, who’s causing quite a stir (and receiving wonderful support from all quarters of the industry), because this effervescent role model hasn’t let Down’s Syndrome get in the way of his scaffolding career. Managing Director Martyn Coles explained: “I came to employ Todd, as he’s been asking for years to work with me. So I said come on... we are here to break the rubbish stigma around Down’s Syndrome. He does all the same tasks as all of us, his family are so proud of him and he’s an amazing person.”
Professional Approach
Todd currently only works part-time for the company and an extra couple of hours at the yard, helping Martyn with pricing. He’s fully aware of all the health and safety aspects on all jobs and wears all the appropriate kit. In terms of receiving guidance and advice from both staff and fellow scaffolders, he’s proven to be a wonderful example of how to get it right. In fact, he’s now very much an essential part of the furniture at the family-run company.
What is Down’s Syndrome? Also known as trisomy 21, Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition typically causing a level of learning disability together with several physical characteristics. The average IQ of a young adult with Down’s Syndrome is 50 – equivalent to the mental ability of an eight or
9-year-old child, but this can vary. Many individuals can be remarkably insightful when it comes to understanding the world around them.
First Class Approach Martyn added: “Todd takes to tasks like the rest of us. He has been with us 12 weeks and has gradually improved day to day. All our customers have taken to him tremendously as he has such a great personality. He’s polite, on time and punctual. I have personally contacted CITB to see how we can help him with training moving forward. Todd has been a friend of mine for years and we go on holidays every year.” Coles pride themselves on being fast, reliable and compliant, whilst all their staff are friendly and polite offering a 24-hour quality service. They’ve also
30 | Autumn 2018
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