The journey towards inclusion for Lebanese people with Down syndrome

On November 3, 2026, Lebanon officially launched its National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (2026–2030), an initiative led by the Ministry of Social Affairs in partnership with UNFPA and ESCWA. The five-year strategy aims to shift the country's approach to disability from one centered on welfare and assistance towards a rights-based model built on equality, independence and participation.

Built around ten pillars, the strategy addresses areas including education, healthcare, accessibility, social protection and economic empowerment. Its employment pillar seeks to improve access to professional opportunities for people with disabilities, while its broader objectives call for greater inclusion across Lebanese society.

The new National Strategy also focuses on people with intellectual disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. Being born with Down syndrome can bring challenges for individuals and their families, particularly when it comes to social acceptance and inclusion, including finding a job and becoming part of the workforce. Access to employment remains a major barrier. In Lebanon, several associations are working to create more opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

LDSA: Advocating for equal opportunities at work

Founded in 1998, the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association (LDSA) is one of the first associations in Lebanon dedicated to people with Down syndrome. After several years of inactivity, the association was reactivated in 2023, when a new board was elected, with Chantal Khoury becoming its president. Since then, the association has focused on two main objectives: raising awareness about Down syndrome and advocating for the rights of people with the condition. Its work targets families, schools, universities, businesses and the wider community.

For Chantal Khoury, the launch of Lebanon's National Strategy was an important milestone, as it makes disability inclusion the responsibility of all ministries, instead of leaving it solely to the Ministry of Social Affairs. She also recalled that, during the launch at the Grand Serail, some ministers admitted they had previously been unaware of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. “They told us that they had been blind to these issues before, and that they had only now realized how much this community needs support,” she said to The Beiruter.

When it comes to employment, Khoury pointed to the misconceptions surrounding people with Down syndrome, particularly the belief that they cannot perform regular jobs or that hiring them is an act of charity. "We do not want companies to hire our children out of pity. We want them to recognize their talents and understand the value they can bring to the workplace," she noted.

Article 74 of Lebanon's Law 220/2000 requires private companies with 30 to 60 employees to hire at least one person with a disability, while companies with more than 60 employees must allocate at least 3% of their workforce to employees with disabilities. Employers who fail to meet these requirements are subject to an annual financial penalty. “Unfortunately, many companies prefer to pay the penalty instead of employing people with disabilities,” she stated.

Rayan Saab, an LDSA board member responsible for employment inclusion, explained that the association works with both job seekers and employers. It helps people with Down syndrome develop the skills needed to enter the workforce while training companies to create welcoming workplaces free from bullying, discrimination and exclusion.

“People with disabilities are not a separate group from society. They are people like everyone else, and they face difficulties just like anyone else,” Saab told The Beiruter. The recruitment process also presents a major obstacle, as job applications can be complicated and inaccessible to people with intellectual disabilities. Still, LDSA has helped members of its community find employment. Khoury mentioned individuals working at Ginger & Co, the Radisson Hotel, Silhouette and Al Forno.

Acsauvel: Building independence from an early age

Founded in 1979, Acsauvel is a non-profit association supporting children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including people with Down syndrome. It focuses on developing each child's abilities and independence from an early age.

In her interview with The Beiruter, Dana Saadeh, president of Acsauvel, said: “Every child has their own program according to their potential and abilities.” The association teaches everyday skills, such as washing and dressing independently, while encouraging children to explore activities like reading, writing and drawing.

But what happens when they turn 18?

They can continue at Acsauvel's protected workshops, where they learn routines, take on responsibilities, manage their time and handle money. The association also gives them opportunities to put their skills into practice through its shop. They create mosaic mirrors, pottery, coasters, decorative pieces and Christmas ornaments, which are sold in the shop and displayed at exhibitions. “When people visit our exhibitions, see the products they have made and show interest in their work, it strengthens their self-confidence. It makes them feel respected and valued,” Saadeh added.

Acsauvel also seeks opportunities for young adults with Down syndrome to gain work experience and participate in society beyond the association. Saadeh mentioned initiatives with Alpha and Agonista Coffee, as well as training opportunities in hair salons. However, finding employers willing to hire them remains the major problem while helping people in the association.

Agonista: The challenges of running an inclusive business

For Dr. Wassim El Hage, founder of Agonista Coffee, the idea of creating an inclusive workplace came from his experience as a physiotherapist. After working for several years with people with intellectual and physical disabilities. “I discovered how much potential they have, both mentally and physically, and how much they need to work, be employed and become independent, just like their siblings, relatives and friends,” El Hage admitted during an interview with The Beiruter.

This experience inspired him to establish Agonista in 2018. The coffee shop began with six young men and women, mainly people with Down syndrome, who received training in life skills, communication and practical tasks needed to work in a coffee shop. Each participant was given the opportunity to try different positions so the team could identify the responsibilities that best matched their abilities.

“Around 80% of our employees were people with special needs,” he noted. According to El Hage, having a workplace where employees share similar experiences can make it easier for people with intellectual disabilities to adapt, learn their responsibilities and feel included.

Agonista expanded into catering and coffee truck services, but the economic crisis forced several branches to close. It now operates at City Mall in Dora. El Hage shared that running an inclusive business comes with higher costs and little state support. “The costs of running a social enterprise are higher than those of an ordinary business,” explaining that a task normally handled by one employee may require three employees with disabilities.

He also believes that society needs to move away from assumptions about what people with Down syndrome can and cannot do. “We need to give them opportunities, help them and make sure they are included everywhere. They can work, be productive and contribute to society just like anyone else,” he said. While they may need more time, training and certain accommodations, he stressed that they can become very good at tasks they enjoy.

People with Down syndrome have the same basic needs and aspirations as everyone else, including the opportunity to work, earn a living and feel comfortable in their workplace with the right support and an inclusive environment.

The launch of Lebanon’s National Strategy marks an important step towards greater recognition of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. For years, these issues received limited attention. Moving forward, creating more inclusive workplaces will require employers to reconsider their recruitment practices, provide appropriate support and offer people with Down syndrome equal opportunities to join the workforce and the Lebanese society.