We support people with learning disabilities and autism to unlock the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the workplace, and beyond.
The need for Team Domenica
There are 1.3 million people with learning disabilities in England, but just 4.7% are in paid employment (NHS Digital, 2024). Far too many are missing out on the basic right to aspire to a career, along with the wider social networks, improved health, and increased independence a job provides.
Team Domenica is here to change this. Our vision is for all people with learning disabilities and/or autism to be valued in the workplace, to thrive in life, and feel included as members of society.
Open Minds Open Doors
Our pioneering model works; it’s been tried and tested over ten years. Through personalised training and partnerships, we create meaningful opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism – known as ‘candidates’ to reflect their readiness for work.
At Team Domenica’s heart is a simple but powerful question: What if difference was seen differently? From that idea, we built a model of opportunity that helps our young people find and retain paid roles, giving them a sense of direction, purpose and belonging.
Our story
Team Domenica was founded in 2016 by Rosa Monckton MBE, inspired by her youngest daughter, Domenica, who has Down’s Syndrome.
After Domenica left school, Rosa saw first-hand the lack of opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism. So she created this community to remove barriers, drive change and open doors to the world of work.
The power of our programmes can be seen in the stories of our young people, including Domenica who now works at The Grand Brighton Hotel and Pavilion Gardens Café.
Our story in pictures
Our transformative objectives
Young people with learning disabilities will have improved workplace knowledge and employability skills.
Partnered employers will feel more confident in providing work experience, supported internships and paid employment to young people with learning disabilities.
Young people with learning disabilities will have increased opportunities to gain and sustain work.
Young people with learning disabilities will have increased independence, confidence, and wellbeing.
Young people with learning disabilities will feel less isolated and better connected to their local community.
Our Leadership Team
Our Board of Trustees, Senior Leadership Team and Education Governance Board continue to guide our strategy, development in curriculum and policies, our organisational structure and governance practices. Our trustees are elected in three year terms. Our patrons raise awareness of our work, rather than helping run things.
