At Hilton, we are proud of our diverse and inclusive culture where people of all abilities can thrive.
As we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, we are proud to recognize the Team Members and hotels around the world who partner with organizations – like our Hilton Global Foundation grantees Down Syndrome Association (DSA), Aurora Foxes, and SEDRA Foundation – that work to break down barriers and provide opportunities for individuals of all abilities, including those with Down Syndrome.
Learn more about some of these individuals and read on for a look at the amazing work our hotels are doing in partnership with organizations around the globe.
UK Hotels Partner with DSA and Aurora Foxes to Create Career Opportunities for All
Hilton Team Members pose with DSA for the launch of My Perspective Photography Exhibition at Hilton London Metropole
DSA is a UK-based organization, committed to improving the quality of life of people who have Down Syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others. The Hilton Global Foundation (HGF) awarded DSA with a grant of $224,000 USD for career development opportunities and to support their WorkFit program, an effective, scalable, and evidence-based model for successfully supporting people who have Down syndrome into employment opportunities and encouraging them and their families to consider paid work as a realistic and feasible option. Since establishing our partnership in 2018, we’ve created 26 placement opportunities and are currently employing 18 individuals via the program. In recognition of this partnership, Hilton won ‘Best Employer Practice Award’ in 2022 at the British Association for Supported Employment Awards (BASE).
Across the UK, Hilton also partners with Aurora Foxes, a specialist hospitality training college for young adults with learning disabilities. It equips students with industry-recognized qualifications and the transferable skills they need to enter the world of work. During our successful seven-year partnership, we have hosted 35 work placements and have 11 graduates working in Hilton hotels.
As part of this partnership, Aurora Foxes also launched the Flying Fox food truck, which was funded by a £30,000 grant from the Hilton Global Foundation in 2022. This allows Foxes’ students to cater a variety of events, from food fairs to music festivals, boosting their skills and confidence while preparing them for employment in the hospitality industry.
Hilton Hotels Across the UAE Partner with SEDRA Foundation to Support Accessibility & Inclusion
Vincent Baur, pictured with Alessandro Redaelli, general manager of Conrad Abu Dhabi's Etihad Towers, works in the in-room-dining department.
The SEDRA Foundation partners with several Hilton hotels across the UAE. In addition to supporting individuals with Down syndrome, the SEDRA Foundation supports all areas of accessibility and inclusion for people throughout the UAE. Through a $250,000 USD grant from the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton Team Members are able to contribute to SEDRA’s ‘Hospitality for All, by All’ program that aims to bridge the educational and vocational gap for youth with cognitive disabilities and those from vulnerable groups in the Middle East and African regions.
Hilton’s partnership with SEDRA began in 2021 and since then, 30 Team Members of Determination have joined local Hilton properties with roles ranging from F&B to engineering. Hilton is dedicated to ensuring this number rises and is putting the proper support systems and infrastructures in place to foster the long-term career growth, empowerment, and diversification of its Team Members.
We would like to recognize Hilton’s late President of the Middle East, Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, who was extremely passionate about employing and empowering People of Determination. We continue to honor his legacy through our partnership with the SEDRA foundation.
Raising Awareness of Down Syndrome with Our Annual Lots of Socks Campaign
Hilton’s global Executive Committee shows their crazy socks in support of Team Members with Down syndrome.
We are lucky to have outstanding Team Members of all abilities at Hilton. To show support for people with Down syndrome, Team Hilton participated in the Locks of Socks campaign, which raises awareness of Down syndrome. By wearing wild, crazy, and mismatched socks our Team Members made an impact by sparking conversations about Down syndrome to help combat stereotypes and raise awareness around the world.
