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What a Teen with Down Syndrome Can Teach Us About the Joy of Work
What a Teen with Down Syndrome Can Teach Us About the Joy of Work
Apr 5, 2025 6:47 PM

In an enthusiastic reaction to his first job offer, Ben Sunderman, a 19-year-old with Down syndrome, has spread lots of smiles across the internet. In doing so, he reminds us of the power of work to bring joy to human lives, and ofthe gift-giving capacityGod has givento each of us, including those we often dismiss as“disabled.”

Caught on video by his mother, Sunderman literally jumps for joy after reading about his acceptance to aninternship atEmbassy Suites. “I did it!” he yells. “I got a job!”

Watch the full video:

For the broader story, see the followinginterview with his family:

The video has gone viral and Sunderman’s joy is universally contagious. But when es to so many others in hissituation, how oftendo we assume that they have littleto offer, whether in the marketplace or otherwise? How often do we downplay or fail torecognizethe giftsthat those with “disabilities” arecreated and calledto share withthose around them?

As Jordan Ballorhas written on this same subject, “Each one of us, created in the image of God, has the capacity to be a productive steward of some kind.” God has blessed each of us with particular gifts, talents, and capacity.

When we see Sunderman’s reaction, we are inspired because we are witnessing someone with God-given creator potential be recognized and affirmed for who hereally is empoweredto do what he was created to do. This e from any sphere, of course, but here, in the context ofbusiness, the work of Sunderman’s hands will be oriented and channeled dailyin the service of neighbor, and thus offered up to God. He willparticipatein economic transformation and all the transcendent blessing and beauty es along with it. He will pour outhis gifts into the economic order, and it’s a blessing to behold.

Thishappens far more than we think — from the Costco worker to the restaurant owner to the goldsmithto the intern at Embassy Suites— and we should continue to hope for a society wheresuch arrangements are encouraged,celebrated,andembraced.

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