Down's syndrome blogs

As part of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re celebrating some of the amazing things people with Down’s syndrome have achieved. All five of these  people have created positive change at either a local or international level and are telling the world that everyone, no matter their differences, is capable of achieving incredible things. 

Mother Teresa once said, ‘Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his [her] humanity.’ Yet ever since COVID-19 reached the UK, it has seemed as if the rights of disabled people - and in particular those of people with a learning disability - have been at risk. 

Until a group of parents joined forces to change the law families could find themselves sidelined once a loved one with a learning disability turned eighteen, with social workers taking charge of key decisions. But here Darren Devine details how three families have fought to ensure parents continue to have a voice when their children become adults.

Filmmaker Beth Richards conducted research into how the television industry can be made more accessible for actors with learning disabilities. In this blog, she tells Learning Disability Today how her research findings informed her short animated film 'The Audition' which is being shown at Oska Bright Film Festival. 

Trials are underway for a wristband that monitors physiological changes that may precede aggression. Darren Devine discusses how such technology could change the lives of autistic people, their families, and their carers.

Chloe Bull from Talkback UK, an advocacy organisation, discusses how taking taxis can be distressing for people with learning disabilities or autism. She highlights the need for greater disability awareness training. 

Darren Devine discusses the widespread nature of the use of restraint and seclusion in schools for learning disabled children, and speaks to those campaigning to change this. 

With 94% of learning disabled people unemployed, there is a great need for initiatives that bring them into - and support them - in employment. 

Joanne Hall has been working for United Response, a disability charity, for fifteen years. 

Victoria Baynton-Williams looks at how the educational path chosen for a child with a learning disability can shape their future.

Victoria Baynton-Williams discusses the process of her daughter, who has Down's syndrome, starting mainstream school.

Parent power has seen Bristol City Council ordered to reverse £5m of special needs spending cuts by the High Court. Which council will be next?

Care Management Group's method for delivering positive behaviour support has been shaped by the people it supports.

'Safe Haven' is a series of portraits of pregnant women who know their baby will be born with Down’s syndrome.

Technology can play a significant role in empowering people with learning disabilities, with jobs and careers and with everyday living, say software-developers Avail.