Press Releases 2006

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“I have special needs: A job”

  • Monday, 18 December 2006 00:00

The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has launched a high impact advertising campaign featuring a close-up of the face of a man with Down's syndrome and the words: "I Have Special Needs: A Job".

The poster, the work of new creative agency Hurrell and Dawson, is featured on the elevated section of the M4. It is to be the springboard for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of how few people with Down's syndrome are in paid employment. Of a potential workforce of 15,000 adults with Down's syndrome in the UK, only 16% will ever have the chance to prove that they are capable of contributing successfully to the nation's economy.

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EastEnders features a baby with Down's syndrome

  • Wednesday, 06 September 2006 00:00

November Update:
We are aware that many of you are finding the EastEnders storyline difficult viewing at the moment, and fully understand your concerns. The more negative aspects of the storyline are being drawn out for dramatic effect, as is inevitable on a soap opera. However, it is important to remember that the ongoing storyline will not necessarily continue in this vein. Obviously, future plot lines are confidential, and often depend on practicalities and the actors involved. We are confident that once the initial drama is over, EastEnders will develop this story in a positive way.

As the groundbreaking EastEnders story continues, the news that baby Petal has Down's syndrome causes mixed reactions throughout Albert Square. The ongoing storyline provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness among thousands of people who know very little about Down's syndrome.

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Baby with Down’s syndrome to feature on BBC soap opera

  • Sunday, 23 July 2006 00:00

Popular BBC soap EastEnders will soon be featuring a baby with Down's syndrome, when Honey and Billy's baby is diagnosed with the condition. The storyline presents a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of Down's syndrome, and will outline some of the issues involved in living with the condition today.

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The Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge

  • Friday, 02 June 2006 00:00
On Saturday 10th June the Down's Syndrome Association proudly present the sporting event of the year... the Danny Mardell Knock-Out Challenge, a six-a-side football tournament.

The tournament is being held at one of the famous homes for London Premiership football - West Ham United's Upton Park.

The whole event is being kicked off by one of our newest patrons Kevin Kilbane, midfielder for Everton FC/International football player for the Republic of Ireland and proud father of Elsie, who has Down's syndrome.

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Shifting Perspectives 2006

  • Friday, 02 June 2006 00:00

A truly inspiring exhibition of images by five photographers, all of whom have family members with Down's syndrome. Through photographs, video, and audio diary entries Shifting Perspectives 2006 aims to challenge the misconceptions surrounding the diagnosis of Down's syndrome. Each photographer's work conveys a different aspect of life with Down's syndrome from birth to adulthood and highlights that people with Down's syndrome can and do lead fulfilling active and exciting lives.

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Patrons come out to show support for this year’s Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week

  • Friday, 02 June 2006 00:00

Sunday 4th June - Radio 4 Charity Appeal voiced by Liam Neeson, International Film and Patron

Tuesday 6th June - Damon Hill, British Formula 1 World Champion and his wife Georgie Hill will be appearing on This Morning to talk about their son Liam and showing their support for this year's awareness campaign.

Tuesday 6th June - Shifting Perspectives 2006 Photo Exhibition Champagne Launch Party 6 - 9pm

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Launching the first ever football team for young people with Down’s syndrome

  • Friday, 02 June 2006 00:00
On Monday 5th June the Down's Syndrome Association and Fulham FC are delighted to officially launch its first-ever football team/training programme for young people with Down's syndrome.
The launch will take place at Fulham FC's training ground at Motspur Park from 4.30pm onwards.
The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Cllr Mary Reid will carry out a balloon launch with cheque presentations to the Community Trust on behalf of Fulham FC and the Down's Syndrome Association.

Head of Fulham FC Community Sports Trust, Simon Morgan said: "Fulham FC Community Sports Trust is delighted to be hosting the Down Syndrome Associations Awareness Launch at the club's training facility.

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Health service continues to fail parents of children who have Down’s syndrome

  • Monday, 22 May 2006 00:00
Many parents of children who have Down's syndrome are being unsupported and misinformed by health professionals, according to a survey released today (22 May) by the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA).

The survey showed that:
• 37% of parents who find out at birth that their child has Down's syndrome were given no written information about the condition
• 40% were given no practical support e.g. the details of a local parent support group
• 22% of parents who decided to go ahead with the pregnancy despite knowing their baby had Down's syndrome felt that their decision had not been supported by health professionals
• Two thirds of parents were given their test results over the phone, many of them on their own and some when they were at work

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