Press Releases 2007

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New figures reveal true extent of cuts in services for people with learning disabilities

• Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:00

The true extent of the withdrawal of services for vulnerable people has been revealed today by new figures secured by the Learning Disability Coalition, of which the DSA is a founding member.

The data, which was provided by CSCI to the Learning Disability Coalition, reveals the full picture and highlights the councils which are rationing support by only providing social care to those people with very high levels of need for social care. The number of councils who are planning to only support people with substantial or critical needs is to rise from 53% to 62% - with over 12 councils planning to change their criteria this year alone. It is predicted to reach 73% by the end of the financial year.

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Adults with Down's syndrome still facing barriers to employment

• Friday, 01 June 2007 00:00

Less than one in five adults of working age with Down's syndrome are in paid employment, new research from the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) reveals today. The research was conducted as part of the DSA's campaign to highlight that far too many capable adults are being overlooked by potential employers due to their learning disability.

The research shows that:
• 18% of adults aged 18-60 with Down's syndrome are in paid employment - this is nearly four times less than the general population of working age
• Half of adults with Down's syndrome are not working at all, either on a voluntary or paid basis
• Two-thirds of those who aren't working would like a job
• 19% of respondents are doing voluntary work, either through choice or because they cannot find paid employment

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Down's syndrome Awareness Week 4-10 June 2007

• Wednesday, 11 April 2007 00:00

Awareness Week this year will be 4th-10th June 2007.
Each year, we aim to use Down's Syndrome Awareness Week to:
- highlight a particular issue and campaign for action
- increase public awareness and understanding of the condition in general
- raise much-needed funds to enable us to continue our work

Employment campaign

The main focus of the week this year will be improving employment prospects for adults with Down's syndrome. We launched our employment campaign at the beginning of the year, and we have had a fantastic response so far.

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New book celebrates the legacy of local groundbreaking hospital on World Down's Syndrome Day

• Thursday, 15 March 2007 00:00

A new book charting the remarkable history of a unique hospital for learning disabled people will be launched on Wednesday 21st March. ‘Tales of Normansfield', which explores the story of one of Teddington's most intriguing buildings, will be launched to coincide with World Down's Syndrome Day 2007, in recognition of the hospital's contribution to significant breakthroughs surrounding the condition. The launch will take place at the site of the old hospital itself, now the Langdon Down Centre, head office of the Down's Syndrome Association.

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Stanford University research shows drug treatment effective for mice who have symptoms of Down's syndrome

• Monday, 26 February 2007 00:00

Researchers at Stanford University in California have proved that a once-a-day, short-term treatment with a drug compound called pentylenetetrazole, or PTZ, improved learning and memory in mice with Down's syndrome symptoms.

Craig Garner PhD, the Co-director of Stanford's Down Syndrome Research Center, said: "This treatment has remarkable potential. Our findings clearly open a new avenue for considering how cognitive dysfunction in individuals with Down's syndrome might be treated."

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