Today sees the culmination of coordinated work across the DSA with the submission of our response to The Department of Health and Social Care consultation on mandatory learning disability training for health and care professionals. For a long while now we have been concerned about the variability in quality of healthcare individuals with Down’s syndrome […]
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA said today: “I have been appalled and saddened by the evidence given during the course of the inquest into Joe’s death…appalled that the care that Joe received at the Manchester Royal Infirmary was so disjointed and lacked any urgency or leadership; and saddened by Joe’s suffering and that […]
‘We are encouraged to hear permission has been granted for a judicial review to look at certain decisions made by the coroner at the inquest in to the death of Jacqueline Maguire who had Down’s syndrome. The Down’s Syndrome Association has ongoing and serious concerns about the premature deaths of people with Down’s syndrome. We […]
A number of families have contacted the DSA to highlight situations involving the justice system whereby their family member with Down’s syndrome has been called upon to provide evidence. Everyone with Down’s syndrome who comes into contact with the justice system should be considered a Vulnerable Witness. There are clear procedures that must be followed […]
The Down’s Syndrome Association was shocked and appalled by the recent revelations about the death of a man with Down’s syndrome, who developed gangrene whilst living in a supported living setting in Newham. This distressing case represents failings at a very basic level. The care provider failed to offer even the most basic standards of care […]
Local authorities are failing adults with Down’s syndrome – resulting in unlawful practices in some cases – because they are taking too long to assess their basic needs and get adequate support in place. Almost half (43%) of adults surveyed, reported being in need of a Social Care Assessment, with some waiting as long as […]
Public Health Wales recently released the latest version of their leaflet ‘Information for women offered further tests for suspected chromosomal conditions’. This document is designed for women who have chosen to take up the offer of screening and who have received a higher chance screening result. We believe it is imperative that the official information provided to […]
The Government has clarified the blue badge criteria. Many of our members who previously received automatic entitlement to a blue badge (because they were awarded DLA mobility under the SMI criteria), no longer qualified for it once they moved to PIP because there is no criteria for behavioural issues. The requirement (for automatic blue badge) […]
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA said today: “I was horrified to read the news about the deaths of Sandra Miller and Jackie Maguire this weekend. It is frightening that people with Down’s syndrome are still losing their lives needlessly, through lack of training and awareness of the condition.” According to Mencap, 1200 people […]
Emily Buck has been announced as the overall winner of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s (DSA) international photographic competition, My Perspective 2018. Emily said of her winning image, Seven Sisters: “I like the contrast between the blue sky and the white cliffs and the different shapes of the beach and sea.” Emily also won the competition […]
