We give a cautious welcome to today’s announcement that the Government seeks to achieve the integration of health and social care. (NHS shake-up ‘to cut bureaucracy and improve care’ – BBC News) Like so many, we have long anticipated a Health and Care White Paper (postponed by successive Governments). In the period ahead, we will […]
Time to end unfair tax on disabled people
The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) was delighted to hear about the successful High Court ruling against Norfolk County Council’s discriminatory charging policy, which forced adults with learning disabilities to pay more than they could reasonably afford towards the cost of their care. The ruling, which was brought about by the mother of a young person […]
Challenging times
by Carol Boys, Chief Executive, Down’s Syndrome Association Since Tuesday, when we shared the Government’s decision to add adults who have Down’s syndrome to the list of people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, we have been inundated with calls, questions and stories that clearly illustrate the huge impact this decision is having on our community. […]
You’re invited to our FREE ‘Planning for a Good Life’ webinar!
When: 15 October 2020 Time: 10.00 – 11.30am Please see the form below to sign up to our FREE webinar. Are you or a loved one thinking of moving into supported living, or starting to build the skills you need to live independently? Are you unsure of what support is available for people who have […]
Supporting individuals who have Down’s syndrome and their families through difficult times
The ongoing coverage of our 50th anniversary year has chronicled significant developments in the lives of people who have Down’s syndrome. There is much to celebrate. People who have Down’s syndrome are living much longer, enjoying lives included in their community, with greater independence, which might encompass paid employment and living in their own accommodation. […]
Government announce mandatory learning disability training
The government has announced it will pilot and roll out mandatory learning disability training for all relevant NHS healthcare professionals. It comes in response to campaigning from ourselves and thousands of others following grave concerns about the widely recognised health inequalities experienced by individuals with a learning disability. Read the ‘Right to be heard’ report […]
Education Committee Inquiry on SEND
The Education Committee has today published the report of its inquiry into special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They have concluded that this generation is being let down by the current system, and that parents are facing a “titanic struggle” to find the right help and support. We contributed to the Special Education Consortium’s submission, […]
New NICE guidance on growing older
Earlier this year, the DSA was pleased to be involved in shaping new guidance around growing older with a learning disability. We responded to a National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) consultation on developing new standards for services to adopt. These have now been published. It covers all settings where care and support is provided, […]
DSA statement on the death of ‘Jo-Jo’ from Hackney
The Down’s Syndrome Association is horrified by the details revealed today about the death of ‘Jo-Jo’. It is appalling to read about yet another person who had Down’s syndrome, and their family, being let down by the health and social care agencies that were supposed to be supporting them. The Safeguarding Adults Review published in […]
Health Alert! Campaign: Response to Government Consultation
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 […]
