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. […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Karen Gavin and her husband John are older parents, at 60 and 69. Their son Matthew (21) has the dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the couple share looking after him at home. Matthew needs 1:1 care, 24 hours a day. John is at retirement age and works part-time and […]
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 […]
Being able to communicate our needs, wishes and feelings is important for our sense of identity and our wellbeing. Making meaningful choices and developing friendships with the people we chose enables us to feel valued and increases our confidence and self-esteem. Conversely a lack of choice and control over our daily lives can lead to […]
An edited list of links to useful resources from other organisations: New EHCP animations from Independent Support With support from DfE, Independent Support has produced two short animation films, which can be used by local authorities, front-line services, professionals and parent groups in their communications with parents and young people. They explain the Education, Health […]
