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.
We have heard of schools, colleges, employers and service providers excluding people who have Down’s syndrome, even when those effected have made an informed decision to continue to exercise their right to remain in education, working or attending a day service.
The advice for people on the clinically extremely vulnerable list as we go into a national lockdown in England may not be called ‘shielding’ anymore but it is almost as severe as shielding was in the spring. The fact that the guidance is advisory rather than mandatory also seems to have been lost in translation. There is no clarity about how the ‘guidance’ should be implemented, decisions are being made inconsistently and, as we predicted, people are being treated unfairly, based on individual interpretations.
We are seeking clarity on how the advice in England can be interpreted without contravening people’s Human Rights. We are also in discussion with Government in Wales and Northern Ireland to find out what being on the list of people who are clinically extremely vulnerable means to adults who have Down’s syndrome in the nations.
We know that the situation for all of us, whether we are in temporary full national lockdown, under local restrictions or transitioning between the two, is extremely difficult.
However, please be assured that the Down’s Syndrome Association continues to advocate strongly for our members with Government, nationally and locally, education providers, social care providers, employers and the medical profession, and that we will not let them be forgotten.