Campaigning for fair and equal rights for people with Down’s syndrome
What we do
Campaigns
Every year, on 21st March we mark World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. It’s celebrated on 21st of 3rd month because people with Down’s syndrome have 3 copies of chromosome 21. Because chromosomes look like socks we also encourage people to rock their socks by wearing an odd pair! World Down Syndrome Day shines a light on the profile and capabilities of people with Down’s syndrome. In recent years we’ve shared our message of young people showing their potential with #Ihavepotential.
To follow our campaigns please see @CDSSGroup (Facebook) and @cdssgroup (Twitter).
To follow our campaigns please see @CDSSGroup (Facebook) and @cdssgroup (Twitter).
Awareness talks and assemblies
Thousands of Cheshire school children across the county have benefitted from our awareness assemblies which provide accurate information about Down’s syndrome and inclusion. We have also presented information at Rotary, Mothers’ Union and other community group events. If you’d like to book an awareness assembly for your Cheshire school, college or university please contact us at schools@cdssgroup.org.uk.
Makaton training
We provide Makaton training for health and education professionals as well as community groups and local businesses. Makaton uses signs and symbols to help people to communicate and is widely used within the Down’s syndrome community. We’ve recently led a campaign to make Northwich Makaton friendly and worked with Northwich BID to deliver taster Makaton sessions to small businesses in the area so that people who use the language can communicate with their local service providers. We hope to roll this initiative out throughout Cheshire.
Communications
Spreading the national Down’s Syndrome Association message, our Tell it Right, Start it Right posters are designed to inform health professionals and encourage them to use the right language and terminology when supporting a person with Down’s syndrome and their family. We also produce maternity packs for local hospitals for midwives to give to new parents, general information about our charity and a comprehensive calendar of our events with details of how families can book on to them. In addition, our quarterly digital newsletter ‘DownTime’ publishes our latest charity news and events as well as relevant national and international stories. If you would like to become one of our community champions by helping us to distribute information, please contact us at admin@cdssgroup.org.uk.
Every single person with Down’s syndrome has the right to live the life they choose. Our current campaign #lostinlockdown: Our Future Matters calls on the Government to give young people with Down’s syndrome the option to repeat a year of college.
The coronavirus pandemic has created an education crisis for all children and young people. This has been intensified for those with Down’s syndrome, many of whom have not been able to attend college due to being on the Critically Extremely Vulnerable list. They have not had the face-to-face interactions, repetition of real-life skills and opportunity for work experience needed to successfully transition into adulthood. This has resulted in extreme learning loss, which if not addressed will result in a lost generation that have not had the opportunities to build the learning and life skills needed to engage fully in society.
How you can support our campaign
Sign our petition.
Use the resource links below to help us lobby the Government by writing to your local MP and calling for action on this issue.
You can also help by spreading the word on social media. You can download campaign images to share below.
If you require more information about the campaign please contact admin@cdssgroup.org.uk
Resources
Facebook: Graphic 1, Graphic 2, Graphic 3
FAQs
What is Down’s Syndrome?
The presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 in a baby’s cells causes Down’s syndrome. This usually occurs because of a chance happening the time of conception which can either come from the mother or the father. It is still not known what causes the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Anyone of any race, class or nationality can have a child with Down’s syndrome.
Can I catch Down’s syndrome?
No. Down’s syndrome is a not a disease. You cannot catch it and people who have it are not ill and do not “suffer” from the condition.
Why is it called Down’s syndrome?
It is named after an English doctor John Langdon Down who, in 1866 published the first comprehensive description of the condition.
Are there different types of Down’s syndrome?
Yes. There are three types of Down’s syndrome. They are:
Trisomy 21 – with this type all the cells have an extra chromosome 21. About 94% of people with Down’s syndrome will have this type.
Translocation – this occurs when extra chromosome 21 material is attached to another chromosome. Around 4% of people with Down’s syndrome have this type.
Mosaic – in this case only some of the cells have an extra chromosome 21. About 2% of people with Down’s syndrome have this type.
Trisomy 21 – with this type all the cells have an extra chromosome 21. About 94% of people with Down’s syndrome will have this type.
Translocation – this occurs when extra chromosome 21 material is attached to another chromosome. Around 4% of people with Down’s syndrome have this type.
Mosaic – in this case only some of the cells have an extra chromosome 21. About 2% of people with Down’s syndrome have this type.
How many people in the UK have Down’s syndrome?
There are approximately 40,000 people in the UK who have Down’s syndrome and around 1 in every 1000 babies born in the UK will have the condition.
What are people with Down’s syndrome like?
They are individuals like everyone else all with different personalities, talents, tastes and experiences. People with Down’s syndrome go to school, have relationships, pursue interests, work and live independent lives. There are certain physical characteristics that are more common in people who have Down’s syndrome but they will still more closely resemble their family members. Everyone with Down’s syndrome has a learning disability which means it’ll take longer for them to process information and learn new skills and tasks. This does not mean that they will not learn, develop and achieve.
What is portage?
Portage is guidance on how you and your child can interact, experience and learn together through play. It is sometimes referred to as ‘inclusion’. A portage worker can offer help, advice, guidance and practical suggestions about how to enhance your child’s learning and understanding of the world and benefit them physically and mentally. We offer portage training for families. For more information, contact us or see our calendar for details.
What’s the life expectancy of a person with Down’s syndrome?
The average life expectancy for a person with Down’s syndrome today is between 50 and 60 years although people can live into their seventies.
What is life like for people with Down’s syndrome?
With improved education, healthcare and support there are now more opportunities than ever before for people with Down’s syndrome to lead the lives they want to. Many adults with Down’s syndrome leave home, enjoy loving relationships, are active members of their community and have jobs. Others also win medals, gain qualifications and inspire others!