Issues of Identity impact all of us.  ‘What makes you you?

How did you become the person you are? What defines you?  How do others regard you?  Do you have a label?  And more importantly, do you wear your label with pride?

Are you defined by your stature, the colour of your hair or your eyes, your age or ethnicity, the colour of your skin or your genetic makeup?

Or your interests, your expertise and experience, your passions, your job, where you live or your friends?

I recently shared some of my thoughts on an issue of identity with the BizCatalyst network through their InsteadTalks January session. You can watch or listen to my 13 minute talk here:

After the talk there was an opportunity for those in the room to share their thoughts, challenge or develop my ideas so we could all be engaged in conversations that matter. That part isn’t recorded, but I felt warmed by the responses that were shared, feeling that everyone in the room KNOWS that change is necessary to allow everybody to feel that they matter.

Identity truly does matter.

To the Blackwells we are a family of four adults all living our lives on purpose. But the world sees us very differently creating an issue of identity.   It sees 3 non-disabled people and 1 with learning disabilities.  Jen carries the label ‘learning disability’, generally perceived as challenging, difficult, a person not amounting to much.

We know that Jen is a unique person in her own right, contributing and recognised as inspiring and supporting others to the

Jen receiving British Empire Medal

best they can be too. Her most recent recognition in last summer’s King’s Honours List along with the Royal Society of the Arts accepting our joint application to become fellows means that Jen is now Miss Jennifer Blackwell BEM FRSA.

Has Jen changed because of this recognition?  Do we, society, regard Jen differently?  Does Jen have any more or any less right to hold her own personal opinions?  I would argue that Jen hasn’t changed and has no greater rights than before, but society has been shaken awake to the art of the possible.

Jen’s message hasn’t changed.  For 42 years she has always wanted to share her passion for dance and get the world dancing.  She doesn’t care who you are, where you come from, how old you are, how you present, she just wants to share the fun and get you involved, to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Jen wants to devise and perform choreography, and now does so along with DanceSyndrome at regional and community events and festivals, but also at big black tie events and award ceremonies.

Why shouldn’t Jen have the same opportunities as you and me to be herself and share her love and talents with others?  Just because Jen has Down’s syndrome, why shouldn’t Jen, follow her dreams of being a dance leader in her community?

Why shouldn’t Jen, and people with learning disabilities have access to support and encouragement to lead a life of their choosing and do what brings them joy in their lives?

We’re inviting you to believe in the possibility of creating a different society. Where every person matters, no matter who they are, what they look like or what their perceived abilities are. We believe everyone can contribute with joy in their life, to their family and community.

I want to challenge and change perceptions of what’s possible for people with a learning disability.

I want YOU to be energised, to think differently about leaders and leadership from unexpected places.

Our unique business and delivery model at DanceSyndrome is being recognised for the impact it’s making winning numerous awards just as Jen has. That’s not normal for people with a learning disability.

We’re recognised as leaders of change, creating an impact wherever we go. We make a difference through our workshops and training programs across all sectors. At universities we get under the skin of undergraduates before they embark on their careers influencing and changing their perceptions and assumptions about people with learning disabilities delivering seminars they will never forget.

We want to continue to transform the lives of people who are quite often the forgotten ones in society. What we’ve done, and what we do is considered extraordinary, but to us it’s ordinary. It’s who we are and how we think.  Now we want to reach every corner of the world.

This is an expensive, challenging and complex model but the rewards for individuals and for society at large, both now and in the future, are immense. Together we make a difference.

I invite you to bring your unique assets and talents to the table, experience the joy of DanceSyndrome, to join Malcolm and me spreading the message of hope, and show the world you care.

Please do leave add your thoughts to this conversation and get in touch with the support you can offer us to spread the message of hope because Everybody Matters.

_________________

DanceSyndrome transforms lives, creating change and opportunities for people with and without learning disabilities, their families and the wider community.

Truly honoured and excited that DanceSyndrome have been shortlisted for the Inclusive Innovation Award in the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards.