The Power of Stories Podcast

Jen and Sue discuss creating DanceSyndrome and their experiences showcasing the performances of this dance company… facing and overcoming the bureaucracy and systems that saw Jen as a learning disability instead of as a person… the importance of true inclusion rather than tokenistic inclusion to enable everyone to be a leader in their own life… Jen’s love of dance throughout her life… being honored at Buckingham Palace…. Jen being appointed Lead Ambassador for Innovation and Entrepreneurship by the High Sheriff of Manchester for her year of tenure in 2018.… encouraging all women and girls to speak out and speak up… and the importance of creating opportunities for all!

The Business Awards Podcast

Sue said ' Jen wanted to follow her dream of being a dancer and dance leader. After leaving school, Jen found herself in the frustrating position of not being able to fulfil her ambition because there was no suitable dance training for a person with a learning disability.

After 10 years of unsuccessfully searching for training that was appropriate and inclusive, it became clear that many others were in the same situation. Something needed to change so we took matters into our own hands."

POSTNOTED - September 2025

Hope, not burnout for carers

In Sue's article in this inaugural publication themed "Burnout is not a strategy" Sue shares their lived experience offering hope to those who are often overlooked in society.

Sue says, "To exist and function when nothing is working and you have no support, you need to take steps." She offers some helpful steps useful to anyone facing a problem.

To read the article Hope, not burnout for carers 

To get a print copy of Postnoted: Buy here

To get a digital copy of Postnoted: Buy here

DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION JOURNAL - Spring/Summer 2025

Dance to me is a driving force. 

DanceSyndrome: Learning what's possible with the right support, Together

"We had no idea what was possible for Jen’s life. All we knew was that as a unique individual she had the right to follow her dreams and we, her parents, would support her in any way we could to enable her to live a fulfilling life."

Full article available in the DSA Journal 150, Spring/Summer 2025.

LEARNING DISABILITY TODAY - December 2024

It's not rocket science it's love: supporting people with learning disabilities to achieve their goals and ambitions

Parenting is a challenge for everyone. Regardless of how well you prepare, you cannot know how you will respond until it happens. Then throw in learning disability. Compound that with negativity, stereotypes, professionals who apparently know what’s best for you and your family, the system of bureaucracy, numerous laws of the land such as the Care Act 2014, assessments and reviews, and who have the power to determine all of our futures.

This article shares the Blackwells personal story of supporting Jen to follow her dreams. "With the right support at the right time we can go further and further", says Jen.

Full article at Learning Disability Today

POSTNOTED - September 2025

Hope, not burnout for carers

In Sue's article in this inaugural publication themed "Burnout is not a strategy" Sue shares their lived experience offering hope to those who are often overlooked in society.

Sue says, "To exist and function when nothing is working and you have no support, you need to take steps." She offers some helpful steps useful to anyone facing a problem.

To read the article Hope, not burnout for carers 

To get a print copy of Postnoted: Buy here

To get a digital copy of Postnoted: Buy here