I’m always mindful when writing as a carer of 43 years that I’ve had it relatively easy. Jen has been blessed with good health, so our challenges have mostly been intellectually, socially and emotionally focused. The lot of a carer is fraught with uncertainty and often significant financial sacrifice. We find ourselves needing eyes in the back of our heads … Read More
We have no idea what’s possible
30 years ago, May 1995, Jen aged 13 lay on a blanket under the pear tree in the garden whilst we planted an orchard. She was incapable of doing anything else. Jen had already been receiving medical intervention for 3 weeks. 1 day later she was in hospital and we were advised that she was terminally ill. At best she … Read More
Inclusion in Practice
“Inclusive education is a national priority—and a shared responsibility.” says Tom Rees, Chair of the DfE’s Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion. We agree! We’ve submitted the following to the enquiry, and have offered our support to engage further happy to share all we’ve learnt from our personal experiences: Social change is imperative if we are to create a fairer, more … Read More
Accelerate Action – it’s possible if we choose to act differently
The theme Accelerate Action coming from International Women’s Day 2025 is a powerful one. But only if we then take action on what we believe needs to change. I’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks capturing some conversations with some amazing women with different life experiences, cultures and stories from my own. But our commonality of wanting the world to … Read More
Solving the SEND Crisis – our opinions and evidence
The UK Government Education Committee inquiry “will focus on how to achieve both short term stability and long-term sustainability for the SEND system to improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people.” January 2025. We have submitted written evidence as parents of a 43 year old daughter with Down’s syndrome and feel that opening up the conversations, encouraging and … Read More
Eternal Opportunism
I have a problem. I have eternal opportunism written into my DNA. My glass is (almost) always half full, because if half empty I’d have walked off the end of that metaphorical short plank a long long time ago; or as Malcolm says, it keeps the men in white coats at bay. So how about you? Do you have clear … Read More
Thank you for being part of extraordinary lives
We have so much to give thanks for. So many people over the years have said “yes”, or “I don’t know but have you tried…” and supported our ambition that Jen born with Down’s syndrome, and others like her to be treated like any other human being – having the right support and opportunities to pursue their dreams and follow … Read More
The week that was spreading joy and happiness
The week that was! The precursor to the eventful week anticipated! Life with and for Jen is full on in so many wonderful ways no one could ever have foreseen. As a dancer Jen has made her mark. As a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend she is loved. As a leader, a flagbearer, a multi-award winner, a role model, … Read More
Leaders from unexpected places
Awards raise profile and awareness. This is our first exposure on a global stage making the largest minority in society more visible creating increased awareness for those in the room, opening eyes to the marginalized. Intellectual disability affects people from all walks of life across the world but all too often they are hidden from view rather than celebrated as … Read More
True inclusion is endemic within your practice
Inclusion, or rather the lack of it as a given has been the challenge of our lives. So much lip service paid, so much time, talk and energy poured into it, so much money spent, so many claims made, about something which in essence is so simple; in practice can be daunting. But is it of necessity such a huge … Read More