Jen’s summer months – in her own words

SueArt of the Possible, Carers, in her words, Inclusion, Jen, Learning Disability, Living lifeLeave a Comment

Three women smiling in summer dresses with food on table in front of them

I hope you had a lovely summer. I did. I’m loving my life, just being me. I’m having a blast! The July community showcase of my charity DanceSyndrome was just amazing.  All my dancers were together in one space.  Everyone shone in their own unique way and lit up the theatre but we came together in a new dance where … Read More

Sharing and impacting in Europe

SueArt of the Possible, Inclusion, Jen, Learning Disability, Opportunity, Thinking Differently5 Comments

Group of people on stage smiling and waving arms in air

We’ve just returned back to the UK buoyed up by a fabulous experience at #EAMHID25 in Ghent where Jen and the DanceSyndrome dancers made a significant contribution. Not only did they have an opportunity to deliver a solicited symposium (presentation) in conjunction with the NHS and a workshop ‘Embracing Inclusivity’, but they were given license to share their passion and … Read More

A ‘service user’ summer

SueArt of the Possible, Carers, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently2 Comments

Man stood on grass mountain top with snow covered mountains in background

How was it for you?  Your summer holiday that is. Hopefully you’re restored, refreshed, relaxed, reinvigorated.  It’s important isn’t it.  That break we all value so much, plan ahead of time, secure the dates in the work calendar, decide whether we prefer to go alone, with family or friends.  As autonomous adults we can choose where, when, the budget, and … Read More

Dear Parent

SueArt of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently1 Comment

Mum and daughter hugging on busy street

If you don’t have a child with learning disabilities, please read on to understand more.  This is our reality. If like me you do have an offspring with learning disabilities you’ll experience life very differently to the rest of society.  Dear Parent, How are you doing today? If we haven’t met before I’m Jen’s mum, occasionally known as Sue.  Today … Read More

Do you see me and my vulnerabilities

SueArt of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently2 Comments

Smiling toddler with hat on and wearing an adult necklace happy to be the centre of attention

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

Inclusion in Practice

SueArt of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently1 Comment

Jen holding banner equal opportunities for all outside Westminster

“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

This Down Syndrome Awareness Week 2025

SueConversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking DifferentlyLeave a Comment

Two ladies one wearing silver sparkles and sparkly headband one wearing white jacket. Both smiling, Creating shapes with their hands learning indian dance hand moves

Spot the dancers a mile off! A meeting of hearts and minds through dance, sparkles, smiles, two honorary Doctors of Arts from the University of Salford in 2024 communicate through their shared passion. From the moment we arrived at the prestigious Cholmondley Room Jen was on the look out for Dr Ria Meera Munshi. Her excitement was palpable. Yet again … Read More

Support must be fit for purpose – begin by listening

SueInclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently2 Comments

Woman with brown hair with Down's syndrome being looked at by woman with blonde hair. Both smiling. Text says My support is everything. Jen Blackwell and Donna Wheeldon

In all parts of our lives we find systems which are meant to be helpful. Support to navigate a certain aspect or point in time. Everyone accepts that ‘the system’ is broken.  But until we listen intelligently to individuals, people with learning disabilities will continue to remain invisible.  If we value everybody, truly believe in equity and equality of opportunity, … Read More

Accelerate Action – it’s possible if we choose to act differently

SueArt of the Possible, Conversation, Inclusion, Thinking DifferentlyLeave a Comment

Jen in green tshirt and Becky in red tshirt dancing. Male with glasses on in blue tshirt behind

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