Things Need to Change Do you see me? We’re all human beings. So often people with learning disabilities are invisible in full sight. We must always speak with and to, not around or over or just to the carer — never referencing ‘he’ or ‘she’ who is standing right there in front of you. We are all individuals. We all … Read More
Learning Disability Leadership in Action
What happens when you believe in someone? Can people with learning disabilities take on leadership roles? DanceSyndrome’s experience over 17 years says yes — unequivocally — when the right conditions are in place. Peter Pamphlett’s journey is one of the clearest examples of what learning disability leadership looks like when it’s genuinely supported to grow. There is something we don’t … Read More
Why inclusion matters to parents of children with learning disabilities
Parents of children with learning disabilities experience many closed doors when searching for activities to support their child’s development. Welcoming open doors, people who care and listen to the individual and family needs are the foundation for inclusive activity providers. As a family with one member having a learning disability we are well aware of the importance of different activities … Read More
Is this the single largest inexcusable travesty of the 21st Century?
Dear Jo Public Is this the single largest inexcusable travesty of the 21st Century? What do you know, or choose to know? Do you care? I live in a world where injustices are metered out as commonplace where inequalities are the accepted norm, where people like my daughter Jen are unknown and unseen, invisible in full sight. In my world … Read More
Championing social change
I’m honoured to be recognised as a finalist for “20 years a Social Enterprise Champion” in Selnet Ltd awards, and to have been nominated for the SMK Lifetime Achievement award. I have always championed social change, challenging assumptions and adding my voice and support wherever I can – as a naturally shy introvert that’s been quite something! I believe when … Read More
Humanity rising – the power of love
These past couple of weeks have been amazing, a microcosm of our world in theory and in practice. We have embraced risk and opportunity, we have committed to each other and travelled the miles, inspired and impacted unsuspecting others, and opened doors to the future for DanceSyndrome with Jen seen, heard, valued and respected communicating through her language of dance. … Read More
DanceSyndrome 17 years on
Thank you for noticing and for your congratulations! Can it really be 17 years since we took those first faltering steps towards the birth of DanceSyndrome? Like so many decisions it was driven by necessity. Jen’s world was crumbling around her and the frustration of her aspirations not being recognized just because she has a learning disability was too much … Read More
Choosing your path
I shall always remember the very first time we visited and fell in love with Guernsey. Aft clambering over rocks we were resting and admiring the view from the alluring coast path, Jen gurgling happily in a kangaroo carrier as Malcolm and I chatted quietly smitten by the beauty of our surroundings and the profundity of the moment as we … Read More
Exclusion or Inclusion?
We all have choices in life. But sometimes society, our community or situations are created unequal. Sometimes, people are excluded, or included, because of the colour of their skin, their gender, their finances, where they were born or their disability. How many of us would choose to be excluded from society? Would we choose to be denied access to opportunities, … Read More
Jen’s summer months – in her own words
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