On 14 October I had the pleasure of introducing everyone at the Relight the Fire of Choice and Control event to DanceSyndrome. Opening the day gave us the chance to demonstrate what practising true inclusion and fighting for real choice and control can do. The event was organised by NW ADASS, Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), Social Care Future, In … Read More
Creating special moments – In Jen’s own words
I have had some really special moments these past few months that I want to share. After our Express performance in June, my dancing family all worked on new dances. Some people worked on new mass participation dances, some in small groups. I created a new solo dance with Dance Artist Matthew. He helped me improve my dance with some … Read More
Dare to Let Go of the Bank
How learning disability led us to Colorado is a story that begins with possibility, friendship, ski slopes, and a daughter called Jen. But this particular chapter starts with three kayaks and a step ladder… A paddle for three in 3 kayaks certainly appealed. Why not? What could be better on a scorching day in the Rockies? What we hadn’t appreciated … Read More
Express yourself – in Jen’s own words
It’s been a busy few months! I really enjoyed meeting and dancing with people who we usually see online when they join DanceSyndrome dance sessions at the Encore weekend in April because they don’t live near Preston. We created dance with each other as one big dancing family. We were all very happy. Attending the Board meeting in April with … Read More
‘I Need Personal Time and Personal Space’ is true for everyone
In a bit of a bind, my daughter Jen — who has a learning disability — declared ‘I need personal time and personal space’. True for all of us! We’ve all been there. It’s all too easy to be overwhelmed by one element of our lives which rears its head at every waking moment. E-mails and social media are perhaps … Read More
You’re Missing a Trick: The Truth About Inclusion and Learning Disabilities
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
Do You See Me? Learning Disability Awareness Week 2026
Learning Disability Awareness Week always gives me pause. Not because I need reminding — Jen has made sure of that for the last 44 years — but because it creates a moment in the calendar where the world asks us to stop, if only briefly, to ask some important questions. This year’s theme: Do you See me. Do you Hear … 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
The Making of Us: 45 Years Defined by Jen — A Down’s Syndrome Family Story
In the UK Carers week and Learning Disability Awareness Week are celebrated back to back in ‘blazing’ June. Both resonate so powerfully with me and my life defined by Jen, our daughter who arrived almost 45 years ago with the unexpected addition of Down’s syndrome. We all know that becoming a parent changes your life for ever. Little did we … 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