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
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
Atlantic Odyssey 2 days 4 – 5
5 May 2026 at 14:38:44 BST Day 4 It’s a slow day at the office where I find myself musing on food……… I’d never really given it the time of day before, but onboard in calm conditions it’s brought home to me that there are so many steps between procuring the food to eating the food. We stocked up to … 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
Together against loneliness
With an important caveat. All views are personal and formed over 70 years of living, 44 with Jen, who today presents as her most fulfilled self ever. Let’s consider the work/life balance for all of us. What works best – for you, for people you know, for your family members, your loved ones, for people with learning disabilities? And how … 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