We don’t care that Jen has Down’s syndrome. Jen is Jen and that’s the bottom line.

For Jen, celebrating all those around the world with an extra chromosome, or Trisomy 21 is important. For Jen, it’s a celebration of her and people like her being recognized and valued for who they are. We have strict instructions to wear odd socks on World Down’s syndrome Day 21st March, even, or especially? on the ski slope which is where Malcolm, Jen and I will be together.

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/IlZIpm4kUaE

We had the real honour of spending some time with the inspirational Ciara Lawrence last week. It truly is wonderful to witness people with a learning disability break out of all the boxes they continue to be put in. I hope you’re able to find time to watch this 21 minute conversation from our time together. Ciara and Jen show us that if only we, society, look at things a different way we’ll be ending stereotypes very soon.

They both speak so powerfully about what’s possible when you have the right support to be yourself, and encouragement to live your own life, on your terms. It was also good to hear that I’m not the only one Jen shows the door when she’s had enough of me being Mum in her space! 😉

A brilliant start to the week at the Northern Power Women Awards saw DanceSyndrome awarded a wonderful trophy for Inclusive Innovation. Being commended for this in front of this wide ranging audience was truly amazing. Thank you judges for recognising us for what we do everyday and what we want to share with others – it’s possible to be inclusive in so many ways that most organisations we meet aren’t aware of.

The judges said, “DanceSyndrome challenges norms, fostering diversity, and creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities through dance. The organisation’s co-delivery model empowers participants, fostering inclusivity and challenging perceptions.“ We can’t be more proud to receive this award, and how fantastic that it’s this week when we’re celebrating that anything is possible for everybody with the right support.

Jen is truly a Dancing Queen and has led us through dance her whole life. Whilst I now know it’s a good thing to be a Disruptor for Good and I’ll continue to be who I am, I also know that each of us has the ability to make a difference. To end stereotypes, to challenge the norm, to be disruptive when we need to be and enable every person, whoever they are, to be accepted, included and encouraged to be their most brilliant self.

The stories and snippets we heard about the winners on Monday, those commended and the energy in the room, shows us all what we could do if we continue to stand up for equality of opportunity in all parts of our society, ending stereotypes on all fronts. Thank you Simone Roche MBE for bringing us together to be a force for good. I look forward to developing connections with my fellow disruptors and other Northern Power Women and Men to bring about the change that’s needed to ensure everybody has equality of opportunity to be themselves and dance to their own tune through life.

I hope you’ll celebrate with us the desire to end stereotypes and for individuals like Jen, who happen to have Down’s syndrome, to be recognised for who they are and what each of them bring to our lives and our communities.

______________

DanceSyndrome: Inspiring possibilities, igniting change and transforming lives. Creating opportunities for families with learning disabilities.

Online and community Everybody Dance sessions, captivating performances, development opportunities & inclusion in action training, breaking down barriers to individual happiness.