Awards raise profile and awareness.  This is our first exposure on a global stage making the largest minority in society more visible creating increased awareness for those in the room, opening eyes to the marginalized.   Intellectual disability affects people from all walks of life across the world but all too often they are hidden from view rather than celebrated as the unique individuals they are whether due to culture, embarrassment, financial means, ability of parents to be assertive on behalf of their loved one.

Jen didn’t choose to be born with learning disabilities.  Malcolm and I didn’t choose to be the parents of a person with learning disabilities.  Did you?

It’s life.  It happens.  But here we are on a global stage.  The bottom line is No Jen, no DanceSyndrome; No DanceSyndrome, no Jen; and no global recognition of what’s possible for people who happen to have intellectual disabilities.

Small charities like DanceSyndrome are rarely seen on global stages yet here we are defying all the odds.  GOLD winning Stevie honorees respected and valued for all that we believe in, for the way we go about it, for the outcomes we achieve.  This is exciting.  This is HUGE!

The advice given to us when Jen was born, was to ‘put her in a home and have another child’ –  words which will forever cut me to the quick.  Look at what would have been lost if we’d chosen to follow that professional advice.  DanceSyndrome is now a multi award winning charity in demand globally.  Our leaders have intellectual disabilities.  They are impacting ever increasing numbers of people directly and indirectly, spreading ripples of hope and positivity.

We crave sustainability for all those who are being told, “you can’t”, “you don’t belong”, “no!”. Jen and the Dance Leaders with learning disabilities are already creating waves of optimism in their communities and are role models for those others following in their wake. We know we’re only touching the surface right now. There are so many more who are ready to lead their own lives. With the right support and opportunities we’re excited for what’s possible when we secure the future foundations of this growing and impactful organisation.

The two GOLD Awards at the Stevies International Business Awards are incredible recognition. The judges comments showed us they understood what we’ve been aiming to do for the past 43 years, and the past 14 with DanceSyndrome. We believe this shows unrefutable support for the underlying belief, ethos, foundations, methodology and innovative inclusive equitable practice that is DanceSyndrome, supporting and empowering leaders from unexpected places.

It’s incredible and humbling in equal measure.  Comments at the awards were music to our ears – different, innovative, powerful, your application jumped off the page, unique – they all encourage us to keep going, keep believing, keep demonstrating ‘the art of the possible’.

DanceSyndrome has made Jen Jen, but if there had been no Jen, there would be no DanceSyndrome.  There are countless other people like Jen, most not yet as visible but when given the right opportunity they will be standing in front of you and will take your collective breath away.  If society is to move forward we have to be open to leaders from unexpected places who can open our eyes to possibilities as yet hidden beneath the surface.

I urge you to take notice, to listen with your hearts and your minds, to reach out to support small charities like DanceSyndrome boxing way above its weight making a huge impact, on the Jens of this world AND their families.  They are a treasure trove, a huge untapped font of potential waiting to be liberated.  They hold unimagined untold resources, riches to share with the world.  They teach us differently.  People with intellectual  disabilities are human beings who deserve to live lives of their choosing, but are unable to advocate for themselves effectively.  They are out of sight; lost.  As Jen teaches us ‘with the right support at the right time you can go further and further and further’.  We can all talk the talk, but words don’t help unless we also walk the walk, together.

This forgotten 2% of the world’s population wait in hope that you are enlightened to enhance their opportunities in life, to enable each ‘Jen’ to be supported by more ‘DanceSyndromes’.  Spreading joy, smiles, untold happiness through their infectious brand of leadership.  Working together we can all contribute to a happier, healthier, more fulfilled world.

If your organisation is ready to learn from our inclusive methodology or workshops that was praised by the judges, get in touch. With your help, we are creating the future foundations, spreading the knowledge and impact of leaders from unexpected places further and further and further.

DanceSyndrome’s transformative impact is profound, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and fostering social equity. Their innovative model and leadership development challenge societal perceptions, contributing significantly to community wellbeing and reducing reliance on public services.

Impressive organization run by truly inspirational leadership.

DanceSyndrome Provides advancement pathways and leadership development opportunities for individuals with disabilities, paving the way for their success.

Some of the judges comments about DanceSyndrome, Organisation of the Year (government and non-profit), International Business Awards, Stevies 2024

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Read more about the International Business Awards:

Thought Leader of the Year (non-profit) 2024, Sue Blackwell

Organisation of the Year (non-profit) 2024, DanceSyndrome