The week that was! The precursor to the eventful week anticipated! Life with and for Jen is full on in so many wonderful ways no one could ever have foreseen. As a dancer Jen has made her mark. As a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend she is loved. As a leader, a flagbearer, a multi-award winner, a role model, … Read More
Leaders from unexpected places
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 … Read More
Holidaying Blackwell style
What a beautiful summer at the end of a beautiful year from nomadics living our lives of choice. I feel like the luckiest person alive as Malcolm and I celebrate 46 years of marriage. Pity about the weather! Depression after depression after depression this August 2024, but the right place for us to be is out on the water. Otherwise … Read More
Do you see me
For Learning Disability Awareness Week 2024 this question, “Do you see me?” posed by Mencap is so deep and so profound, whilst simultaneously distressing, disappointing, and painful that it even merits consideration. It is a sad travesty of the 21st century, an inditement of the way society has stood idly by as people who happen to be learning disabled or … Read More
Changing lives one person at a time
When the idea for gathering dancers with and without learning disabilities together to learn skills, create choreography and support each other to develop it was because nothing existed to support our daughter Jen to do what she wanted to do – Dance. Jen, with a her support team at that time, came up with idea in her bedroom, then put … Read More
Working together
It’s fascinating what the two words, “working together” conjure up isn’t it? Does it really mean two or more people joining together in an equitable relationship to create something? Or does it mean that someone is wanting to do something for you that really only benefits them or their organisation, but because it may be seen as “helpful” it can … Read More
Is every relationship equitable?
In my experience the simple answer is no. But should every relationship always be equitable? I believe every person has the right to be seen and heard in the language appropriate to them, with every voice and person of whatever age, ability or background, being able to contribute their thoughts, ideas fairly and equally with those they are in relationship … Read More
Ending stereotypes
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 … Read More
Inclusion from the bottom up
If all humans are to be afforded the respect and opportunities that they deserve, we have to learn how to live differently and embrace people from all walks of life – inclusion from the bottom up. Perhaps it’s easier to look at inclusion as a life-style choice? Because choice it is. If inclusion is your default setting it subconsciously impacts … Read More
A wander down memory lane
This weekend saw me dive into files I’ve not looked at for years. Photos, articles, letters of support all focused on the Art of the Possible, even one from my old music teacher at school, then the deputy head with whom my relationship was complicated by the fact that she was also a personal friend of my parents. She was … Read More