Latest news with #Down'sSyndrome
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Inspirational North Lanarkshire garden takes shape at new home
The Down's Syndrome Scotland garden will be located at the Watch US Grow charity within Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld. Work has started to give an award-winning garden from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show a permanent home in North Lanarkshire. The Down's Syndrome Scotland garden will be located at the Watch US Grow charity within Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld. This has been funded by Project Giving Back, a unique grant-making charity that supports cause-driven gardens at RHS Chelsea, ensuring their legacy continues by relocating them to community sites across the UK. Watch US Grow supports young adults with Additional Support Needs with gardening and life skills, and they will be involved in recreating and then maintaining the garden, which will be open to the public from next year. Designed by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, the garden takes visitors on a journey through the life of someone with Down's syndrome. It highlights their many unique qualities while also challenging visitors to appreciate and understand the barriers that people with Down's syndrome still face as they strive to live their best lives. It was inspired by Duncan's eight-year-old nephew, Liam, who has Down's syndrome and is supported by Down's Syndrome Scotland. The garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal for small show garden and the People's Choice for Best Small Show Garden. North Lanarkshire Council Leader Jim Logue and Convener of the council's Environment and Climate Change Committee Councillor Helen Loughran visited the garden site to meet the team involved. 'The garden is truly inspirational, creating a picture of the qualities of people with Down's syndrome as well as the challenges and barriers they face on a daily basis,' Councillor Logue said. 'The young people from Watch US Grow will benefit hugely from being involved in planting and looking after the garden and we're proud to have the garden here at Palacerigg Country Park for visitors to enjoy for years to come. 'We also hope it raises awareness of and sparks discussion about the issues faced by people with disabilities in our communities.' The double award-winning garden will officially open in May 2026 when it will be in full bloom, recreating the stunning garden that was seen by the thousands of visitors to RHS Chelsea last month. 'For a charity like Watch Us Grow, who use gardening to educate and improve people's lives, there is no greater opportunity than this,' said Tom Harten, General Manager at Watch US Grow. 'The Down's Syndrome Scotland Garden will now become an integral part of Watch Us Grow and the work we do. It will be maintained by adults with Additional Support Needs, which will include Down's Syndrome but also Autism and a range of other learning disabilities. 'This is so great for so many including the two charities, Watch Us Grow and Down's Syndrome Scotland, and the garden designers but also for North Lanarkshire, Palacerigg Country Park, the local community and garden lovers all over Scotland who may like to visit. I would like to thank Down's Syndrome Scotland for recognising the work we do and choosing to partner with us to look after this amazing garden.' Eddie McConnell, who is the Chief Executive of Down's Syndrome Scotland and who lives locally in Cumbernauld, joined the Leader and the Convener in their recent visit to the garden at Watch US Grow. He said: 'We are thrilled to bring our Chelsea Garden to Palacerigg Country Park and to partner with Watch US Grow and North Lanarkshire Council who have been so supportive of our efforts to create this unique public space for everyone to enjoy.'
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
'I was told to terminate my pregnancy – my son is a happy and thriving model now'
'I was told to terminate my pregnancy – my son is a happy and thriving model now' Leanne Constable said she was given more information from medics about ending her pregnancy than what Down syndrome meant for her unborn baby Leanne Constable was 16 weeks pregnant when she was told there was a 95% chance her son would be born with Down's syndrome. In the weeks that followed the mum from Port Talbot said she was given more information from medics about terminating her pregnancy than the condition her unborn baby had. One consultant told her: "Babies with Down's are never healthy and you'll be lucky if he achieves much." This left Leanne, who already had three older children, so traumatised that she insisted it be written on her notes that she did not want to discuss aborting her baby. Four years on and Parker is a happy child in reception at mainstream school. He cannot talk yet, but took his first steps to cheers from friends and communicates through Makaton signing. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Leanne, 44, says her son with Down's syndrome has changed her outlook on life for the better. She was so shocked by the negative response of medics through her pregnancy that when Parker was one she signed him up for a modelling agency and charts his progress to 140,000 followers on Instagram to raise awareness rebuff "old fashioned" views. Leanne was 39 when she had Parker and already had three other children, now aged 18, 19 and 22, all of whom dote on their little brother. But she admits she and Parker's dad Stefan Rowe, were shocked at first. Parker aged four from Port Talbot, has Down's Syndrome and his mum Leanne Constable is raising awareness by charting his life on instagram and signing him up as a child model (Image: Leanne Constable ) Article continues below "I had a routine blood test when I was 16 weeks pregnant and they rang to tell me it showed a one in five chance my baby had Downs," recalls Leanne "The midwives rang to tell me at 6.30pm one evening. I was driving to get shopping when I took the call. I was shocked and distraught. I was driving with the speaker on and my daughters were in the car." The midwives had rung so late to see if Leanne could come in first thing next morning to do another, more accurate, blood test that could then be sent off that day. Leanne did that test and the following week the midwives rang telling her there was a 95% chance her baby had Down's syndrome and offering termination. "I had prepared myself for this but I was totally distraught. I didn't really know anything about Down's," said Leanne, "I had seen people with it but had no personal connection and had an outdated version of what it means. I was worried that people with Down's were institutionalised. "My biggest concern was that he would not have a good life and that he would be bullied. Termination never entered my head but on the same phone call they suggested termination. I felt awful. They wanted me to go and have an amniocentesis ( the prenatal check for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities) for to a definite answer. I said "there is no decision to be made. I am keeping my baby." Parker's cheeky smile (Image: Leanne Constable ) Leanne contacted charities to find out more about the condition saying she got "no help" with that from the NHS. "There is more help in terms of termination than keeping a baby with Down's. That feels wrong. I felt all the way through my pregnancy that the obstetricians always asked why I didn't have an amnio. I had to have it put in my note: "do not discuss termination." At 20 weeks pregnant Leanne said when she told an obstetrician she just wanted her baby to be healthy and happy the reply was: "Down syndrome children are never healthy." "Her question was why did you not have the amnio? I said "all I want is that our baby is healthy" and there are risks with the amnio. I was very upset and refused to see that obstetrician again. Leanne said midwives she saw were supportive "but generally the medics were really negative about me keeping my Down's Syndrome baby and it was an awful experience." Parker aged four from Port Talbot, has Down's Syndrome . He is pictured here with his mum Leanne Constable and dad Steffan Rowe and older sisters and brother Luke, 18, Lilly, 19 and Elle, 22. (Image: Leanne Constable ) A few days after Parker was born he was diagnosed also with Hirschsprung Disease which meant part of his large intestine does not have nerve was transferred to the Noah's Ark children's hospital in Cardiff aged three months where surgeons cut away part of his bowel. The operation was a success, although Parker has on going bowel issues, but Leanne and Parker's dad were delighted to bring their baby home him home. Leanne says she wants people to know that their her son has achieved, just more slowly. "Parker is the most loving little boy you'll ever meet. He has a cheeky little personality. He's funny and determined and doesn't give up. It makes your heart burst." He didn't walk until he was three and a half and does not speak yet but has started to make sounds. Both speech and walking aere delayed by low muscle tone which is part of Down syndrome. Leanne says "we get nothing on the NHS". Parker had physiotherapy in a block on the NHS which has not stopped and speech and language therapy also ended "after a few sessions". Now the little boy has free weekly speech and language sessions through Swansea based charity Hands Up for Down's. Parker aged four from Port Talbot, has Down's Syndrome with his mum Leanne Constable and dad Steffan Rowe (Image: Leanne Constable ) Parker loves watching football and tries to kick a ball. He also likes puzzles and Mr Tumble. His favourite foods are pizza and corned beef pasties and he enjoys school. "I worried so much about whether to send him to mainstream school but it's been great and our local primary has been so supportive." Parker started in reception last autumn and moves up to year one in September. Leanne said she wants to share her son's life and progress. "I first set up Parker's instagram as a way of sharing with family and friends. Then I decided that because I had had such a negative experience with doctors I wanted to show parents a real life of a person with Down's and the joy and love. I am not saying there are not hard days, but you can have that with any child. Having one less chromosome does not mean he is worth less. "He has done modelling and has done shoots for Primark and Sainsbury. He was one year old when he started modelling ad I did it to break boundaries. I wanted to show that different is beautiful. Parker is beautiful "He's made me a better person. A good life is about being with family and not just about what you can achieve.." National charity Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) said more children with Down syndrome than ever before are thriving in mainstream education. The charity said across the UK 65% of pupils with Down syndrome now attend mainstream schools. It's a huge increase from 30 years ago when just 37% did. "This is partly due to increased inclusion policies and legislation outlawing discrimination. But it's also because parents increasingly want their child to have a mainstream education at their local school of choice, backed by evidence that has shown that with the right support, children with Down syndrome can thrive there," the charity said. Leanne agrees: 'Being in a mainstream setting offers Parker vital opportunities for social connection, language development and real-world learning experiences that can't be replicated in a segregated environment. Inclusive education isn't about making children 'fit in' - it's about making sure every child belongs. And Parker deserves to belong." There are approximately 40,000 people with Down's syndrome in the UK, including 8,000 under 18s. DSUK has been developing services to provide ongoing support to educators and has an early years support programme. What is Down's syndrome? Down's syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome happens when a baby is born with an extra chromosome. This usually happens by chance, because of a change in the sperm or egg before the baby is born, the NHS website says. Article continues below "People with Down' syndrome will have some level of learning disability. This means they'll have a range of abilities. Some people will be more independent and do things like get a job. Other people might need more regular care."
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
Children's Charity Unveils World-First Skatepark Aid Inspired by Swansea Boy
Children's charity Cerebra has unveiled an innovative solution to improve accessibility in skateboarding inspired by a little boy who was 'desperate' to skate. The harnessing system was revealed on the latest leg of Relay Your Way, a mass participation relay across Wales, Scotland and England involving more than 9,000 school children, participants, and supporters. Cerebra, the national UK charity dedicated to supporting children who have a neurological condition, created Relay Your Way to promote inclusivity in sports and ensure that no child is left on the sidelines. Over 33 days the baton will journey through towns and cities, bringing together thousands of people in a celebration of accessibility, adventure and inclusion. Cerebra's Innovation Centre, which designs bespoke products to help disabled children discover and engage with the world around them, revealed its new system to help children with reduced mobility take part in park skating at Exist Skatepark as Relay Your Way made its way through Swansea. Ollie, 12, inspired the creation of the new system after his mum approached Cerebra searching for a solution to help him give skating a try. Ollie has Down's Syndrome and some challenges with his balance that can make using a skateboard more difficult. 'Ollie had been absolutely desperate to try skateboarding but he had a few issues with balance that meant a regular skateboard just wasn't suitable,' Ollie's mum Jilly said. 'I contacted Cerebra and they developed a board that has two handles for him so he can push off, hold himself up and do it himself now.' Ollie has been using his new skateboard regularly, but the team at Cerebra felt they could develop another adaptation around park skating. The result is a first of its kind harness system which incorporates a gantry fitted above the park's obstacles and ramps. Some of Ollie's mental health challenges stem from the trauma of sadly losing his sister, Lily, who also had Down's Syndrome, a month before her tenth birthday in May 2019. Jilly says Ollie now has increased anxiety but taking part in sport helps him engage with others, socialise and keep fit. He now plays for a rugby team as well as making trips out on his skateboard. 'When my daughter was alive we had one of Cerebra's oxygen trolleys,' Jilly said. 'I'm just so grateful that they do this sort of thing to help children and parents.' Dr Ross Head, Cerebra Innovation Centre Lead, said: 'We wanted to enable Ollie to go skateboarding, but importantly, we wanted him to skate with other children and on equipment that looks the same as theirs. The gantry system was a huge undertaking, but we were confident that Ollie and many other children will be able to learn to skate and enjoy the comradery of the skatepark. 'Adaptive skateboarding will enable Ollie to learn a new sport, make friends and exercise – some really important aspects for living a healthy life and improving wellbeing.' Kate Leonard, Exist Skatepark owner, said: 'Exist skatepark is absolutely delighted to be a part of Cerebra's new inclusive innovation. 'This isn't just good news for our skatepark, it's good news for accessibility, inclusivity, Wales and the sport of skateboarding as a whole. We are honoured to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see how it impacts the landscape of skateboarding and the children, young people and communities who will benefit from it.'
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Finally, Bollywood fully embraces neurodivergence
The critics have had their say. They've called the new film from Aamir Khan Productions, with the 60-year-old superstar in the lead role of a much younger basketball coach with a festering father wound, 'simplistic','moralistic', 'a moral science lesson'. Yes, the script is too eager to hammer in the point. And Khan's performance is no better than how we've often seen him play big protagonist roles — laboured, every dialogue and twitch exaggerated, and ponderous in the way he totes a message about prejudices in Indian society. PREMIUM Sitaare Zameen Par released in theatres on Friday. This is not a film review. This is a reflection on the thematic and representative milestone that Bollywood has reached with Sitaare Zameen Par. The ensemble cast that surrounds Gulshan (Aamir Khan), who is on a judicial penalty to teach a group of neurodivergent players to victory in a tournament, is an absolute triumph. Gopi Krishnan Varma as Guddu, Vedant Sharmaa as Bantu, Naman Misra as Hargovind, Rishi Shahani as Sharmaji, Rishabh Jain as Raju, Ashish Pendse as Sunil Gupta, Samvit Desai as Karim Qureshi, Simran Mangeshkar as Golu Khan and Aayush Bhansali as Lotus — these actors, who play the team Gulshan leads in the film, are on the neurodivergent spectrum themselves, which includes Down's Syndrome and Autism. The relish and sensitivity with which they have played their roles is the most heartfully inclusive thing about the film. Unlike actors who play roles of neurodivergent characters, there is no acting tricks and effort on display. As the linear, simplified narrative unfolds, we begin to love Guddu, Sharmaji and the gang for the way they are. The film, then, is already a success. My teenage daughter was enraptured and in love with this basketball team and called the film 'so sweet' — words that I don't often hear from her these days. If Sitaare Zameen Par manages to get the box office numbers in an industry going through one of its worst slumps ever—the opening box office numbers, estimated by most trade websites at around Rs11.5 crore — it's a win not just for Khan and his company, but also for Bollywood. While garnering much-needed revenue, it will break the mould of mawkish and cruel ways in which Hindi films have portrayed intellectual disability and physical appearance. There are far too many examples in recent times. Among the few that perhaps got it right are Gulzar's Kosish (1972), in which Jaya Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar played a deaf and mute couple with elegance and sensitivity. In 2014, Kalki Koechlin played a bisexual woman with cerebral palsy in Shonali Bose's Margarita With a Straw — raw, emotionally rich and with a wonderfully balanced sense of the character's inner life and her external mannerisms dictated by her neurological condition. Also Read: CBFC orders Hindi film 'Sitaare Zameen Par' to include PM Modi quote In most films, the effort shows actors taking on the difficult task of getting into the skin of neurodivergent characters. The Golmaal series (2006, 2008, 2010, 2017) directed by Rohit Shetty — commercially one of the most lucrative comedy franchises in Bollywood — ridicules the speech disorder of one of the lead characters played by Tusshar Kapoor with relentless glee. In Housefull 3 (2016), directed by Sajid Khan and Farhad Samji, the lead trio of men played by Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh, adopt facile impersonations of physically and intellectually challenged people to win over the sympathy of women they desire. Jaideep Sen's Krazzy 4 (2008), spells out its boorish insensitivity towards mental health literally, in the title itself — and also in the way characters played by Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan and Rajpal Yadav use schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder as fuel for shallow comedic propellers. Hrithik Roshan in a paralytic stasis in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish (2010) was an exotic specimen behaviourally; in R Balki's Paa (2009), Amitabh Bachchan played a person with progeria with a lot of acting effort, all of which as on such magnified display every moment he was on screen, it was more about the actor than the condition he was portraying. In most films where there are neurodiverse characters, they are not given dialogues; only over-gesticulated mannerisms. Anurag Basu's Barfi! (2012), in which Priyanka Chopra played a girl with autism, the strain of no-dialogues (most autistic individuals can speak, by the way) led to some really awkward moments of overacted histrionics. Cut to 2025. RS Prasanna, who earlier directed Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2013) in Hindi after making the same film in Tamil, a film about the socio-personal implications of erectile dysfunction, turns out to be a perfect match to Aamir Khan's brand of social message cinema in adapting the Spanish language film Campeones (2018) to an Indian context with Sitaare Zameen Par. The film is a spirit sequel of Taare Zameen Par (2007), also an Aamir Khan Productions film with Khan in the lead role of a teacher who uplifts a child with dyslexia. Also Read: 'Aamir Khan can take risks, nothing will change': Prosenjit Chatterjee on Sitaare Zameen Par's theatre-only release The production team of Sitaare Zameen Par has revealed that over almost a year, thousands of neurodivergent people were auditioned for the roles. Experts on mental health and the neurodivergence spectrum were consulted at every stage of production. A spokesperson from the team said that among experts who were consulted were Mughda Kalra, an autism activist and parent advocate who focuses on diversity and inclusion, Tayzeen Rasool, an autistic self-advocate who works with Ummeed's School Inclusion team and Dr Nina Vaidya, a paediatrician and special education consulted who held several workshops with Khan and his team of actors and technicians. A film close to Sitaare Zameen Par in spirit and intent, certainly not in tone, is the Hollywood comedy-drama The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. Zack Gottsagen plays Zak, a man with Down's syndrome who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. After escaping from an assisted living facility, Zak finds himself on a small fishing boat owned by a man named Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), who is on the run himself. The two men form a deep friendship as they share their thoughts on everything under the sun—love, loss, and their dreams. It's a refreshing take on how disabled characters and their friendships are written and portrayed, because it addresses the critical issue of representation, something that disabled people face both in cinema and in real life as well. Unlike many films that see able-bodied actors play disabled characters, Gottsagen, himself a person with Down's syndrome, delivers an authentic performance, highlighting what is often missing in such portrayals. For parents of children in the neurodivergent spectrum, and anyone touched by it, the highest point, the sigh-inducing uplift in Sitaare Zameen Par must have been when the Coach Gulshan realises — and verbalises with notes of peak overacting — that the members of this singular team of basketball players can be exemplarily human than a misanthropic, egotistic man caught up in proving he is always right and the world owes him the success that he hasn't got. The most emotionally persuasive performers are the neurodivergent actors, carrying through a story plucked out on the audience's heartstrings. The single dialogue that clearly borders on preachiness and oversimplification, but encapsulates the film's edifyingly inclusive spirit is, 'Aapka normal aapka, unka normal unka (Your normal is yours, their normal is theirs). So audiences, say the stars or sitaares, don't impose your normal on us. Sitaare Zameen Par released in theatres on Friday. Sanjukta Sharma is a Mumbai-based journalist and critic.
North Wales Live
18-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
