Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch welcomed Down’s Syndrome Scotland yesterday (Thursday 20th March) at the Scottish Parliament. The charity, which supports people with Down’s syndrome, their families and professionals, held an information session for MSPs to highlight Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (17th to 23rd March 2014) and the United Nations World Down’s Syndrome Day (Friday 21st March).

Mr Thompson welcomed the chance to learn more about Down’s syndrome to better support constituents living in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. The event provided an opportunity for MSPs to discuss with Down’s Syndrome Scotland the interests and concerns of people with Down’s syndrome. Kim Scott, who has Down’s syndrome and is a speaker for Down’s Syndrome Scotland, talked about her work with the charity.

Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said: “Down’s Syndrome Scotland supports many families throughout the country and this event is a chance for us all to learn more about their Family Support Service and new projects like the Communication Skills Pilot that started this year. It was also great to hear about the role of Kim and workers like her who are inspiring examples of how people with Down’s syndrome can work and do their job well if given the opportunities to do so.

“People with Down’s syndrome have a right to be listened to just like any other constituent and I believe that as a society we should do more to engage with people with learning disabilities and their carers. Down’s Syndrome Scotland provides much-needed support to many and I wish them all the best in the future.

Pandora Summerfield, Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, said: “This information session at the Scottish Parliament is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Down’s syndrome. By informing MSPs about the condition and about our services, we want to ensure that the interests of our members are not forgotten in political debates.

“As a charity, we are committed to helping our members reach their full potential. Through our work, we know that issues like speech therapy, welfare, employment and dementia are major causes of concern to people with Down’s syndrome and their families. These are important topics that need to be discussed. Improving knowledge of Down’s syndrome is key to our mission. We look forward to organising similar events in the future, including hosting the World Down Syndrome Congress 2018 in Glasgow.

Notes:

Down’s Syndrome Scotland is the only Scottish charity focused solely on the needs of people with Down’s syndrome and their family carers.  It provides information, support and services for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome.

Down’s syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 inside some or all of the body’s cells. Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies are born with Down’s syndrome in the UK. It is one of the most common congenital conditions, which occurs in all ethnic groups.  It is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder and also the most frequently recognised cause of intellectual disability.

For more details on Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (17th-23rd March 2014), United Nations World Down’s Syndrome Day (21st March) and how to get involved, visit www.dsscotland.org.uk/awareness.