Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #downssyndrome, aggregated by home.social.
First professional St Nick with Down’s syndrome inducted into International Santa Claus Hall of Fame
By Ramon Antonio Vargas
Atlanta’s Bradley Carlisle first played Kris Kringle for kids with Down’s syndrome and has now completed elite Santa Academy
#Atlanta #Downssyndrome #Christmas #USnews #TheGuardian #RamonAntonioVargas
First professional St Nick with Down’s syndrome inducted into International Santa Claus Hall of Fame https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/05/first-professional-santa-claus-downs-syndrome-hall-of-fame #Atlanta #DownsSyndrome #Christmas #UsNews
Australian woman charged with murder after allegedly starving man with Down's Syndrome to death
‘You have to sit quietly until you die’: The families failed by England’s social care system
By Claudia Efemini
Carers tell of their struggles to get loved ones the support they need, and the emotional and financial toll caring takes on their own lives
#Socialcare #AndyBurnham #Alzheimers #Dementia #Downssyndrome #Autism #Disability #Health #TheGuardian #ClaudiaEfemini
‘When I go out, people throw jabs at us’: the Nigerian families fighting for their disabled children
By Ajifa Solomon
Stigma and superstition surround those with disabilities such as Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy. But there is a growing move to raise awareness and increase inclusivity
#Globalhealth #Globaldevelopment #Nigeria #Disability #Downssyndrome #Africa #Worldnews #TheGuardian #AjifaSolomon
The NDIS has given Joe vital social skills. Funding cuts leave his mother fearing how he will ‘do life’
By Sarah Basford Canales
The 22-year-old, who has Down’s syndrome, relies on social and community programs – half of which are set to be axed from the disability insurance scheme
#Nationaldisabilityinsurancescheme #Health #Australianpolitics #MarkButler #Disability #Australianews #Downssyndrome #SarahBasfordCanales
Father's pleas ignored by #ICETrash: 'I have a daughter with #DownsSyndrome'
Carmarthen mum taking on Machu Picchu trek in memory of son who died aged two
Sian Milligan, 44, will take on the 11‑day trek through the Peruvian jungle next year alongside her mum, Sylvia Wallace. The pair are raising money for Tŷ Hafan, the children’s hospice that supported their family through the life and death of Sian’s son, Aled.
Sian lives with Functional Neurological Disorder and now needs specialist splints just to walk comfortably. But she’s been training after work, clocking up eight or nine miles at a time.
She said the trek is a personal mission — and a tribute to the little boy who fought every day of his short life.
‘Aled fought so hard to enjoy his life’
Aled was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and multiple holes in his heart before birth. He later became only the second child in Carmarthenshire ever to be home‑ventilated.
Despite everything, Sian says he was “exceedingly cheeky”, loved music and sensory play, and communicated through sign language.
He died on 13 April 2009, aged just two and a half, after a virus he couldn’t fight off.
Aled Milligan enjoying playtime at Tŷ Hafan, where the family received vital support during his short life.Brothers Aled and Kyle sharing a moment on the slide during a family day out.Sian said Tŷ Hafan became a lifeline during Aled’s illness — and after his death.
“Tŷ Hafan were wonderful with our Aled. It was a place where I could just be his mum, not his nurse. He loved the sensory room, the rocking chair, the music. Kyle was only four when we lost Aled and the support they gave him was exceptional.”
Her daughter Rhiannon was born three months after Aled died. Both she and Kyle have continued to attend Tŷ Hafan sibling groups over the years.
‘Walking up Machu Picchu is nothing compared to what my boys went through’
Sian says the trek is the toughest physical challenge she has ever faced — but it still doesn’t compare to what her sons endured.
“We can’t train for the altitude, so it’s all about stamina. But walking up Machu Picchu is nothing to what both my boys went through.”
Sylvia, who will be 71 when she takes on the trek, is also determined to complete what she calls her “last big walk”.
The pair will join other fundraisers on the charity challenge in 2027.
Sian, Sylvia and family at the summit during a training hike ahead of their Machu Picchu challenge.‘No family should have to face this alone’
James Davies‑Hale, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, said the charity was grateful to Sian and Sylvia for sharing their story.
“When a child’s life will be short, no family should have to live it on their own. This trek will help us support more families through their child’s life, death and beyond.”
More information about the Machu Picchu trek is available via Tŷ Hafan.
#Carmarthen #DownSSyndrome #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #fundraising #fundraisingTrek #MachuPicchu #Peru #TŷHafan
#reading #books #bookstodon #DownsSyndrome
A touching account of the affection between two adult brothers, one of whom has Downs Syndrome, and the problems encountered in getting suitable help for him.
Will Trump calling #Minnesota Governor #TimWalz a "r*tard," backfire as a #Indiana State Senator who's daughter has #DownsSyndrome votes "no" on drawing up new Trump friendly congressional maps? @[email protected] also looks at new polling numbers in 10 battleground states
youtu.be/GlbFeku0M0o?...
Trump SINKS the MIDTERMS as Hi...
Pembrokeshire photographer Stephen Lucas wins inaugural Langdon Down Award
When Stephen Lucas lifts his camera to his eye, he sees more than just a landscape. For the Fishguard photographer, the sea, sky and wildlife around him are a source of inspiration, a way to connect with the world and share its beauty with others. Now, his vision has been recognised on the international stage.
Stephen’s striking black‑and‑white image of a Cornish seascape has won the very first Langdon Down Award at the My Perspective competition, an annual showcase for photographers who have Down’s syndrome. The award, named in honour of pioneering physician Dr John Langdon Down, was created this year to highlight the talent of UK entrants.
‘Godrevy Lighthouse’ by Stephen Lucas, the photograph that won the Langdon Down Award.For Stephen, who has long been passionate about nature and conservation, the accolade is a dream come true. “I’m very happy and proud to win this award,” he said after receiving the prize at a ceremony in London. “I’ve entered before, so it is amazing to win such a special prize in this competition. I love nature, and especially sealife animals, and it’s great I can also take photos of my special place.”
Photography runs in the family. Stephen was inspired by his brother Owen, also a keen photographer, to take up the art. Living by the Pembrokeshire coast, he has developed a particular love for whales, dolphins and birds, and is an active member of the Sea Trust conservation organisation. His work often reflects this deep connection to the natural world.
Stephen Lucas pictured with his award‑winning photograph ‘Godrevy Lighthouse’, winner of the inaugural Langdon Down Award.The winning image impressed judge Rory Langdon‑Down, a renowned portrait photographer and great‑great grandson of Dr John Langdon Down. He praised Stephen’s “wonderful depth” and “cinematic style,” noting that the choice to present the seascape in black and white gave it a timeless quality.
The competition itself has been running since 2010, offering photographers with Down’s syndrome the chance to “flip the lens” and show the world from their perspective. This year saw a record 250 entries from around the globe, ranging from vibrant cityscapes to intimate portraits and nature studies.
Carol Boys OBE, Chief Executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said Stephen’s photograph was a worthy winner: “The entries we receive provide a unique glimpse into how people who have Down’s syndrome see and relate to the world around them. Stephen’s stunning photograph, which captures both the power and soothing aspect of nature, is a very worthy winner of the inaugural Langdon Down Award.”
Award‑winning photographer Stephen Lucas enjoys time on the beach, where he often finds inspiration for his work.For Stephen, the award is more than a trophy. It is recognition of his talent, his passion for the natural world, and his determination to share that vision with others. Standing beside his family at the Langdon Down Centre in London, he proved that with creativity and perseverance, a photographer from a small coastal town can capture the imagination of an international audience.
#DownSSyndrome #DownSSyndromeAssociation #DrJohnLangdonDown #Fishguard #LangdonDownAward #LangdonDownCentre #Pembrokeshire #Photographer #photography #RoryLangdonDown
LIVE, Dammit Bluesky Blog
#YESquote: An Uncomplicated Life/Paul Daugherty - "We can't #thrive alone. Fulfillment needs partners...[Jillian's story] demonstrates we were each put here to benefit the other...we're only as good as the way we treat each other." #DownsSyndrome #Neurodiverse #Belonging #Connection bit.ly/4l0yOxr
LINK: https://bsky.app/profile/livedammit.bsky.social/post/3lusq4gqvsc26
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LIVEdammit is a mental health support site with stories, tools, free e-course, bookstore & inspiring wearables — for stubborn souls doing the work to stay here, stay human, & stay strong.
WEBSITE: https://LIVEdammit.com
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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #livedammit #suicide
World-first skateboard aid helps 12-year-old Ollie who was ‘desperate to skate’
The harnessing system was revealed on the latest leg of Relay Your Way, a mass participation relay across Scotland, England, and Wales 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, from Glasgow to Windsor, 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 on Sunday 22 June, 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 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 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.”
Jilly, Dr Ross Head (Cerebra), Kate Leonard (Exist), Ric Cartwright (Exist), and OllieOllie skating on the harness with Dr Ross HeadThe Exist Skatepark harness systemDr 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.”
#Cerebra #CerebraInnovationCentre #disability #DownSSyndrome #ExistSkatepark #SkatePark #Skateboarding #Swansea
Today is World Down Syndrome Day!
Hoy es el Día Mundial del Síndrome de Down! #downssyndrome #sindromededown awareness!
Celebrate by BUYING A BOOK from Alan!! #activitybooks #teachers #childrensbooks #kidslitIn
English http://amazon.com/dp/B0C9SDJYMQEn
español http://amazon.com/dp/B0C9S7KBVY
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day!
21 de marzo es el Día Mundial del Síndrome de Down!
#downssyndrome #sindromededown awareness! BUY A BOOK!
#activitybooks #teachers #childrensbooks #kidslit
In English http://amazon.com/dp/B0C9SDJYMQ
En español http://amazon.com/dp/B0C9S7KBVY
"In July, the BBC published a story on its website about Muhammed Bhar, a 24-year-old Palestinian man with Down’s syndrome and autism. He lived in Gaza with his family, who provided him with around-the-clock care. Since Israel began its assault on Gaza, he had been terrified of the shells exploding around him, caused by violence he was unable to understand."
#OwenJones, 2025
https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/bbc-civil-war-gaza-israel-biased-coverage
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Alice cooked chicken tenders to have with her dinner tonight. That required very little intervention from me and it looked like she has internalized the process because she didn't need a recipe. #cooking #food #foodporn #DownsSyndrome #independence #accessibility
"A Neanderthal child with Down’s syndrome survived until at least the age of six, according to a new study whose findings hint at compassionate caregiving among the extinct, archaic human species."
Sally Phillips ‘so upset’ after son with Down’s syndrome rejected by trampoline park | Down's syndrome | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/29/sally-phillips-so-upset-after-son-with-downs-syndrome-rejected-by-trampoline-park
#DownsSyndrome
#Ableism
#TrampolinePark
#OxygenActiveplay
#London
#DownsSyndromeAssociation
#BritishGymnasticsAssociation
This is great. PSA re Downs Syndrome. Watch and share!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=BJDSYvlpEJSGVH3-&v=9HpLhxMFJR8
'm listening to, "Ken Ross from Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association" https://www.expressfm.com/podcasts/local-interviews/episode/ken-ross-from-portsmouth-down-syndrome-association/ by Express FM featuring Ken Ross OBE from Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.
Wow - #TVLicensing and #GreenwichCouncil leave a woman with #downssyndrome and #learningdifficulties with a #criminalrecord after the Council who manage her finances screw up her direct debit, and then plead guilty for her in the fast track prosecution process after their screw up.
Alice, me and the harlequin before show #2 #nutcracker #ballet #DownsSyndrome
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyvWRtpPHHK/
When an athlete with Downs Syndrome sees his opponent's sadness when winning, he quickly runs to him & raises his hand too.
Perhaps we are the ones who have syndromes, while they are behaving the way everyone should.
Cuando los ninos escuchan por primera vez que Alan tiene #síndromedeDown, a veces no están seguras de qué esperar. ¡Este libro es para esas personas y hoy vas a CONOCER A ALAN!
¡Pronto verás que, en muchos sentidos, Alan es como tú! @booksalans
amazon.com/dp/B0C9S7KBVY
Just Released!
Alan’s First Storybook is here!
Follow @booksalans for more!
Help raise awareness for #downssyndrome!
#childrensbooks #teachers #kidslit
And don’t forget about his activity books!
amazon.com/dp/B0C9SDJYMQ
Alan’s First Storybook is here!
Follow @booksalans on twitter for more!
Help raise awareness for #downssyndrome!
#childrensbooks #teachers
And don’t forget about his activity books!
amazon.com/dp/B0C9SDJYMQ
Don't forget about his activity books!
Good to see toy maker Mattel introduce a Barbie with Down's syndrome. Every child deserves to see themselves in play, and diversity in dolls is an important part of that.
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/mattel-introduces-barbie-doll-with-downs-syndrome-2023-04-25/
Good to see toy maker Mattel introduce a Barbie with Down's syndrome. Every child deserves to see themselves in play, and diversity in dolls is an important part of that.
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/mattel-introduces-barbie-doll-with-downs-syndrome-2023-04-25/
Toy maker #Mattel has introduced its first #Barbie with #DownsSyndrome in a bid to make its famous doll range more inclusive.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mattel said it had worked with the National Down Syndrome Society in the #UnitedStates to make the doll, which has a shorter frame and longer torso than its other Barbies.
The new doll's face is also a rounder shape, and has almond-shaped eyes, smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge, Mattel said.
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/mattel-introduces-barbie-doll-with-downs-syndrome-2023-04-25/
Scientists look to people with Down syndrome to test Alzheimer's drugs
#DownsSyndrome #AlzheimersDisease
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/07/1110024857/scientists-look-to-people-with-down-syndrome-to-test-alzheimers-drugs
