Down's Syndrome Association
@DSAInfo

Supporting people who have Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.

 London, UK
downs-syndrome.org.uk
Joined June 2009
8,252 Photos and videos
Emily has settled brilliantly into her new H&M site! 💚 Now working in the children’s department, Emily loves the variety of her role and is proud to be part of the team. After more than two years with H&M, Emily recently moved to a new site following the closure of her previous store. She’s embraced the change and is enjoying every minute. As Emily says: ‘I feel so proud of myself. I feel happy to be part of the team. I want to show others that people with Down’s syndrome can work.’ We’re so proud to see Emily continuing to thrive at H&M! 👏
Image of Emily, a woman who has Down's syndrome. She is pictured smiling with her thumbs up as she is pictured standing by the clothes in H & M where she works.

ALT Image of Emily, a woman who has Down's syndrome. She is pictured smiling with her thumbs up as she is pictured standing by the clothes in H & M where she works.

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Today is the International Day of Sign Languages. Makaton helps many children and adults communicate. Isla has been using Makaton since she was 3. She has just completed her Level 3 Makaton training. Isla told us: 'I was shocked and buzzing at the same time when I passed it! Makaton is a good way to communicate with symbols, signs and speech. It helps me to communicate better and more easily with other people who have Down syndrome.' Congratulations Isla! 👏
Image of Isla, a young woman who has Down's syndrome. She is proudly holding her Makton Level 3 certificate.

ALT Image of Isla, a young woman who has Down's syndrome. She is proudly holding her Makton Level 3 certificate.
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Eye Health Week: Sept 21–27. 👓 This awareness week highlights the importance of regular eye tests and vision care. People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight – about 60% will need to wear glasses. It is vital that children, young people and adults have regular eye checks to minimise the effects of any sight difficulty they have. Our eye webpage has resources and information about eye conditions and eye health - click here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/about-…
Image of a young boy with Down's syndrome getting an eye test done.

ALT Image of a young boy with Down's syndrome getting an eye test done.
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World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign held every year during September. World Alzheimer’s Day takes place during the month (today) on 21st September. Dementia is an umbrella term covering more than 100 different conditions associated with progressive cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that affects people who have Down syndrome, they can develop other dementias separately or alongside Alzheimer’s disease. Our online resource 'Dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease' is available on our website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con… We have many resources on the topics of ageing and dementia over on our website - including our award winning Dementia Workbook. Click here to see more: downs-syndrome.org.uk/about-…
Images of pages from our online 'Dementia - Alzheimer's Disease' resource.

ALT Images of pages from our online 'Dementia - Alzheimer's Disease' resource.
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CHALLENGE 21 IS BACK! 21 DAYS. 21,000 STEPS. £2,100 This October, we’re taking on Challenge 21 and we’d love you to join us! Starting 1st October, we’re challenging our community to complete 21,000 steps over 21 days, while raising money for the Down’s Syndrome Association. 🎯 Together, we’re aiming to raise £2,100! The best thing about Challenge 21? You can take it on however works for you! Whether you: ✨Spread your steps across the 21 days ✨Take on a few longer walks ✨Get your steps in with the dog ✨Get your friends, family or colleagues involved ✨Fit them around your everyday routine There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Sign up here: register.enthuse.com/ps/even… Let’s see how many steps and how much money we can raise together! 🙌
Image of a young woman who has Down's syndrome. She is walking in the woods.

ALT Image of a young woman who has Down's syndrome. She is walking in the woods.

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Timms review – latest update The review was set up to look at how PIP can better support people who have disabilities in the future. Nothing in this September update affects awards. The proposals require further consideration and testing before the Government decides whether the changes be implemented. The recent September update recommends that PIP remains a NON means tested benefit and that people who have lifelong or degenerative conditions may, in future, have fewer unnecessary reassessments. In addition, these assessments should better recognise the way some conditions affect people differently over time. To read the full update, click this link: downs-syndrome.org.uk/news/n…
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The DSA New Parent pack contains resources to help you to get to know your new baby. Please get in touch by emailing info@downs-syndrome.org.uk if you would like a copy sent to you in the post. Click here for the online resource: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con…
Image of a newborn baby who has Down's syndrome on the cover of our new baby online resource.

ALT Image of a newborn baby who has Down's syndrome on the cover of our new baby online resource.
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Help shape the future of adult social care. The Casey Commission is carrying out the biggest public conversation on adult social care for a generation and wants to hear directly from disabled people and their families. For people who have Down's syndrome and other learning disabilities, social care is often a lifelong need. It is vital that the Commission recognises that many people will require the right care and support throughout their whole lives, and understands the realities of accessing support, planning for the future, developing relationships, living independently, and getting the right help at the right time to participate fully in community life. You can take part by sharing your own proposal for change and by voting for proposals submitted by others. Let's make sure the voices of people who have Down's syndrome and their families are part of this important conversation. You have until the 23rd of September to take part. Find out more here: caseycommission.co.uk/bigcon…
Image of an elderly woman who has Down's syndrome, pictured outside with her female carer.

ALT Image of an elderly woman who has Down's syndrome, pictured outside with her female carer.

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It’s National Inclusion Week! 🎉 To kick things off, we’re sharing the story of Alex, Joe and James, who are all part of the Late Shift team at Royal Mail’s Dorset Mail Centre, supported by the DSA’s WorkFit programme. Their story is a great example of inclusive employment in action. 👉 Read the full story and find out how it all began: loom.ly/0ecFaHY
Images of people who have Down's syndrome, pictured at their job roles.

ALT Images of people who have Down's syndrome, pictured at their job roles.
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We’re proud to join over 50 charities and organisations from across the disability and children’s sectors calling on the Prime Minister to act on disabled children’s social care. The Law Commission has set out recommendations that could create a simpler, fairer system centred on disabled children and their families. Now we need the Government to act. We’ve signed the open letter. Now you can back the call too. 👉 loom.ly/DhU7mqc #DisabledChildrenCantWait @DCPcampaign @andyburnham @educationgovuk @JoshMacAlister
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Final chance to book your place! 🌟 WorkFit Conference 🌟 🗓️ Tuesday 15th September 2026 ⏰ 3 – 5pm 📍Online 🎟️ FREE! Join us to learn all about the WorkFit supported employment service — a powerful programme making inclusive employment a reality for people with Down syndrome. Hear directly from candidates, buddies, and managers about how WorkFit creates meaningful job opportunities and supports success in the workplace. Let’s celebrate inclusive employment together! 🤝✨ 👉 Want to join? loom.ly/eKMMREw
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DSEngage LIVE: Five Year Celebration Disco! 🪩 Wednesday 16 September 2026 | 6-7pm Join us to celebrate five years of DSEngage. This special DSEngage Disco session celebrates 5 years of weekly sessions and 5 years of you – our fabulous DSEngage community! The session will be hosted by DJ Michael. Kate from DSEngage will be announcing the DSEngage most requested songs. There will be great music, disco lights and the chance to show off your favourite dance moves. You can also sing along like karaoke because we are all on mute! You don’t have to dance to enjoy the disco. You can also join us at disco while you are relaxing with family, doing your homework or housework or just chilling out! If you'd like to join us, please click here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo… *Please note: Only children and adults who have Down’s syndrome can be registered for DSEngage sessions. All ages are very welcome. Under 16s must be supervised.
Image of a number 5 helium balloon and celebration bunting.

ALT Image of a number 5 helium balloon and celebration bunting.
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Are you are having a baby? If so, congratulations! 👶 If you know your baby will be born with Down’s syndrome or has a high chance of this, our ‘Looking Forward to your New Baby’ resource can help with questions you may have. Click on the link to access the resource: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con…
Images of pages from our online resource: 'Looking forward to your new baby.'

ALT Images of pages from our online resource: 'Looking forward to your new baby.'
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We heard from Lily’s dad Andrew and Lily about her achievements in gymnastics and her journey to the Special Olympics Summer Games. 🤸‍♀️ Well done Lily, from all of us at the DSA! 👏 You can read the full blog on our website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/news/o…
Images of Lily as a young girl and her present day as a young woman taking part in gymnastics, and stood with her medals. Lily has Down's syndrome.

ALT Images of Lily as a young girl and her present day as a young woman taking part in gymnastics, and stood with her medals. Lily has Down's syndrome.
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We heard from Jake’s mum Zoe, who told us about her son Jake who took part in the Special Olympics Summer Games in Birmingham last week, in swimming. 🏊‍♂️ Jake told us: ‘This is my best day ever! I am proud and happy. My favourite part of the Special Olympics is clapping and cheering for the athletes when they get their medals at the award ceremony, it makes me so happy for them.’ We hope it all went well Jake! What a brilliant achievement. 👏 Please read the full blog here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/news/o…
Images of Jake, a man who has Down's syndrome, taking part in the Special Olympics in the sport of swimming.

ALT Images of Jake, a man who has Down's syndrome, taking part in the Special Olympics in the sport of swimming.
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Help Shape the Law Commission’s Review of Transport Accessibility: School transport focus group (including post-16 and post-19 transport) : 16 September | 6.00pm-7.30pm Share your experiences of school and college transport, including eligibility, reliability, independence, communication, travel training and support for young people transitioning into adulthood. Wider Transport Accessibility (excluding school/college transport) : 22 September | 6.00pm-7.30pm Tell us about your experiences of public transport, taxis, community transport and other travel arrangements. We want to understand what works well, what barriers remain, and what changes families believe are needed. You can register for one/both here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
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If someone you love has Down’s syndrome, this is one way to show your support. Membership helps us continue to provide information, advice and support to people with Down’s syndrome and their families. Become a member today. Please click here to sign up: bit.ly/4y0vjyM
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The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is recognised by symbols like the gold ribbon to support children and families affected by cancer. 🎗️ Leukaemia is a cancer of the body's blood forming tissues that affects white blood cells. We have a Health Series resource on leukaemia in children who have Down's syndrome that you can find here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con…
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