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To find out more about Down's Syndrome Association, please go to:

Or write to: Langdon Down Centre, 2a Langdon Park, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9PS

Or call: 0333 1212 300

My name is Kate Powell. I am the editor of the Down2Earth magazine and I write a weekly blog about my life. Being a person with Down’s syndrome makes me proud. I am a person to make a difference to a lot of people. That’s me. I work hard to change attitudes towards people with Down’s syndrome.

We may find things difficult, everybody does. We should tell people about Down’s syndrome – the more people, the better.

Being a person with Down’s syndrome I can do anything in life. We may need help to find a job and work experiences through school and college. Thank goodness for education! We want to know everything. It is good to see people with Down’s syndrome achieving their dreams. That’s my dream.

The Down’s
Syndrome Association (DSA) is the only charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome.Ìý Established in 1970, the DSA’s aim is to help people with Down’s syndrome live full and rewarding lives.

Our Helpline and training programmes provide support and advice to people with Down’s syndrome, their friends, family and the professionals who work with them. When children and adults with the condition are given opportunities to participate in their local communities, everyone benefits. The DSA works hard to increase awareness and provides information and advice where extra support is needed.Ìý We run a range of projects including WorkFit, an employment service designed to help people get into work and pursue the careers they choose.Ìý The DSActive project provides children and adults opportunities to get involved in sport and healthy activities within their local communities.

People with Down’s syndrome are all unique individuals with their own personalities, family backgrounds and preferences that make them who they are. With your support, we can continue to help them live the lives they choose.

Roger is nearly 60 and lives alone with help fromÌý keyworkers like Sarah. When he was young, people with Down’s syndrome weren’t given the same chances to live with some independence. Roger used to live in a residential care home. It can work for some people but Roger found it difficult.

Roger has faced challenges in his life, but now he and his care workers have the support of the DSA to help him live more independently. His carers often turn to the DSA for advice on the practicalities of Roger living on his own. Most importantly, they’ve helped Roger build a wide network of support in his local neighbourhood.

Life for Roger is now very different from his time in residential care. He says: "Own front door. My own key in door. Better, really better. My own door, with a letter box in it.Ìý Great time. Me got keys in my pocket. Go upstairs and turn off lights down here. I’m really happy."
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Marie-Claire has used the DSA’s services since her daughter Lia was born. She now comes to the DSA to talk about what has worked for her family. She says: "I think knowing that the there is an association or a group that is fighting on your behalf for the rights of your child, that is researching and collating information on your behalf is so important.

I think there’s always an assumption that if you have a child with a disability there are going to be too many problems. Different doesn’t have to be something you fear. Different can be great.Ìý We feel very lucky to have her in our family. I mean that."

Lucy lives in a house with 3 friends. With help from her careworker Clare, Lucy makes the choices she wants. Their family have relied on the DSA since Lucy was born. The DSA helped Lucy’s family believe she could live a life full of choices, and backed them up in choosing a mainstream school for her. She now has a part-time job.

Lucy says: "I work on reception, doing the post for other people. If someone comes in, someone signs the book. I like the people there I do. They like me there."

With support from the DSA, Lucy has made a lot of positive changes and has started using technology to make her life easier. Her mum says : "The Down's Syndrome Association has helped us right through Lucy’s life. And at times we’ve had to fight for the opportunities that she has. It’s wonderful to see Lucy more independent, it’s what we always hoped for her."
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