Kirsty MacCuish I know (obviously) that Amelia has Down syndrome, and with that comes a learning disability. I know Noah, is what you call a ‘typical’ child. I knew at some point Noah would overtake Amelia in certain aspects of learning. I did not expect it to happen at 30 and 15 months. And I’m Read more about The tortoise and the hare[…]

Tina Carr When you hear the words respite or hospice it can be quite scary. Statements like ‘life threatening illness’, ‘not expected to reach adulthood’ and ‘end of life care’; all of these things make it completely understandable as to why some people may not want to engage with the service. But when you see Read more about What respite means to me[…]

On the 6th July, Heidi Crowter and Aidan (with mum Máire) are going to the High Court to challenge the law that allows termination to full term if a baby has a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Jamie McCallum, chairman of Wouldn’t Change A Thing and dad to Rosie who has Down syndrome tells us why Read more about THE BALANCING OF RIGHTS[…]

Samm Gee Pippa started riding just before she was three years old, at our local RDA centre. Pippa’s Grandma had been a jockey in her youth as well as a riding instructor, but she hadn’t ridden for many years and was sadly terminally ill. Through her doctor we arranged for her to have a session Read more about Pippa’s Riding[…]

Liz Arriens Between January and March this year we got our routine back of Coraline going to preschool. It felt lovely. It was easy for me to walk Coraline there in her pram and drop her off and pick her up each day of the week. Coraline was so content and happy there. Then Small Read more about Ways we’ve grown this month: Letting go.[…]

This Father’s Day we share a blog written for us by Bertie’s dad, Richard about their relationship. Well where do I start? It’s been an emotional rollercoaster that couldn’t have had a happier ending.  I’m Richard, Bertie’s Dad and I would love to share my relationship as his Dad with you and how it has Read more about A Dad’s perspective[…]

Wendy Puckrin NOUN A man, woman, or child of the species “Homo sapiens”, distinguished from other animals by superior mental development, power of articulate speech, and upright stance. Personally, I believe there are many more qualities than this that make up the complex definition of a human being. Empathy, emotion, self-awareness to name but a Read more about What is a human being?[…]

Becca & Addison Bortnick You know that moment when know you’re exactly where you want to be and the deep joy you feel inside? Well for Addison those moments are standing alongside her cheer squad, cheering her heart out. For Addison being a cheerleader is EVERYTHING! At the young age of 3 Addison’s face would Read more about Little girls with dreams become women with vision[…]

Kirsty MacCuish Please ask questions. Down syndrome is not a taboo subject. Amelia having Down syndrome is not a taboo subject. Her behaviours are not a taboo subject. Her speech is not a taboo subject. Obviously the fact that Amelia has Down syndrome is well known, but lately I feel like everything that comes along Read more about An open letter to friends and family[…]

Did I ever think I’d be overwhelmingly proud of Jordan Grace when I was told of her diagnosis? I’m ashamed to say no. I imagined that we would hide from the world. The way the doctor delivered the news made me feel like our only choice was termination. He didn’t value her life and we Read more about We love her with our entire being[…]