Images of the families and individuals who have shared their experience of Down's syndrome and autism with the DSA.
We asked some parents to tell us about life for them and their child who has autism. You can read their stories here:
Tatty and George: https://loom.ly/CMCygbE
Mirjana and Alex: https://loom.ly/l_jW_ko
Ann and Jamie: https://loom.ly/QVmf_rg
Image of a young boy who has Down's syndrome, in his primary school uniform.
Now is a good time to start planning for school transitions.
Links:
'Becoming school ready – transition from reception to year 1' : https://loom.ly/RjDecrM
'Growing up – thinking about being an adult 13+ Transition' : https://loom.ly/ltjjT8M
'Transition to adulthood' : https://loom.ly/OhCFyMU
Would you be able to help participate in this survey?
If your child fits the criteria, please take part if you can!
Please participate here: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/mmu/parent-carer-satis...
The Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is open for evidence until 28 May 2026. If you support a young person or adult with Down’s syndrome, you can share your experience of the PIP process.
Call for evidence: https://loom.ly/JEUPq80
Submit your response: https://loom.ly/PSMq5mc
Image of a man who has Down's syndrome pictured in a gym. He is smiling and wearing gym clothes.
DSEngage Live | Weekly Workout 💪
Get your week off to a great start with a fun and enjoyable live workout!
The live workouts can be easily adapted depending on your fitness level.
Next Session: (Tomorrow) Monday 20 April 2026. Time: 4 – 4.45pm.
Book online here: https://loom.ly/2UAgQ6Q
Our free, on-demand webinars look at the dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and autism.
An introduction to the dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and autism: https://loom.ly/MAJ-OK0
Supporting people who have Down’s Syndrome and autism: https://loom.ly/aYQNomg
Image of a teenage girl who has Down's syndrome. She is working on a computer at school, sat next to other students.
The SEND reform consultation is now open until 18 May 2026, and families and professionals are being asked to share their experiences to help shape the future system.
We’ve gathered the key links and guidance here: https://loom.ly/Prli-S8
The government is asking people to share their experiences of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). There is an Easy Read document that tells you what the review is about and how to take part. The closing date is 28 May 2026.
Link to the Easy Read document: https://loom.ly/0IFwVm0
SEND Consultation: Twilight Event for Professionals in Education, Health and Care
Thursday 23 April 2026 | 4 – 5pm | FREE
This session offers a chance to deepen understanding, share insight and contribute to a constructive conversation.
If you'd like to attend, see here: https://loom.ly/enyyfCc
Images of young children who have Down's syndrome, in their school uniforms.
Minister Georgia Gould will be doing an online broadcast on Wednesday 15 April, 18:00-19:00pm. This will be a chance for parents and carers to understand more about the live consultation and hear about the plans on SEND reforms.
You can find all of the upcoming events here: https://loom.ly/pU3P4GQ
Parent Support Meeting – Down’s syndrome with Complex Needs
Online Event | Thursday 23 April 2026 | 10.30am – 12noon | FREE
For parents/family carers of someone who has Down’s syndrome and complex needs, age 4 years and over.
Sign up here: https://loom.ly/VKCMx1s
Image of a teenage girl who has Down's syndrome, sat down hugging her mum.
When your child reaches 16, the benefit that they claim and that you claim for them as a dependent, may change.
Check out the information on our website here: https://loom.ly/NzR5enA
Easy Read option also available: https://loom.ly/gjtJT24
Last month we were very pleased to welcome back Professor Maggie Woodhouse for a special webinar on eyecare for adults who have Down's syndrome and the changes in vision that occur with ageing.
An on-demand recording of the webinar is now available via our website 👉 https://loom.ly/9Fjq-BI
Image of a man who has Down's syndrome, drinking a cup of tea. He has brown hair, a beard and wears a red jumper.
Down’s Syndrome, Ageing and Dementia:
This recorded webinar for families, supporters and professionals looks at alternative explanations for changes we might see as someone ages, signs of dementia and what good quality of care might look like.
Check it out here: https://loom.ly/iihToPA
Maxwell is a young boy who has Down's syndrome. He is pictured smiling with a certificate.
In case you missed it on World Down Syndrome Day, make sure to check out this blog!
Maxwell Macleod was born on World Down Syndrome Day 2014.
Every year since then, his Mum Molly has written a piece for us to mark his birthday.
Read the 2026 WDSD full piece here: https://loom.ly/8Skkc8c
Images of pages from our new resource available on our website.
This new guide brings together lots of useful information for people who want to start planning for the future. It covers financial issues, support planning, housing options and answers some worries you might have.
Click the link to view this resource: https://loom.ly/VGHstP8
Image of a teenage girl with Down's syndrome being hugged by her mum and nan.
Parent carers in Wales - your voice matters.
The Welsh Government has published its Draft National Strategy for Unpaid Carers (2026), and they are asking for views from families across Wales.
Read the draft strategy and share your views: https://loom.ly/ScCsN2c
Submit your comments by 13 April.
Parents, do you want to speak directly to the Department for Education about the SEND reforms?
We will be hosting a series of small, focused discussion sessions (online) where DfE officials will join parents to talk through key elements of the SEND consultation.
Click here: https://loom.ly/IiLRoi0
Are you the parent of someone 40+ and thinking about their future? This regular support group offers a space where you can talk, share experiences and pick up useful information.
Find out more information here: https://loom.ly/7_pLMtc
Our Benefits Adviser, Helen, brings you the latest news and key facts that you need to know.
Read our March 2026 benefit blog here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/news/resources-informati...
Images of people standing round a table chatting with their laptops and cups of tea.
Parents - do you want to speak directly to the Department for Education about the SEND reforms? This is your chance. The DSA is hosting a series of small, focused discussion sessions online.
Click here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/sch...
Friends for 20 years! Tash and Claire talk about being best friends, living together, keeping fit, work, hobbies, taking part in DSEngage and Challenge 21.
Listen to the 'Shifting Perspectives' podcast here: https://loom.ly/9di0w7E
Image of a teenage girl who has Down's syndrome, pictured at school, in a lesson with her classmate.
The DfE are hosting a series of online and in-person engagement events to support the formal consultation on SEND Reform.
They want to hear from everyone with an interest in the consultation.
You can find out more here: https://loom.ly/pU3P4GQ
My Perspective 2026 is now open! 🥳📷
We have exciting new categories this year too!
My Perspective is a global photography competition for people who have Down’s syndrome. It is a competition for everyone and is really easy to enter!
Visit our website and find out more: https://loom.ly/0RE52Fg
Images of the pages from our new resource booklet called 'Chronic Venous Insufficiency.'
New Health Series Resource now available: 'Chronic Venous Insufficiency.'
Please click on the link to give it a read: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/...
Want to understand what the Schools White Paper and current SEND Consultation means for children and young people who have Down’s syndrome?
Taking place tomorrow, on the 26 March 2026, 7pm, online.
Book your place today if you haven't already : https://loom.ly/CjJ5n5I
The next #GrowingOlderWithLearningDisabilities webinar is happening next week.
Join us at 12:30pm on 1 April as we explore non-dementia regression in people with Down's Syndrome. We will be hearing from @dsa-uk.bsky.social
Register to join us: bild.org.uk/DSRDWeb
The DSA supported a study looking at children who have Down's syndrome and the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdowns.
Click on the link for key findings from the study: https://loom.ly/esp0EmM
Click on the link for a summary of findings from the study: https://loom.ly/mGgrTuE
The Down's Syndrome Association supports the Invest In SLT Campaign call for a speech and language therapy action plan.
The letter to Sir Keir Starmer is now live, we have signed it: https://loom.ly/c77SrkA
You can also read more via the RCSLT news story here: https://loom.ly/SUpY-F8
#InvestInSLT
Down Syndrome Act draft statutory guidance consultation closes 30 March.
Please don’t miss the chance to have your say. Your lived experience can help shape the guidance that follows the DS Act.
Take part now: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/the...
