Badenoch MSP welcomes chance to learn more about Down's syndrome
A Badenoch MSP welcomed the chance to learn more about Down’s syndrome at an information session held at the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and his colleagues were given the talks by Down’s Syndrome Scotland charity to highlight Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (March 17-23) and the United Nations World Down’s Syndrome Day, which is today.
The event provided an opportunity for MSPs to discuss the interests and concerns of people with Down’s syndrome. Kim Scott, who has Down’s syndrome, talked about her work with the charity.
Mr Thompson said: "Down’s Syndrome Scotland supports many families throughout the country and this event is a chance for us all to learn more about their Family Support Service and new projects like the Communication Skills Pilot that started this year.
"It was also great to hear about the role of Kim and workers like her who are inspiring examples of how people with Down’s syndrome can work and do their job well if given the opportunities to do so.
"People with Down’s syndrome have a right to be listened to just like any other constituent and I believe that as a society we should do more to engage with people with learning disabilities and their carers."
Down’s syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 inside some or all of the body’s cells. Approximately one in 1,000 babies are born with Down’s syndrome in the UK. It is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder and also the most frequently recognised cause of intellectual disability.
