Our case studies demonstrate examples of effective inclusion in mainstream settings with support from Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association’s specialist School Advisory Service. Teachers do not automatically receive training in best practice and inclusive strategies for students with Down syndrome, and are often unaware of the specific learning profile associated with the condition, making the prospect of teaching students daunting.
Using real life experiences and featuring feedback from school staff and parents, these case studies demonstrate how when schools have a socially inclusive ethos, and staff have access to specialist training and support, and are equipped with appropriate strategies and training, students with Down syndrome can be successfully educated alongside their peers, which has proven best outcomes not only for the students with Down syndrome, but the entire school community.
You can also find Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association’ s Response to the Down Syndrome Act Guidance Consultation below.
Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association Maternity Pathway and New Parent Case Study
Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Portsmouth DSA) provides specialist services and training to families, as well as to education and health professionals across the South of England and beyond. As one of the UK’s leading specialist school advisory service providers, Portsmouth DSA directly supports successful inclusion in over 100 schools and colleges.
As a co-founder of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group, we work collaboratively to improve policy, provision, and outcomes for people with Down syndrome. We also played a key role in drafting the Down Syndrome Bill and have actively supported its passage through Parliament, as well as the development of the Act’s statutory guidance.
Like other Down syndrome organisations, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association welcomes the publication of the draft statutory guidance accompanying the Down Syndrome Act 2022. We recognise the significant work undertaken by all to consolidate information relating to people with Down syndrome into a single document and acknowledge this as an important and positive step forward.
We also recognise the leadership and contribution of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG), the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome (APPGDS), and sector organisations such as Down Syndrome UK and the Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK in shaping both the Act and its guidance.
However, drawing on lived experience from families in Portsmouth and the south, alongside national evidence and sector-wide feedback, we have serious concerns that the guidance in its current form does not yet deliver on the ambition or statutory intent of the Act.
People with Down syndrome have recognised and well-evidenced differences in their education, health and speech, language and communication profiles, meaning they typically require approaches that reflect these specific strengths and challenges, not generic ones.
Families are not asking for special treatment; they are asking for fair treatment, rooted in an honest recognition of what works. Without a clear commitment to Down syndrome-specific training and interventions, backed by overwhelming expert research and the voices of more than 70 specialist organisations, UK experts and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome, the Act risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative.
You can find the link to our response here:
Website design & development by Design Image
Social
LATEST TWEETS
🏃♀️ 6 WEEKS TO GO! 🏃♂️Join the #PortsmouthDSA @Great_Run team! FREE places for Mini, Junior, 5K & 10-mile runs in return for sponsorship. Our 5K walking team is open to supporters too! Get involved, take on a challenge & raise money for a great cause! Email: gsr@portsmouthdsa.org
#FourYearsStillWaiting
Four years ago the #DownSyndromeAct became law — a landmark that raised hopes for better services and support.
Over the next eight days we’ll share why this matters, culminating on 8 September when we deliver an Open Letter to Downing Street.
Summer holidays are over😟but welcome back after a long, hot few weeks! From beach days🏖️ to weddings, holidays ✈️ & staycations, our families made the most of the sunshine. Thanks for sharing your photos - we’ve loved seeing what you’ve been up to! 💛Bring on the new season!🍂
FOLLOW US