Down's Syndrome Awareness Week 2003 - Regional media
01/06/2003
PUBLIC IGNORANCE IS THE BIGGEST HANDICAP FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN'S SYNDROME - regional activity with regional survey results.
Issue date: 1st June 2003- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘PUBLIC IGNORANCE IS THE WORST HANDICAP FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN’S SYNDROME’ reveals Down’s Syndrome Association.
Supporters countrywide are gearing up for Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (2-8 June), as an NOP survey* reveals wide-spread and serious misconceptions about the condition throughout all regions of the UK(regional population statistics below).
Hundreds of events across the country from quizzes to tea parties are being organised by supporters including staff at Dixons group stores to raise funds and to improve understanding of the ability of people with Down’s syndrome to ‘live life to the full’ (regional event details available). As part of an eighteen month partnership, Dixons, Curry’s, PC World and The Link stores are also selling lapel pins to raise funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association.
This year, the need to raise awareness has come to the fore as survey results show the majority of the general public were wrong about or unsure of the ability of people with Down’s syndrome to ‘live life to the full’ – the theme of this year’s activities. Many believed that people with Down’s syndrome were likely to suffer ill health and were unlikely to attend mainstream school, get married or have a job (regional survey results below).
The Down’s Syndrome Association argues that the reality is quite different with most babies born today likely to attend at leastmainstream primary school and to enjoy a healthy life of aroundsixty years plus. Many are able to live a semi-independent adult life with the same goals about work, relationships and leisure pursuits shared by many. People with Down’s syndrome are also keen to speak out about their own lives and ambitions to debunk outdated perceptions (regional interviewees available).
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association says: “These survey results are extremely disappointing. We all take for granted our access to education, healthcare, work, accommodation and relationships. For people with Down’s syndrome the ambitions are the same but the reality can often be different. Public perceptions will continue to be a real barrier to inclusion unless we challenge these myths.”
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Anglia
Carlton
Central
Granada
Harlech
Meridian
Scotland
Tyne Tees
For further information on Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week in your region contact: Puja Morjaria at The Forster Company. Tel: or e-mail: .
For information on Dixons stores taking part contact Clare Brine Tel: or e-mail: .
*NOP RESEARCH GROUP interviewed a UK representative sample of 998 adults between 2nd and 4th of May 2003.