Hansard

I thank Johann Lamont for securing debating time on the subject during Down’s syndrome awareness week, which provides an opportunity to highlight the societal contribution that is made by, and the issues that affect, people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland and beyond.

With approximately one in every 1,000 babies born with the condition, Down’s syndrome is the most frequently recognised form of learning disability. The condition occurs randomly at the point of conception and affects males and females alike. As Down’s syndrome is such a common feature of our society, this week also offers a chance to commend the essential services that are provided by the individuals and organisations across the country that work to improve the lives of people with Down’s syndrome.

Perhaps the most influential of those organisations in Scotland is Down’s Syndrome Scotland, which is a parent-led charity that was established in 1982 with the vision of creating a society that fully accepts people with the condition. It is currently the only charity in Scotland that is dedicated solely to supporting people with Down’s syndrome and their carers, and it provides all-through-life support across Scotland. With eight branches across Scotland, the charity provides constant support and a wide range of clubs and activities thanks to its dedicated volunteers, and it aims to assist families and individuals through fellowship and friendship.

The key theme for this year’s awareness week is inclusion in employment, which was selected because employment rates for people with disabilities fall far below the national average, as Johann Lamont indicated. Opportunities for paid employment remain limited and the transition from education to the workplace continues to be a challenge. Therefore, the transition must be eased and employers must be encouraged to see a person’s abilities and not just their condition.

Over the past few years, the Scottish Government has worked to improve the quality of life of people with Down’s syndrome through important strategies such as “The keys to life” and “A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People”, but recent reports show that more work is needed on implementation.

Eradicating stigma around Down’s syndrome is important. To do so, DSS recommended using people-first language that acknowledges individuals with Down’s syndrome as people first and foremost, rather than defining them by their condition.

All eyes will be on Scotland this July, when the SECC will host the triennial world Down syndrome congress, which will deal with topics such as experience, research and practice, widening opportunities and improving lives. The congress will bring together people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and others with an interest in their lives. Well over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the four-day event. The congress will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the progress that is being made internationally, and for those from different walks of life and diverse backgrounds to share their experiences.

Raising awareness of Down’s syndrome this week can take many forms, including wearing odd socks, holding a tea for 21 party, attending an awareness event, making a charitable donation or simply sharing a hashtag on social media. Online negativity and harassment might seem all too prevalent, but digital content that facilitates positive discourse can have far-reaching effects.

Just last week, two videos that shared a positive message about Down’s syndrome went viral. A video of five-year-old Chloe Lennon from Irvine, Ayrshire, has been shared more than 330,000 times across the world, racking up more than 10 million views. In the video, which was posted by her mum Jade, she explains that world Down’s syndrome awareness day is on 21 March, and she encourages people to wear odd socks that day as part of the lots of socks celebration. The video had an inspiring effect, with thousands of positive comments and messages flooding in.

In addition, a group of 50 mothers of children with Down’s syndrome collaborated on a “Carpool Karaoke”-style video to raise awareness and help change attitudes. The video, which is called “50 Mums | 50 Kids | 1 Extra Chromosome”, is being shared with the hashtag #wouldntchangeathing, and it carries a heart-warming and powerful message about disability, diversity and inclusion. One mother who participated in the project said:

“We wouldn’t change our children, but we want to change the world for our children.”

I am sure that any parent can empathise with that statement and, in a more universal sense, an increasingly inclusive society is something that we all ought to strive towards. As such, marking this week with debates such as this is incredibly important. The reaction to those videos is testament to the fact that visibility truly matters, and it proves that we must work together to ensure that our society reflects the needs of all.