Hansard

I am delighted to be able to participate in this debate and I congratulate Johann Lamont on securing it. As we have heard, we are here to recognise the importance of Down’s syndrome awareness week, and awareness should indeed be encouraged beyond the many promotional activities.

I am always proud to highlight the contribution that is made by, and the issues that affect, people with Down’s syndrome. It is what they can do and not what they cannot do that we should focus on. They want employment, they want to go to college and they want to engage their talents. Unlocking their potential gives them the opportunity to develop their self-esteem, independence and commitment, and we should do all that we can to support them in doing that.

Over the past 20 years, it has been my privilege to have worked closely with a number of organisations that are actively involved with individuals with Down’s syndrome. Those groups value their roots in civil liberties and rights for individuals, and they benefit people living with all types of learning difficulties and disabilities.

I have a special relationship with Down’s syndrome through my association with Ark Housing Association, which is a not-for-profit organisation that helps individuals who have learning difficulties. It has 400 properties across 13 local authorities and it employs about 1,000 staff. They support people who require assistance at home and in their community, enabling them to live good lives. The people whom they help, many of whom have Down’s syndrome, get the chance to make choices. They want chances and opportunities within their lives to work, to be included and to support others. We should do all that we can to enable that, because they can make a massive contribution to the communities that they live in and represent. Ark provides them with care and support to ensure that they can unlock their potential, and it was my privilege to see that potential unlocked in many individuals, including Kate Forbes’s uncle.

The second organisation that I have been involved with is the Stepping Stones theatre company, which is a highly acclaimed drama group that works across Perth and Kinross. I had the privilege of chairing that organisation and I still attend many of its events. Drama, dance and performing help in so many ways and the company is full of many stars who light up the stage with their amazing performances.

Down’s syndrome is the most frequently recognised form of learning disability. Approximately one in every 1,000 babies worldwide is born with Down’s syndrome. As has been said, the disease has developed, and individuals live longer and contribute more. In the past, Down’s syndrome might have been seen as a life sentence for the family, but now it is seen as much more. Down’s is life changing and it does not have a cure, but there are myriad ways to ensure that each individual person who has Down’s syndrome is afforded the type and level of support that they need to develop their full potential.

The events that are taking place across Glasgow and the event that will take place there later in the year when the world Down syndrome congress comes to Glasgow are fantastic. They will give people a platform and give us an opportunity to stand up and be recognised in support.

I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to lead a happy, healthy and safe life, whatever their individual circumstances. I have truly been inspired by many individuals with Down’s syndrome whom I have had the opportunity to work with over the years. I encourage everyone to take the time to become a friend of a person who has Down’s syndrome, because it will be a truly enlightening experience such as the ones that I have enjoyed.