DOWN'S SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK 4-10 JUNE 2007

Tomorrow is the first day of Down Syndrome Aware week 2007. The following is a press release from DSA:

Each year, the aim of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week is to:

-highlight a particular issue and campaign for action

-increase public awareness and understanding of the condition in general

-raise much-needed funds to enable us to continue the work of the Down's Syndrome Association.

Employment campaign

The main focus of the week this year will be improving employment prospects for adults with Down’s syndrome. We launched our employment campaign at the beginning of the year, and we have had a fantastic response so far. At their request, we have given further guidance to a wide range of employers who would like to access this potential workforce, from estate agents to auctioneers. A well-known TV production company have recently employed an administration assistant with Down’s syndrome after being spurred into action by our campaign. Awareness Week will provide a great opportunity to build on this initial success.

The key messages that we will be promoting are:

Out of a potential workforce of 15,000, only 20% of adults with Down's syndrome are in employment

With the right support, people with DS can and do make a significant contribution to their workplace

Many employers need more information and support to enable them to employ someone with DS successfully

Click here for more information about our employment campaign.

Click here to see our Press Release about the current employment trends among adults with Down's syndrome.

Shifting Perspectives

We are delighted to be hosting the Shifting Perspectives exhibition at London’s OXO Tower once again, which will run 6-10 June. This exhibition aims to do "exactly what it says on the tin": shift people’s perspectives about what it means to have Down’s syndrome.

This year, to complement our employment campaign, the work of our main exhibitor Richard Bailey will focus on young adults with Down’s syndrome and their abilities, dreams and expectations. There will also be work from Fiona Field and Rodrigo and Raffaello Raimondi.

We would love to see as many of you as possible at this inspiring exhibition. And if you can’t make it, please be sure to tell your friends about it! Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Host your own events

Last year we raised an incredible amount of both money and awareness, but we couldn’t do it without your help. If you haven’t yet ordered your Awareness Week Fundraising Pack, please contact the fundraising team now on 0845 230 0372 or e-mail events@downs-syndrome.org.uk. Or click here for ideas about how to organise your own events.

What is the DSA?

• The DSA is a national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome
• The DSA relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to continue operating
• The DSA has an annual operating need of approximately £1.9 million