Down's Syndrome Association
@DSAInfo
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Supporting people who have Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.
Joined June 2009
Congratulations to Charlotte on her first day at @Tesco Head Office. Charlotte is joining the team there as a receptionist. She is very excited for this well-deserved opportunity!.Thanks to Tesco for supporting our WorkFit programme!.#WorkFit #Retail #WithUsNotForUs @grantshapps
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Happy #WorldDownSyndromeDay! Who is wearing their #LotsOfSocks socks today?! . Share your pictures to help us raise awareness and together, we can make sure that no-one is left behind. #LeaveNoOneBehind #WDSD19.
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‘I feel proud, I got people at work who are good to me & I get paid.'. Congratulations to Ellis, who has recently completed a work placement with the retail team at Leeds United Football Club & has been offered a permanent paid position. #WorkFit #DSAEmploymentProgramme
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Congrats to Sam who started his new role with @GXOLogistics in Southampton last week!. He will be working within their recycling team, using the tray wash & cardboard bailer. He is looking forward to meeting new people and learning a new job. #logistics #WorkFit @carolinenokes
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Doesn't Olivia look great wearing her bright socks to school today for #WorldDownSyndromeDay? we hope you have lots of fun. .
Happy World Down Syndrome Day- Olivia’s school are also supporting #rednoseday .#worlddownsyndromeday2025 #oddsocksday #rockyoursocks .#therearenolimits #LivLillieWDSD
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Happy #WorldDownSyndromeDay from the DSA! We can't wait to see your #LotsOfSocks shots today! 🤩
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Congratulations to Jeremy who has just started his new job as a Cinema Host at @ODEONCinemas, Trowbridge. You can see how happy he is to be there! . Well done to Jeremy, and many thanks to all the team for their support for Jeremy and our #WorkFit programme. #Cinema @AWMurrison
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Belated 50th birthday best wishes to Catherine! .She celebrated with a lunch for family & friends where she was presented with this fab cake. Catherine is a huge fan of Only Fools and Horses! .We're very grateful to Catherine for organising a collection for the DSA at her lunch🙏
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Alex sent us this: "I took this photo on the day of my Birthday. l dress up smart in my suit and my tie to dress up smart for this special event on my Birthday. l am uploading this photo to make myself amazing and l was proud of myself on this occasion thank you from Alex." 📸👍
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Lloyd became the youngest person with Down's syndrome ever to complete a marathon, setting a new Guinness World Record. Huge congrats to him and his mum Ceri. You inspire us all. Coming soon: our follow-up interview with Lloyd.
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Happy #WorldDownSyndromeDay! We look forward to celebrating with you all and we are excited to see everyone's #stayathome #LotsOfSocks photos - let's see how creative we can get. 🧦📸
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Meet Laughlin who is 7 months old and rocking his Christmas jumper 🎄🎅 . This is a special photo as it captures him sitting unaided for the very first time! 👏👏👏
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Happy World Down Syndrome Day everyone! Join us in celebrating and spreading awareness by wearing your mismatched socks with pride AND please tag us in all your #LotsOfSocks pictures!
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#21thingstoknow about #Downssyndrome | No. 21 Today is #WorldDownSyndromeDay. It's a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the @UN since 2012.Let's get the celebrations going! #WDSD #LotsOfSocks #CONNECT
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We're thrilled to see that George is the new CBeebies House presenter and are incredibly proud of this amazing young man. Congratulations George!!.
🚨EXCITING NEWS🚨 . Our NEW CBeebies House presenter, George will be starting soon! ❤️. He loves cooking and dancing, and he can't wait to be your friend. 🥘🕺🤗
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Kenny celebrated his 78th birthday last month & is thought to be the oldest living person with Down's syndrome in the world. This picture of Kenny was sent to us by Nigel who looks after Kenny in the care home he lives in. Nigel says: "Kenny can light up the room with his smile"
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Thank you George! Happy #WDSD to you too!. George & his publisher have also shared a lovely film of him reading part of his book 'WhyNot?' with us. You'll find it on our YouTube channel: #EndTheStereotypes #WorldDownSyndromeDay #LotsOfSocks @scholasticuk
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New mum Becca has designed some digital language cards. She decided to do this because she wants to share the terminology she would like to see used when people talk about her son Arthur. Learn more about Becca & Arthur and access the language cards here:
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"I go to London for my injection.It is a long wait.Everyone is kind.I am brave". Thank you for telling us how your day went getting your #COVIDvaccination Isaac!
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And a very Happy #WorldDownSyndromeDay to you too! 🧦🙌.
Happy #WDSD2023 everyone 😎 .💙💛.@DSScotland @dontscreenusout @IfWeKnewThenPOD @PositiveaboutDS @DownsSideUp @DSAInfo @Wouldntchangea1
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This evening, to mark World Down Syndrome Day, buildings around the UK will change their lights to blue or blue & yellow tonight 💙💛. This is a photo from Leeds City Council. Other landmarks lighting up include:.- Alexandra Palace.- Oxford Castle.- various landmarks in Hull,
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Congratulations Ellie! 🤩.
Becoming a Gucci Beauty model was just the start for Ellie Goldstein – and British Vogue’s May cover star is still ascending.
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We are all deeply shocked and appalled by the news from the Ukraine. We are in touch with the Ukrainian Down Syndrome Association to explore the best ways to help at this time and in the future.
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Congratulations to Maryanne and Tommy who are celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary today!. The happy couple say they know the secret to a happy marriage: “I love my Tommy. We do lots of things together & he is my best friend”. Read their love story
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Here's Sam, from Our Voice, and Chris, one of our staff members, outside the @UN before today's conference!.#WithUsNotForUs #WorldDownSyndromeDay
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Happy Birthday Nina! 🎈💚✨. "My daughter Nina is 3 today - that means she was born on #WDSD! Since Nina was born there has been an indescribable connection between our family. We are very lucky to have her & we feel proud every time we see her achievements." Nina's mum, Dafine
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It is really heartening to read accounts of individuals with Down’s syndrome recovering from coronavirus.
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We would like to wish Georgie a very happy 78th birthday! 🎈. "It's amazing for him to get to this age, my grandma was told he would not live past ten-years-old because of his Down's syndrome. But they were wrong. Look at him now.".
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Congratulations to Chris, who has passed his probation at Pinsent Mason’s law firm. Chris’ confidence has hugely increased since working there and he loves his responsibilities as a Team Administrator. The team have supported Chris and he has been improving every week.
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Good luck to all the children starting school for the first time this week! ✏ And of course, to all those going back and starting a new year! 🍎📚. #BackToSchool
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George lives in a care home where he is so loved by all the staff. George is 77 years old! . Merry Christmas George! ⛄
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Thank you so much for your continued support!.
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We'd like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for making this the biggest #WorldDownSyndromeDay ever! Whether you've shared pictures, videos, stories, or visited our website to find out more, we appreciate it all! . Together, we can make sure we #LeaveNoOneBehind.
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Max's grandad sent this: "Max loves to come to our home in France & drive our lawnmower, which he has done for years. We have the best mowed grass in France when he's here. Max is 21 this yr & has never failed to be funny, intelligent & a delight to know. We feel very privileged"
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Congratulations to Rachael who has started a new role at .The Botanist Marlow with support from our #WorkFit programme. She has learned many new skills and had great support from all the team. 👏 #WorkFit #hospitality @joymorrissey
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Sam, a member of our advocacy group Our Voice, will be speaking at the @UN in New York tomorrow for #WorldDownSyndromeDay. He told @sryhilsradio all about why. Listen here (starts 6:15)
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Happy World Down Syndrome Day everyone!.We can't wait to see your #LotsOfSocks shots and all the different ways your celebrating, calling for change and raising awareness. #ImproveOurSupportSystems #WorldDownSyndromeDay
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We're thrilled to welcome @OfficialAitch onboard as an Ambassador! . "I hope I can make a difference for my sister & everyone else. with Down’s syndrome, who have as much right to a fully inclusive life as the rest of us. I can’t wait to get started.” .
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A very big thank you to @Schofe for being our ambassador at the #BGCCharityDay .We have had a fantastic time being a part of this special day alongside so many brilliant charities!
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We are outraged about any suggestion of Do Not Resuscitate orders being misused for a person who has Down’s syndrome and are glad this is being investigated. We fully support @mencap_charity with this campaign.
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Congratulations Rachel!.
This is my daughter, Rachel Handlin. Tonight, she earned her full Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography & Media from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, @CalArts. Rachel has #Downsyndrome. I am officially the proudest father on the planet. Fight me.
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Congratulations Poppy!
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Seeing this sort of promotion of hatred & discrimination against people who have Down’s syndrome on Amazon is beyond appalling. Clearly something needs to be done to improve the processes by which items are put on the site to prevent this happening again
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful photo Harvey. You are rocking those #LotsOfSocks to #EndTheStereotypes 🧦🤩
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Congratulations to Amy, on a great start at Hilton Puckrup Hall in Tewkesbury. She joined the team earlier this month as a Food and Beverage Assistant through our #WorkFit programme. Thank you to @HiltonHotels for another great opportunity, and good luck Amy!.#hospitality
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Harry is celebrating 1-year working at @SpursOfficial today. He is a big fan of the team and started his role as a Food Prep Assistant through our WorkFit programme. He enjoys preparing a range of food for the customers at the stadium. Congratulations Harry! 🙌
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This years #WorldDownSyndromeDay theme is #WeDecide!. People with Down’s syndrome have the right to make decisions about their lives – however big or small - and should be included in all aspects of community. Here is @makatonlucinda making a very important decision🍰! #Makaton
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Fantastic work Niquita! Well done for pushing yourself beyond your goals! .
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We would like to wish a huge congratulations to Gareth and Deana! 🔔🥂. "We got engaged when we were on holiday in Blackpool, it was on my birthday and it was me that proposed to him, but I knew he wanted to get married.".
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Awhhh. lovely pic! Happy #worlddownsyndromeday 🧦🙌.
World Down Syndrome Day 2023! See the person not the condition! #worlddownsyndromeday #WDS2023 @DSAInfo @Downsyndromecen @DownSyndromeIRL
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Congratulations Sarah! 😀👏.What a wonderful welcome home. wishing you all the very best for your continued recovery.
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This week is Learning Disability Week and the theme is the importance of friendships during lockdown. Here is Maija telling you why friendship is important to her and in particular, her friendship with Molly. #learningdisabilityweek #friendship #bestfriendsgoals
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Happy anniversary to Maryanne and Tommy who will be celebrating 25 years of marriage today! 🔔🥂💘. “One day Maryanne came home with a silly lovely grin on her face and asked me if she could bring a young man home for tea." Read more below ⬇.
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Steven made a great first impression during his visit to @Hilton St George’s Park back in December. He'll be starting there this month & can't wait to start! Good luck Steven!. We're very grateful to @Hilton for their continued support for our @DSWorkFit programme #hospitality
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Lola’s mum sent this gorgeous photo. ‘We welcomed Lola to this world on 1st May, little did we know about how much surprises she was hiding. Her Trisomy 21 surprised us all. We are looking forward to the future as a family of 5.' Read more parent stories:
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Down’s syndrome is not a disease and therefore people with Down’s syndrome do not suffer nor are they victims of their condition. Down’s syndrome is only a part of the person. #WednesdayWisdom.
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Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful Nora! 💚.
Our gorgeous daughter Nora was born 11/03/21 at 4:15 AM. She has an extra chromosome for good measure, and that's just how we like her. THANK YOU @DSAInfo, @PositiveaboutDS (and others) for the work you do in affirming our daughter's life. We adore her. She's perfect.
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It's Down's Syndrome Awareness Week! From 18-24 March, we'll be celebrating the achievements of people with Down’s syndrome, telling their stories and amplifying their voices. See how you can help make sure no-one is left behind: #LeaveNoOneBehind #WDSD19.
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Jade loves her role at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Here she is prepping snacks for the business centre. She is also working on an internal campaign to encourage her colleagues to drink more water. Keep up the great work Jade! @IanMearnsMP @ChiOnwurah .#WorkFit #Hospitality
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"Study hard in school, believe in yourself, audition for anything you can and don’t listen to people who say you can’t do it. Follow your dreams and never give up.". If you haven't all ready, make sure to check out our Q&A with the star of #ThePeanutButterFalcon, Zack Gottsagen!.
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Dr John Langdon Down was born on this day 191 years ago. He identified the condition now called Down’s syndrome in 1866. He also founded Normansfield with his wife Mary, an institution offering enlightened care, education and training for those with learning disabilities.
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(1/4) Emmerdale: Laurel and Jai's storyline | DSA statement . The DSA would not want to see a world without people who have Down’s syndrome. People who have Down’s syndrome make an enormous contribution to their families, local communities and society in general in all sorts. .
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If you’re stuck for what to watch tonight, ‘Tommy Jessop Goes to Hollywood’ is on BBC One, 9pm 📺.@tommyjessop : 'This documentary is an amazing adventure and a dream come true. It truly has been wicked having a camera and being able to tell my own story.’
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We were recently sent these lovely photos of George from Northern Ireland celebrating his 75th birthday! . George now lives in a nursing home and is visited regularly by his sisters Eileen, Elizabeth, and Dorothy. He enjoyed celebrating his birthday with all his siblings 🎂
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Happy birthday to Terry! 🎂.He recently celebrated his 72nd birthday and loves singing, dancing, playing the harmonica and the drums
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"My name is @sarah_gordy I have Down’s syndrome but that’s not all that I am. I always say that. I am an actor & a woman first, it is the same for all of us. If you have met one person with Down’s syndrome you have met one person.". Read more from Sarah👇.
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Olivia has been working at Nando’s as part of their front-of-house team since May last year. As well as recently being chosen as star employee of the week, Olivia also got some fabulous customer feedback. A customer wrote:. 'Good afternoon, I had a lovely meal with my family
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Congratulations to our patron @EmmaBarton & @TheAntonDuBeke for getting through to next week on @bbcstrictly - we loved your Tango! 💃👑❤️. Good luck on Sat from us all here at the DSA & here's a message from our Down2Earth group. #teamemmton #strictly2019 #keepdancing @Rylan
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Inclusion for Bella means having the support in place to help strengthen her finger and hand muscles, so she will be able to writ and colour. These are some of her favourite activities. 🖊️🎨. Thank you to Bella for this wonderful photo.
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Thanks to Jack, @NFFC and the Nottingham Forest Supporters Trust for this lovely #LotsOfSocks shot!. Jack was invited to the City Ground for a tour of the ground and was also presented with a signed shirt.
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We have very exciting news!. We are absolutely thrilled to announce our new patrons, @sallyephillips and her son Olly. Read our announcement in full here👉 #newpatrons #excitingnews #announcement
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Proud to have partnered with @coordown in the production of their latest, brilliant campaign for #WorldDownSyndromeDay 2024, which shows the power we all have to change the lives of people who have learning disabilities. Watch here 👉 #EndTheStereotypes.
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Billy has recently returned from competing in the European DSISO Swimming Championships. Billy won 7 gold medals out of his 7 races! 🏅. Billy loves swimming and in this blog we ask him about training, his coaching qualification and other hobbies (how does he fit it all in?🏊).
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Huge thanks and many congratulations to Jack and George who completed last weekend's @RideLondon. 🚴🚴🎉.Inspired by Rue, Jack's beautiful little girl, they've raised over £2k for the DSA.
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Thank you to everyone who has sent in their photos recently - we have thoroughly enjoyed going through them. Here is a gorgeous photo of new baby Etta getting cuddles from her Daddy. She is now 9 weeks old. 💚
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Callum is really enjoying his new role at @DoubleTree in Swindon. You can see how happy he is there! Congratulations Callum 🙌 Thanks to the team for all their support for Callum & @DSWorkFit #Hospitality #swindondownssyndromegroup @JustinTomlinson
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What a fab pair! Excellent will power boys! 💪.
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Many congratulations Zac!.
CONGRATULATIONS Zac Lacey World #DownSyndromeSwimming 200m Butterfly Champion - winner of the Snr Men’s Disability Award 2022 . @isle_sports Achievement Awards honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to sport on the Isle of Wight & recognise the #PeaksOfAchievement
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@thismorning Well done @NeilMarkham1 & Ella for standing up to the trolls. Great to see you on @thismorning. Families play an important role in raising awareness & we will carry on supporting them to help change perceptions & support people with Down’s syndrome to live full & rewarding lives.
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"My name is Ben. I work at the #NationalLaboratoryService. I know what to do on the computer and I know how to register samples and put labels on them. I take all the deliveries. I like the people I work with. I work with Shane, Andy and Johnny." #WorkFit . Read more here👇.
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We can't wait to see all of your #LotsOfSocks pictures tomorrow. Don't worry if you don't have a pair of the official socks, you can wear any brightly coloured, mis-matched socks and share a picture with #LotsOfSocks #WDSD19. We'll be sharing as many pictures as we can!.
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Congratulations to James who was awarded 'Most Valued Player of the Month' for his contribution to the team @GXOLogistics Wakefield. Tony, his manager, says he's an 'absolutely brilliant team member and always works really hard.' @DSWorkFit #logistics #teamwork @simonlightwood
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'Don’t say that I am a ‘down’s’ woman or that ‘I am down’s’. I am a woman who ‘has’ Down’s syndrome. I am a unique individual and should be acknowledged as a PERSON first and foremost. Simple.'. Read more from Emma 👇.
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"I’m so excited by this film. I want to show everyone the struggle that people with Down’s syndrome go through to be accepted." 🎥 @Bethany40644990 on starring in new Sci-Fi film BEBE A.I. alongside George Webster. Directed by @R4tuneDirector & produced @FaithfullLewis. More 👇.
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A huge THANK YOU to everyone who rocked their #LotsOfSocks and supported #WorldDownSyndromeDay yesterday! 🧦. It was a great day full of celebrations. 💚✨. We love sharing photos all year round so if you'd like us to use yours, please submit them here:
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Congratulations to Simran who was nominated by her team at the Arbor Restaurant, @HiltonBhamMet for Employee of the Month. It's great to see Simran's positive contribution being recognised! Well done Simran. #WorkFit #Hospitality @bhatti_saqib
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