Families Celebrating Down Syndrome Day Welcome ‘Ground-Breaking’ Legislation Which Will Offer Support In Health, Care and Education

Campaigners are gearing up for a final push to help a new Bill pass through parliament which would see the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome take a big step forward, by improving provision and outcomes for people throughout the UK.

If passed, the Down Syndrome Bill would be a major boost for those living with Down syndrome and the groups that support them as it would play an instrumental role in shaping guidance for local authorities and other bodies.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome and the Bill will place an obligation on the Secretary of State to make provision for health, care and education for people with Down syndrome which means local authorities will have a duty of care to assess their needs. The Bill will focus on lifelong care for people with Down syndrome with the aim of ensuring they receive appropriate support throughout their lifetime.

On Down Syndrome Day, Irwin Mitchell is hosting a Parliamentary event to mark the importance of the Bill. Drawing together representatives from both houses, plus charities, celebrities and its own Court of Protection and Public Law teams, the event recognises the importance of the Bill and those who have worked to support those with Down’s Syndrome over the years.

The event has particular significance for Irwin Mitchell’s Chief Commercial Officer Vicky Brackett, whose son Sam has Down syndrome. Vicky’s husband, Peter Brackett is also chair of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group that has been instrumental in pushing the new Down Syndrome Bill through Parliament.

Vicky Brackett, Chief Commercial Officer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “As a mother of a son with Down syndrome, it’s hard to exaggerate what this day means for us and other families.

“If the Bill receives Royal Assent it will be the culmination of a great deal of hard work and campaigning over many years to secure the rights of those with Down’s Syndrome. This is ground-breaking legislation that will ensure that we have the best possible support and inclusion for Sam and others in education, health and social care.  

“Celebrating Down Syndrome Day is a great moment for us as a family and to see the support we have, including from my own employer. The Bill is a long overdue and represents not the end, but the start of a sea change in attitudes and better outcomes for people with Down syndrome to have a say in their own lives.

“Holding this event is a chance to thank everyone from MPs, charities and support groups who have campaigned for this day, through to the lawyers and legal teams in firms such as ours who continue to support Down syndrome clients and their families.

“Sam has such a positive impact on our lives and this day is for him and all the other individuals whose unique needs will now be recognised and respected giving them equal rights with others under the law.”