Many thanks to those who contacted me about Down Syndrome.
A range of support is available for families with children born with Down syndrome. This includes an early intervention programme to help with the child’s development and provide support to the family. The programme is delivered by health visitors and midwives and can include speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and individual home teaching programmes. In addition, where a child has a special educational need, the local authority should also make support available to ensure the child has access to the same educational opportunities as any other child.
You may also be aware of the Government’s National Strategy for Disabled People which will ensure people with disabilities can lead a life of opportunity and fulfilment. The strategy supports disabled people in all aspects of their lives, looking at areas such as education, housing and transport.
The consultation “health is everyone’s business” explored ways in which the Government and employers can take action to reduce ill health-related job loss. With the results of this consultation now published,I fully support the Government's clear objective to make sure that disabled people and people with health conditions can lead the fullest, most independent lives possible, reaching their potential. As part of this, I am encouraged that the Government is committed to its ambition to see one million more disabled people in work by 2027.
I commend my colleague Liam Fox for tabling his Down Syndrome Bill and plan to attend his Stand up for Down Syndrome’s parliamentary ‘drop in’ event on the 23rd November.
I will continue to monitor this issue. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.