🌟 Down’s Syndrome

• Down Syndrome Act Implementation: Graham Stuart urged the government to implement the Down Syndrome Act 2022, which received Royal Assent three years ago but has not yet been fully enacted. The Act requires the government to issue guidance to support individuals with Down syndrome, but the current drafts have been criticized for not fully addressing the specific needs of these individuals.

• Criticism of Draft Guidance: Stuart highlighted that the draft guidance reduces Down syndrome to a subset of learning disabilities, which he feels does not adequately meet the unique needs such as tailored speech and language therapy. He stressed the importance of recognizing Down syndrome as a “definable collection of predictable medical conditions and specific life challenges.”

• Need for Cross-ministerial Taskforce: The debate called for the creation of a cross-ministerial taskforce to ensure better coordination across different government departments to implement the Act effectively. Stuart pointed out that previous efforts had been obstructed by civil servants.

• Healthcare Challenges: It was noted that people with learning disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, die on average 24 years younger than others, often due to preventable conditions. Stuart emphasized the need for better healthcare tailored to their specific needs and criticized the lack of transparency in appointing named leads in Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

• Education and Employment: The debate discussed the need for better educational support for those with Down syndrome, noting that mainstream education often yields better results than specialist schools when properly supported. Employment opportunities were also a focus, with statistics showing low employment rates among those with learning disabilities, and calls for improved support to help them into work.

• Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: Jen Craft spoke about the overlooked Down’s syndrome regression disorder, which affects a small percentage of individuals and leads to a sudden loss of skills and abilities. She called for increased awareness and a diagnostic pathway for this condition.

• Personal Stories and Community Support: Several MPs, including Jen Craft, shared personal experiences and highlighted the positive impacts individuals with Down syndrome have on their families and communities. Craft emphasized the joy and support found in the Down syndrome community.

• Government Response: Minister Karin Smyth acknowledged the delays in implementing the Act, attributing some to the recent general election. She confirmed that the guidance would be Down syndrome-specific and include a chapter on employment. She also mentioned ongoing engagement with stakeholders and a commitment to publish the guidance by summer for consultation.

• Call for Further Engagement: MPs requested more direct engagement with the Down syndrome community, including meetings with the Minister for Care to discuss progress and ensure the guidance reflects the community’s needs.

• Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day: The debate also celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, with MPs expressing hope for better support systems and recognizing the contributions of individuals with Down syndrome to society.

The session on Down’s Syndrome displays minimal disagreement among the Members of Parliament. The overall tone of the debate is collaborative and focused on advocating for the implementation of the Down Syndrome Act 2022 and the needs of individuals with Down syndrome. Each speaker expressed a unified call for action, emphasizing the delays and shortcomings in the implementation of the Act and the necessity for specific guidance tailored to the needs of those with Down syndrome. There were no direct confrontations or opposing views expressed; instead, the MPs rallied around common goals and supported one another’s contributions.

Key examples illustrating the lack of disagreement include: - Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) initiated the debate by urging the implementation of the Down Syndrome Act 2022, a sentiment echoed by subsequent speakers. He highlighted the flaws in the draft guidance but did not express opposition to the general aims of other MPs. - Jen Craft (Thurrock) shared personal insights and further emphasized the need for action, particularly in terms of medical emergencies for those with Down syndrome, complementing the main issues raised by Stuart without any contradiction. - Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) praised Craft’s contribution and reiterated the importance of specific legislation for Down syndrome, adding to the support for the Act without any points of contention. - Andrew Cooper (Mid Cheshire) focused on the specific needs articulated in the Act and stressed the importance of timely and specific guidance, maintaining the consensus. - Jim Shannon (Strangford) provided personal stories to underline the necessity of societal inclusion and criticized the abortion regime related to Down syndrome, but his remarks were supportive of the general theme and did not oppose the views of other MPs. - Rachael Maskell (York Central), Bobby Dean (Carshalton and Wallington), Jess Brown-Fuller (Chichester), and Luke Evans (Hinckley and Bosworth) all contributed to reinforcing the urgency and specificity needed in the guidance without any expressed disagreement. - The Minister for Secondary Care, Karin Smyth, responded to the debate with assurances of continued progress and a commitment to stakeholder engagement, addressing the concerns raised by the speakers without contradicting their positions.

In conclusion, the debate was characterized by a unified push for better support and implementation of the Down Syndrome Act, resulting in a rating of 1 for disagreement displayed, due to the lack of any significant contention or opposition among the participants.