Latest news with #WorldDownSyndromeDay
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
World Down Syndrome Day marked
SUHAR: The Ministry of Social Development, in collaboration with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), on Monday celebrated World Down Syndrome Day under the slogan "A Smile on the Faces of People with Disabilities." The event, organised by the General Directorate of Social Development in Al Batinah North, was held under the auspices of Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development. Amani al Amri, head of the event committee from Sohar Industrial City, emphasised the integrated efforts between government and private institutions in supporting people with disabilities, recognising their capabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. She added that such events provide an opportunity to connect with them and help them integrate into society as active contributors. The ceremony witnessed the signing of employment contracts for a number of people with disabilities in Al Batinah North Governorate, coordinated with the General Directorate of Labour in the governorate. The contracts were with several companies in Sohar Industrial City. Ahmed bin Salem al Hajri, Director-General of Labour in Al Batinah North, confirmed that 43 job-seekers with disabilities have been employed since the beginning of the year. - ONA
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Scots mum fears her Down's Syndrome son would be ‘vulnerable' if Assisted Dying bill is passed
MSPs are set to vote on the controversial bill this week MOTHER'S CONCERN Scots mum fears her Down's Syndrome son would be 'vulnerable' if Assisted Dying bill is passed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM made an impassioned plea to Scots politicians fearing her Down's Syndrome son would be 'at risk' if they pass Holyrood's Assisted Dying Bill. Legislation to allow terminally-ill people to take their own life will be voted on by MSPs on Tuesday after the proposal was put forward by the Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 2 Collects of mum Angela Mui and son Stephen., Credit: Collect Credit: Collect However many conditions like Down's Syndrome could be swept up in the new law as it is technically termed a 'terminal' illness because of associated heart defects that will likely shorten life. But Angela Mui, 51, from Glasgow, believes this will leave her son Stephen, 10, at risk. She said: 'Right now, I am scared. 'Because Liam McArthur's Assisted Dying Bill is a message wrapped in soft words like 'choice' and 'compassion', but beneath it, there's a harder truth. 'It puts people like my child, those who are already vulnerable, at even greater risk.' She adds: 'The language of this Bill is dangerously loose. It says 'terminal illness', but gives no clear definition, no requirement for prognosis and no safeguard about what that actually means. 'That terrifies me. Because who decides what's terminal? Who decides what's 'suffering too much'? 'I fear that over time, this Bill will be open to broader interpretation, to include people who aren't dying, but are seen by medical staff, who may mean well, as having a lesser quality of life - people like my child. 'And once it's law, there's no way to take it back. No way to undo the message it sends. That some lives just aren't worth it.' In 2018 Angela and Stephen took part in a carpool karaoke video to highlight World Down Syndrome Day which left telly presenter James Corden in tears. Assisted dying is one step closer to being legal as bill passes through – with Keir among 330 MPs who voted in favour After Corden, who invited the karaoke section for his US talk show The Late Late Show, retweeted the vid it went viral with more than five million views. But now a Holyrood committee which is scrutinising the legislation has said members should vote at the first stage of the process as a 'matter of conscience'. Angela adds: 'This isn't just a parent's nightmare - even the Committee itself acknowledged that this Bill could face a legal challenge under the European Convention on Human Rights. 'And if that happens, the scope could widen. The eligibility could grow. And let me be clear, our Parliament cannot guarantee what future governments or courts will do with it. 'That's the truth. And it should stop us in our tracks. Because I'm not willing to gamble with my child's life. "I'm not willing to risk their future for the sake of a law we think we can control, but can't. "And what kind of dignity is it to ask someone like my child if they've thought about dying, just for being who they are? 'So I'm asking MSPs not to risk sending a message that my child is better off gone. 'Because my child wants to live. And I want a world that lets him.' A Scot Lib Dem spokesperson said: 'Public polling overwhelmingly shows that Scots including those with disabilities back giving those who are about to die the option of an assisted death should they want one. 'In any case having Down's Syndrome does not meet those criteria so hopefully that will reassure the family in question."
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
East Lothian man runs London Marathon for one-year-old son
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now An East Lothian man completed the London Marathon on Sunday to support the charity that is helping care for his one-year-old son. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Robbie Laidlaw, whose son Gray was born with a congenital heart defect, ran the gruelling 26-mile race in four hours, 37 minutes and 33 seconds – raising thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation in the process. The 35-year-old has so far raised over £6,000 for the charity but will continue to fundraise to help fund vital research into congenital heart disease. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Originally from Gullane, Robbie Laidlaw now lives near London, and this year took part in the world-famous marathon to raise money for the British Heart Foundation | Submitted Robbie said: 'Our focus is on Gray, supporting his development and giving him everything he needs to enjoy a happy, fulfilling life. Running the London Marathon was our way of saying thank you to the incredible healthcare professionals who are caring for Gray and the many others in similar circumstances.' Gray, who is just over a year old, was born with Down Syndrome and a partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) – a defect that happens when there are holes between the right and left chambers of the heart. The brave little boy is currently preparing for open heart surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Robbie's London Marathon fundraising campaign was launched on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) with the 35-year-old's marathon aims to raise awareness of the condition and help fund research into congenital heart issues | Submitted Now, as Robbie and his partner Kiri look ahead to Gray's surgery, they remain steadfast in their mission to celebrate and uplift children with learning disabilities and to advocate for greater understanding, inclusion and employment opportunities. David McColgan, Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland, said: 'Congratulations to Robbie for his incredible and inspiring achievement, completing the London Marathon in honour of his son Gray. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There are 30 babies diagnosed with a heart defect every month in Scotland and funds raised by wonderful fundraisers like Robbie help the British Heart Foundation to continue our research to improve and save lives - keeping families together for longer. This support for our life-saving work is so appreciated and remains at the heart of our efforts to beat heartbreak forever.' Gray's journey isn't over - and neither is the fundraising. If you'd like to contribute to this incredible cause and help fund vital research into congenital heart disease, please consider making a donation via Robbie's JustGiving page.
Telegraph
25-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Girl ‘sent home from school' for wearing charity socks
A mother has claimed her daughter was sent home from school after wearing brightly coloured socks for charity. Caroline Hargadon, 45, said her daughter Milly's high school called to say the World Down Syndrome Day socks did not 'adhere to the uniform policy'. The colourful socks, bought for £8 from charity Down Syndrome International, featured blue and purple faces. The 12 year-old was praised for raising awareness by wearing the socks in 2024, her mother said. But on March 21, staff at Colne Primet Academy in Lancashire called to say that Milly would be taken out of her classroom and put into isolation if she did not remove them. Ms Hargadon, from Colne, said: 'I was fuming when they rang me up. It's just a pair of socks. I'd understand if it was a bright, wacky T-shirt, but she had her uniform on.' Milly wore the socks to raise money for World Down Syndrome Day and support her brother Brody, who was born with the genetic condition. Her mother added: 'She didn't want to take them off because it's for her little brother who she's really close to but they said they know that, but it's not uniform. 'I brought her home because she wasn't going to face consequences for not doing anything wrong to be punished for.' Annual celebration World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated annually on March 21. The date, in the third month of the year, was chosen as it signifies the trisomy, or triplication, of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome. Colne Primet Academy said it had a calendar of charity events celebrated throughout the year but World Down Syndrome Day was not one of them. Ms Hargadon added: 'When I was talking to the deputy head, I did get a bit upset but it was more anger than anything. I just think it's silly really.' A spokesman for Colne Primet Academy said: 'As a school, we celebrate a wide range of charity and national events, which are planned throughout the school year. 'Friday's event was not part of this year's charity calendar of events. 'While we appreciate that our students and families will have a range of charities and causes, which are personal to them and we are happy to support these, this can only happen where arrangements have been made in advance and in agreement with the school. 'In this case, no request had been made from students or their families prior to Friday about this charity event. 'Our policies, including our uniform policy, are available on our website and in our parent handbook.'
Muscat Daily
24-03-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman marks World Down Syndrome Day
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) marked World Down Syndrome Day on Sunday, highlighting the rights, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome while promoting social inclusion. The event, attended by ministry officials, families, and individuals from rehabilitation centres, aimed to raise awareness and encourage equal opportunities in education, employment, and community participation. A ministry official said, 'The goal of this celebration is to educate the community about Down syndrome, its causes, and ways to support and integrate individuals into society. It also seeks to provide guidance to families, teachers, and specialists.' The official emphasised the need to break social barriers and recognise achievements of people with Down syndrome in fields such as sports, arts, and entrepreneurship. 'These individuals possess incredible talents and capabilities that deserve recognition. By fostering an inclusive society, we empower them to contribute meaningfully to their communities,' he added. The event featured an awareness play, interactive activities, live workshops, and an information corner on support services available in Oman. It concluded with a tribute to individuals with Down syndrome, recognising their perseverance and contributions. 'World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 globally to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome. The Ministry of Social Development remains committed to fostering a society that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all,' the official said.
