Sharon L. Smith
@sharon_l_smith
Researcher/activist/‘Dr Mum’. Interests include education, disability, inclusion, (not)belonging, co-production, risk/vulnerability, learning disability
This Twitter account is all my own views. RTs ≠ endorsement, it might just be that I find something interesting or useful to have on my feed. I reserve the right to delete tweets/retweets because I either change my mind or want to tidy up my feed. Please be kind. Thank you 😊
Disabled people deserve nice things too. They deserve to have hobbies and social lives where possible. They deserve to have holidays and time out. They deserve to have entertainment and connection.
Come join a fab comms team… Press/media experience required (not just social media)
New job vacancy at the DSA! Media and Communications Officer: 12 month fixed term contract. Salary: £12,000 p.a. Hours: 2 days per week (14 hours) Location: Home based (with occasional travel) Please apply before the closing date on the 9 August. Please also send to any…
The Ombudsman has told councils to ensure they review children’s EHCPs ahead of Key Stage transfers, even if they are staying at the same school. Note: this means annual reviews must b e carried out in the autumn term for children moving key stages lgo.org.uk/information-ce…
Please nominate the Down's Syndrome Association for a £2,000 award through 'Movement for Good.' 💚 Help us to raise funds for the work of the DSA by nominating us for a £2,000 award. Simply click here: movementforgood.com then nominate a charity for an award and select the…
Few would deny that the SEND system needs an overhaul, but only giving EHCPs to pupils in special schools isn’t the answer, says @IPSEAcharity’s @catrionamoore13 tes.com/magazine/analy…
SEND Legal Advice charity, @sos_sen has written a terse letter to Bridget Phillipson, about the Government's lack of engagement its creation of uncertainty over the future of EHCPs facebook.com/share/p/14MZEJ…
NEW POST: @educationgovuk 's URGENT survey for data on its new obsession: Mainstream #SEND units. All good, or is there a danger of shunting children into generic provision? We give you our views, then please give the DfE yours specialneedsjungle.com/government-obs…
In the Universal Credit Bill @natalieben made a superb speech explaining how the Bill will make life tougher for thousands of disabled people. She will move a regret motion so that people can see that some of us would stop the Bill if we could. (Money Bills can't be stopped.)
Ditto 👊
Proud to be campaigning with a brilliant group of (mainly) women who are positioned as being “too much” for trying to protect disabled children’s rights. theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…
Really grateful to @GMB for bringing this issue to the fore. I hope @RCPCHtweets will now discuss with Professor Andy Bilson, Professor Luke Clements, Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott, Cathie Long and @emilydugan amongst many others. Time for change 🙏💜
The Down’s Syndrome Association supports people who have Down’s syndrome, and their parents and carers, throughout their lives. From before birth into older age, the DSA provides services to everyone. To find out who we are and what we do, please read through the information…
🌟 What is WorkFit? 🌟 The Down's Syndrome Association's WorkFit programme supports people who have Down’s syndrome to find paid jobs, work experience and volunteering roles. We match your skills, interests, and ambitions to help find the right job for you. We’re here to support…
Today we were delighted to welcome Helen Hayes MP to meet Adeolu in his place of work at a Doubletree by Hilton hotel in London to learn more about our DSA WorkFit employment programme. 💚 Adeolu has worked for Doubletree by Hilton since November 2023 as a Luggage Porter, on a…
Note that DfE responses once again fail to mention EHCPs. #SaveOurChildrensRights bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
"Removing Education, Health and Care Plans will cause chaos... The idea that children with SEND can be adequately catered for by placing them all together in a “unit” in a mainstream school with no legal protection is preposterous." apple.news/AYvLUfVJ4RkWML…
We know there could be good things about @GOVUK and @NHSuk putting new technology as a big part of their 10 Year Plan. However, a lot of our members have simply never even been told. for example, what the NHS App is.
DfE denies there is a SEND white paper and then issues a statement saying it is ‘actively working with parents and experts’ on the document. lawgazette.co.uk/news-focus/in-…
Do you know the history of the DSA? Read on to see where it all began! 💚 Rex Brinkworth was a teacher and psychologist whose professional interest in improving outcomes for children who have Down’s syndrome had been sharpened by the birth of his fourth child, Francoise. By…
Beautiful building, fascinating history - this is a great opportunity 👌
Open House Festival 2025 - Langdon Down Centre. 20 September, from 11am to 3pm. 🎭 Join us for a rare opportunity to explore this stunning historic building, which we are honoured to call home, and discover the fascinating story of the Langdon Down family in our on-site museum.…