It’sveryhard forfolkto seethe person behind thelabel disability

ATHLETE ON HER SUCCESS AS A COACH

can also see the difference being able to work has made to Fiona’s confidence and hopes others with learning disabilities will be supported into jobs.

She said: “To have something to do is very important for everyone.”

Fiona is paid for her job in a shop for one afternoon a week, which involves stacking shelves and helping customers. She also works one morning a week in an office, doing filing and computer work.

“It makes me feel very good inside doing more things,” she said.

“Through my school and college days, I had things in my head I thought I’d love to do. But it didn’t actually fall into place for me.

“I was a wee bit too ambitious at times and thought I’d like to be a policewoman at one point.”

Although her swim coaching is voluntary at the moment – now she’s qualified, she has her heart set on working in this field.

She said: “I’ve always been a trier and I think the key element is to try and try again. And don’t give up on your dreams.”

Fiona was helped by the UCAN training service at college – who help people who have special training or educational needs.

She said: “They’ve given me the confidence that I have now. I’m living independently and have more activities and work.”

Dorothy took Fiona to the job centre for meetings for a year before she finally landed her office job about 10 years ago.

She said it’s particularly hard for people with disabilities to find work because of public perceptions.

Fiona added: “The general public are terrified of disability in general. It’s a label and it’s very hard for the public to find the person behind the label.”

Rory Gaffney, head of operations at Down’s Syndrome Scotland, said: “We are asking everyone across Scotland to see more than someone’s Down’s syndrome and instead see the whole person.

“By tackling stigmas that still exist today, we will help create a more inclusive society for people with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities. We are also using this week to ask employers to help us close the employment gap by recognising that people with Down’s syndrome have a huge amount to offer.”

Now Dorothy couldn’t be more proud of what her daughter has achieved. But when she first gave birth, she wondered what the future would hold for Fiona.

When she was told her muchlonged-for baby had Down’s syndrome it was a big shock – but she wouldn’t be without her daughter. Dorothy was 40 at the time and had had son Andrew just 15 months before after a long time trying for a baby. She hadn’t been screened for Down’s syndrome for either pregnancy.

She said: “I’d taken a long time to conceive with our son and the obstetrician said we’ll maybe not do the test because in those days it was quite an invasive test. Andrew arrived and he was absolutely brilliant.

“Then I got pregnant again and Fiona arrived. I was just so busy with the first baby we never went for the screening for the second but that didn’t matter because we got Fiona.

“They said straight away she had Down’s syndrome. You’re just gobsmacked – you don’t understand it but you just get on with it. She looked lovely, a little girl and we were so chuffed and proud. I felt lucky.”

Fiona had an operation to mend a hole in her heart – but otherwise has been healthy. And as a child, she went everywhere with her beloved big brother.

But tragedy struck about 11 years ago when Andrew died suddenly while playing rugby aged just 27.

Dorothy said: “There was no explanation for it. I think they call it sudden adult death syndrome, where his heart stopped. It was absolutely earth-shattering for all of us. Fiona helped pull me through.”

Fiona added: “I tried to be strong for dad too – but I couldn’t get dad through it.”

Dorothy’s husband Hamish, who was in his 80s, died soon after. Dorothy said: “Hamish suffered very badly from that. He died about nine months later of old age and heart problems. We had a horrendous year but Fiona pulled me through.”

She said when she’d had both her children she wondered what their lives would be like.

Dorothy added: “You worry what they’re going to do. Are they going to get jobs and live happy lives? I’m as proud as punch with Fiona.

“I don’t think we treated Fiona any differently to her brother who sailed through school and uni and all the rest of it and got a job. I think Fiona has just followed along on the same track. It’s about finding what fits.

“People with Down’s syndrome do need a little bit of support. They’re not as fully equipped to fight life’s battles. You can’t paint the picture that they can all get on well. There are different challenges due to their make-up.”

But Dorothy says Fiona has had a hugely positive impact on her – particularly in helping her heal after her heart-breaking loss. “I wouldn’t be without her. She saved me.” ● To support Down’s Syndrome Scotland, please visit www. dsscotland.org.uk. To donate to the charity, text DOWN21 £5 to 70070.

I’ve always been a trier and I think the key element is to try and try again

FIONA DAWSON