The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Down’s syndrome twins winners of film accolade
PRODUCTION: When I Grow Up aims to fight stigma over future employment
Dundee Down’s syndrome twins Ollie and Cameron Scougal have become movie award winners after a film starring the popular pair scooped a UK charity award.
The heartwarming collaboration between the youngsters was a partnership with local production company Fingerclick Productions and the Down’s Syndrome Association.
In it, the identical seven-year-olds became firemen, hairdressers, shop assistants and cafe employees for the day.
Entitled When I Grow Up, the film was aimed at promoting the message that children with Down’s syndrome should expect to be employed in adulthood.
It has now seen off competition from across the UK to win the film of the year accolade in the Charity Today Awards, leaving the young pair “chuffed” and its makers hopeful the success could bring an important support scheme north of the border.
Ollie and Cameron are already well used to internet stardom after a Facebook page set up by their mum Elaine, when they were just weeks old, took off. It now has more than 230,000 followers who love watching the boys’ home videos.
Elaine said: “We are so chuffed that the video has won the award.
“It was incredible to be part of a film that portrays such an important message and having lots of fun in the process was an added bonus.
“The boys had a blast, especially with the fire hoses.”
Elaine said she hoped the fun side of the film would help get the attention of potential employers, and bring focus on the WorkFit scheme it helped promote.
She added: “While the WorkFit scheme does not currently operate in Scotland, the messages the film sends to employers, people with DS and the wider community are universal.
“Any local employers looking to explore inclusive employment opportunities for people with DS could, I’m sure, contact Down’s Syndrome Scotland or Fair Start Scotland for advice if required.”
Joel Hewett, Daniel Taylor and Lewis Bage of Fingerclick Productions said: “We were extremely proud to be asked to take part in such an important project.
“This award is a recognition of the hard work put in by everyone involved, especially Ollie and Cameron who kept everyone in good spirits throughout the day.
“Children who have Down’s syndrome should have the same presumption of employment as everyone else, and it’s so important to us that this message is widely received.”
Early in lockdown a video of the boys turning seven went viral after their mum created a McDonald’s outlet at home – including knitted McNuggets – as a birthday surprise since they couldn’t enjoy a favourite family treat due to the coronavirus restrictions.