WHAT THE PORTSMOUTH DSA DO?

Charity Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association supports hundreds of individuals across the area including 13-year-old Ethan Phillips. Mum Katherine described feeling ‘fortunate’ to have been helped by the charity for many years. She said: ‘ We were initially overwhelmed with sadness when given Ethan’s diagnosis and this would have been very different if we had a better understanding of what our lives would be like. ‘Portsmouth DSA work hard to raise awareness, change outdated attitudes and highlight that our children and young people are smashing stereotypes. They see the ability, celebrating every person’s achievements and uniqueness, whilst helping them reach their potential.’ Ethan has raised thousands of pounds to give back to the organisation through the Mini and Junior Great South Run. Katherine said: ‘We’re extremely lucky to have such a brilliant son who’s his own person, brings heaps of fun and meaning into our lives, gives us perspective and teaches us new things every day.’ The teenager enjoys participating in the Arts Awards through Portsmouth DSA’s fortnightly drama class, and he attends the charity’s social communication groups. The charity’s School Advisory Service visits mainstream schools across the area including Ethan’s to assist with inclusion and provide any advice. Katherine added: ‘We’re proud to be a part of the Portsmouth DSA community and we’re proud of Ethan. We have the same kind of family life as everyone else made up of happy, sad, easy and stressful times and everything in between but with (my heart tells me) a little bit of added magic.’ Chair Rachael said: ‘At Portsmouth DSA we understand that raising awareness is key. ‘Alongside our other activities, we provide specialist training for NHS staff and have been lobbying for this to be made mandatory for all health care workers, along with the introduction of a universal health care plan for individuals with Down syndrome. ‘We collaborate with national organisations such as BAFTA to further the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in the media. ‘Inclusive education has helped to dramatically improve society’s attitude towards Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive portrayal in all areas of the media. Trendy high street retailers are featuring individuals with Down syndrome in their advertising campaigns, actors with Down syndrome are familiar in prime-time TV dramas such as Coronation Street and Call the Midwife, and we have seen an explosion on social media of all things ‘Down syndrome’. ‘But there is still a long way to go.’