I know that with appropriate help and support, most people with Down Syndrome lead healthy, active and more independent lives, achieving more than ever before. I do recognise, however, that those with Down Syndrome face significant challenges across all stages of life.
The Down Syndrome Act requires the Secretary of
State for Health and Social Care to publish guidance for public bodies to
ensure they are clear on how they should meet the needs of people with Down
Syndrome. Authorities will be required to take the guidance into account when
providing health, education, social care and housing services.
In 2022, a call for evidence
was launched to inform draft guidance and the Government encouraged people with
Down Syndrome, their families and their carers, to respond. A consultation on
the draft guidance will then take place before the final guidance is published in
due course.
A named lead on Integrated Care Boards will be
responsible for the implementation of guidance, which will go a long way
towards ensuring that the guidance is implemented fully and as intended. The
guidance will also be laid before Parliament, giving MPs the opportunity to
scrutinise it and look, in real time, at how it is working.
It is essential that the
voices of those with Down Syndrome, their families and their carers are heard,
and that the guidance is fit for purpose.
No comments:
Post a Comment