“We live in extraordinary times. I could never have envisaged that in 2022, 13 years after creating DanceSyndrome out of sheer frustration, that we would now be cited, celebrated and applauded by organisations across the UK”, says Co Founder and mum, Sue Blackwell.
“My life has been immeasurably enhanced by Jen, now aged 40, a daughter born to me who happens to have Down’s Syndrome. Written off at birth, given no hope, Malcolm (Jen’s Dad) and I fought for her right to be an equal citizen, and now she is trailblazing for 1.4 million people with learning disabilities teaching all who have the eyes to see that no-one should ever be marginalised, ignored, forgotten.”
In just one week Jen heard that her charity DanceSyndrome and mum/daughter combo have been shortlisted for 3 different awards, including Charity of the Year Award at the Enterprise Vision Awards 2022”
Previous awards for Jen have included Inspirational Woman of the Year, Enterprise Vision Awards 2015, Prime Ministers Points of Light Award 2018, Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2018/19/20 and a judge in 2021! 2022 Jen is recognised by f:entrepreneur showcasing role models to help and inspire all small businesses
Likewise her unique charity led by dancers with learning disabilities is also the recipient of numerous awards including Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2019, People’s Choice Award, One Dance UK in 2021. Just last month DanceSyndrome was featured on prime-time television twice!
These are incredible achievements and testimony to the power of giving people with a learning disability their voice through inclusive dance. DanceSyndrome practices inclusion, equality of opportunity, naturally resulting in leaders from unexpected places, diversity, breaking down barriers and removing stigma. Underpinned by appropriate skilled support.
So if you believe in equality, inclusion, leadership, happiness, fun, smiles and dance for all, you can vote for Jen here
Voting closes 12th August.
