Landmark legislation designed to increase the rights of people with Down’s Syndrome has been warmly welcomed by campaigners. The Down Syndrome Bill, sponsored by Liam Fox MP and backed by the UK Government, will see people with the condition recognised as a specific minority group and legally entitled to the support they need from public bodies.
The law will apply to any public body that provides services to disabled people throughout their life. It mirrors the Autism Act of 2009 which made sure services met the specific needs of people on the autism spectrum. Actor Tommy Jessop, who supports the bill, believes it will embolden people with Down’s Syndrome to “speak up about what they really want” and “show what they are truly capable of”.