Dr (h.c.) Jen Blackwell BEM and Sue Blackwell, United Kingdom

After 10 years of searching for the right support to enable Jen to follow her dreams, Jen and Sue Blackwell (Daughter and Mum) co-created DanceSyndrome in 2009, where everyone matters and all are encouraged to lead happy, healthy and purposeful lives. DanceSyndrome is for people with and without Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities, using inclusive dance as a vehicle in a unique, ground-breaking way which doesn’t exist anywhere else. 

Jen, Sue, and DanceSyndrome are international multi-award-winning leaders of change, disrupting the status quo and challenging perceptions and systems where necessary. They show everyone the art of the possible, whatever label or perceived ability we attach to ourselves or others, by taking one step at a time. Jen was born with Down’s syndrome and says, “With the right support at the right time we can go further and further”

In this special episode you will hear the voices of three women: Jen Blackwell, Sue Blackwell, and Tracey-Jane Hughes, who restated some questions for Jen. Jen and Sue discuss creating DanceSyndrome and their experiences showcasing the performances of this dance company… facing and overcoming the bureaucracy and systems that saw Jen as a learning disability instead of as a person… the importance of true inclusion rather than tokenistic inclusion to enable everyone to be a leader in their own life… Jen’s love of dance throughout her life… being honored at Buckingham Palace…. Jen being appointed Lead Ambassador for Innovation and Entrepreneurship by the High Sheriff of Manchester for her year of tenure in 2018.… encouraging all women and girls to speak out and speak up… and the importance of creating opportunities for all! (United Kingdom)