Live Blog
This live blog is about celebrating the inspirational stories and achievements of individuals all over the world who have overcome their ‘different ability’, impairment, stunted growth or otherwise to prove misconceptions are wrong and equality and diversity is the way forward… please enjoy, share and comment thank you …
Hope FM Podcast – World Down Syndrome Awareness Week – 25th March 2022
Ryan & Dan either side of Erika Ryan Boydon at Hope FM interviews Erika Petrie at the end of World Down Syndrome Awareness Week. Erika talks about Shades of Different being an unincorporated organisation that has almost gained charity status. Ryan asks Erika about...
David Spencer’s Story (adoption, loss, neglect and ultimately hope)
David Spencer tells a very poignant and personal story with so much honesty about adoption, mental health, loss, never meeting his birth mother and moving around somewhat. Not an easy life but he lived to tell the tale and has come out the other side. Now he is a carer to others and always looks on the bright side!
Podcast at Forest FM – 21st March 2022 World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Richard Oliff at Forest FM interviews Erika Petrie & Simon Frankland on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Erika talks about the new articles on the live blog and Simon talks about overcoming the stigma associated with Down Syndrome. Richard also asks Erika about...
Daenan’s story (Down & Beautiful) by Mayke Lodewijk
Daenan was born on 30th March 2013 in room number 13 and on a snowy white day within 2 hours and 55 minutes. His midwife's last name was ‘Angel’ and we really felt as if an Angel was sitting on our shoulders, because at birth Daenan came out legs...
The passing of the Down Syndrome Bill / National Down Syndrome Policy Group
Fionn Crombie Angus As of the 1st of April, the Down Syndrome Bill has got through to the 3rd and final reading in Westminster and will become a law /act following the Queen's signature. The Down Syndrome Bill has passed all its Parliamentary stages and will receive...
My Story with spina bifida by Matt Foster
My Name is Matthew and I am 40 years old. I was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in 1981. My childhood experiences are sketchy, but I remember my life as a teenager/adult being very frustrating at times. I went through phases wondering why me, why did this...
Donate Now!
As of 31st March 2022, Shades of Different is now officially registered as a charity incorporated organisation (charity no: 1198481). We aim to raise funds to provide vital therapies and promote better inclusion for differently able children, initially in Dorset and hopefully spreading to other parts of the UK in the future. Please donate as little or as much as you can, knowing that this will really make a difference to these children who really deserve it and can help to make our world a better place.
Thank you