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 interview – 7th July 2022
Ryan Boydon interviews Erika Petrie about their upcoming CD launch event, latest stories on the live blog and the Include Me track which is played. Hope FM - The Best Bits... · Hope FM Best Bits - Shades Of Different
Harry’s Story (Feature Article: Down Syndrome Awareness Month) by Josie Smith
My son Harry is, simply put, the most spectacular, hilarious, kind-hearted and beloved boy. Though he categorically insists on being called a man. My daughter and I often get in trouble for that slip of the tongue. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that when he was...
Rebecca’s Story (Down Syndrome Awareness Month)
Rebecca recently started work experience at a local cafe, where she is learning new skills. Her mum, Kathryn, told us more. ‘We have been going to the Beach Café for quite a few years. We go quite regularly with friends and Rebecca often says that she wants to...
Nikolai’s story (Down Syndrome Awareness Month)
"Nikolai is the youngest of 4. He has 2 older brothers and 1 sister. He was born January 15th 2019. He was almost 2 months premature. He has a great personality and is loving and sweet. He looks like one of his brothers and myself. He loves to listen to music and...
Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 2022
Micaela, you are a special child you light up the room just with your smile, with your laugh and zest for life, you fill every place with love and light You live in the moment your persistence goes a long way I love you so much more than I can say You never give up...
Verwood Rustic Fair – Podcast with Forest FM 29th August 2022
Erika Petrie and Sonia Venoux attend this year's Rotary Rustic Fair at Potterne Park in Verwood, where Erika is interviewed by Philip Webster from Forest FM about their fundraising, Shades of Different plans and their latest charity CD album.
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