Plain-English notes for using the Act/guidance in support conversations.
| Topic | Plain-English meaning | How families can use it | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The Down Syndrome Act 2022 statutory guidance work aims to raise awareness of specific needs and bring together what relevant authorities must/should already do. | Use in advocacy with health, social care, education and housing services. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance |
| Relevant authorities | Draft guidance identifies relevant authorities across health, social care, housing and education/youth justice functions. | Ask services how they are having due regard to Down syndrome-specific needs. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance |
| Not a separate super-service | Guidance states it does not intend to provide enhanced services over and above people with similar needs, but to clarify duties and good practice. | Useful for avoiding people being lost in generic learning disability systems. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance |
| Health advocacy | Use the guidance to ask for coordinated health surveillance and reasonable adjustments. | Ask for health passports, accessible information and named lead professionals. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance;DSMIG medical surveillance |
| Education advocacy | Use alongside law, Equality Act duties and evidence. | Down syndrome diagnosis does not remove need for detailed individual assessment. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance; |
| Social care advocacy | Use when asking for assessment, short breaks, direct payments, transition and adult support. | Describe actual care/supervision needs and carer impact. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance;NICE NG213 |
| Housing advocacy | Use for accessible housing/adaptations and future planning. | Ask for assessment and Disabled Facilities Grant advice where home access is an issue. | GOV.UK Down Syndrome Act draft guidance;GOV.UK DFG |