Dear future employer
A powerful letter from a mother to her sons’ future employer, urging businesses to see beyond assumptions and embrace the value, talent and diversity people with Down syndrome bring to the workplace.
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Support for parents of young people and adults with Down syndrome
As your son or daughter grows into adulthood, the questions change. Who helps with decisions? What support can they get? How do you plan for the future? We’re here to help you find answers, with the young person or adult you love at the centre of every step.
Upcoming events
Wed, November 25, 2026 08:00 PM
Puberty can feel like a big, scary unknown. This session gives you the facts and the practical tools to feel…
Adult social care
When your son or daughter turns 18, the support system changes. Adult social care follows different laws, criteria and funding rules, and many families tell us they’re not sure what their young adult is entitled to or how to ask for it.
We’ve partnered with AccessAva, a digital legal support tool from Access Social Care, to help you understand your rights under the Care Act 2014. It’s available 24/7 and guides you step by step, from checking eligibility to requesting an assessment or writing to your local authority.
Where will my child with Down syndrome live as an adult?
In this free webinar, we explore supported living and what it can mean for people with Down syndrome as they move into adulthood. The session explains what supported living is, how it differs from other housing and care options, and how support is tailored to each individual. It covers levels of independence, the role of support staff, funding and local authority involvement, and what families can expect as they plan for the future.
Getting adult social care right: a parent’s guide
When a young person with Down syndrome turns 18, the route to support changes, and many of us aren’t sure where to start. In this session, a parent who has been through the process shares what she learned securing an adult social care package for her son.
She talks through:
- how the Care Act 2014 works, and why it’s on your side (including your own rights as a carer)
- the four stages: needs assessment, eligibility, care and support plan, and financial assessment
- how to prepare for the assessment so nothing gets missed
- direct payments and employing personal assistants (PAs)
- what to do when things don’t go to plan
It’s practical, honest and full of tips from someone who’s been there. It’s especially helpful if your child is approaching 18.
You can watch the full session for free in the DSUK parent hub, along with lots more practical information like this.
Resources
Please note* Parts 1 to 3 cover England. Part 4 covers England and Wales.
Latest blogs
The Learning a New Way: AQA Unit Award Scheme Centre
Justine, PADS parent and mum of Toby, explains how she discovered the Learning a New Way AQA Unit Award Scheme Centre and has been using them to progress Toby’s education.
Understanding the Mental Capacity Act 2005
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 empowers individuals with Down syndrome to make their own decisions and ensures their rights are protected when they can’t. This guide helps families understand the Act and plan for their loved one’s future.
Lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and deputyship
Planning for the future means ensuring your loved one with Down syndrome has the right support in place. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) let a trusted person make decisions if your child loses capacity, while Deputyship provides a solution if no LPA is in place. In this post, we explain both options and how to protect your child’s best interests.
Using trusts to protect the financial future of a loved one with Down syndrome
Trusts are a powerful way to protect the financial future of a loved one with Down syndrome. They allow families to provide for their child’s needs while safeguarding means-tested benefits and shielding them from financial risks. In this blog, we explain how Trusts work, the types available, and why creating the right Trust can provide peace of mind for years to come.
Creating a will for families of people with Down syndrome: why it matters and how to do it right
Planning for the future is essential for families of people with Down syndrome. A well-drafted Will doesn’t just distribute your assets – it protects your child’s inheritance, safeguards their means-tested benefits, and shields them from financial risks. In this post, we break down why a simple Will may not be enough, how specialist Trusts can help, and the steps you can take to provide lasting security and peace of mind for your loved one.