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Exhibition challenges stereotype of Down Syndrome

The University of Warwick is hosting a photography exhibition which challenges preconceptions of Down Syndrome.

The exhibition features dozens of children aged from a few weeks to 12 years old who have the condition.

The photographs show children dressing up in their favourite clothes - or doing some of their favourite things and aims to emphasise the uniqueness of each child and encourage viewers to see past the diagnosis and see each child’s individual skills and interests.

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The exhibition which is being held at the University on Tuesday 5 December has been organised by Warwickshire charity The Ups of Downs and the University’s Warwick Medical School.

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During the event University academics will be talking about how patients and other service play an important role in teaching the doctors of tomorrow. Down Syndrome, also known as Down’s Syndrome, is a genetic condition which affects an estimated 775 babies born each year.

Dr Clare Blackburn, principal teaching fellow, mental health and wellbeing, at Warwick Medical School said: “At Warwick Medical School parents, patients and health services users are actively involved in teaching our students. We view this is as central to producing doctors who can provide person-centred, high quality care for patients. “Working with The Ups of Downs charity will help our students develop positive attitudes to people with Down Syndrome and to understand how to provide better support for them and their families.”

Nicola Enoch is the founder of The Ups of Downs which was established in 2006, and is based in Leamington Spa. The charity has been celebrating Down syndrome in Warwickshire and surrounding counties for the last 11 years and works with more than 60 families. Her own son Tom, aged 13, is among those to feature in the exhibition.

Nicola said: "When Tom was born I knew nothing about Down Syndrome and I'd been brought up in a society which led me to believe that children with the condition aren't worthy. However, I now know how wrong that view was and that a child with Down syndrome is as loved and valued as much as any other.”

The exhibition launch which is taking place at the Medical School on Gibbet Hill Road 1pm on Tuesday 5 December and is open to the public.

To attend the exhibition visit https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/med/news/eventsandopendays/upsofdowns

Due to limited car parking at the Medical School those wanting to park will should use park on the main University campus and walk from central campus car parks. A selection of the portraits from the exhibition is also on display at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and Warwick Hospital.

For further details please get in touch with Nicola Jones, Media Relations Manager 07920531221 or

N.Jones.1@warwick.ac.uk