Educating Emmerdale

13/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, The storyline runs well into 2021 and so the campaign will continue to respond with how things could be done better, without causing discrimination and hurt to our community.

We are looking forward to getting back and enjoying our real lives now with our children, but we will see you throughout the year.

To our followers - Thank you for watching and supporting...

13/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, People Have Come Together

To date the Dear Emmerdale Campaign have created 57 response videos to the soap’s poorly researched storyline where two characters chose not to continue their pregnancy when Down’s syndrome was discovered.

57 videos represent 57 opportunities to get it right, but sadly, they got it wrong and perpetuated outdated stereotypes around the condition.



Here’s a summary of the campaign so far:

13/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, I Deserve a Place In This World

I am a model, I am an actress, I am a daugher, a sister, and a friend. I am happy, and I enjoy my life. My heart hurts that you have used Down Syndrome in your storyline.

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

12/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Reassurance

"We are always here for our community and anyone that has any worries or questions is always able to get an answer or reassurance."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

12/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, A Positive Outlook

"Research has shown that an overwhelming majority of parents have a more positive outlook on life because of their child who has Down syndrome."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

11/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Go On To Thrive

"Down syndrome is not to be frightened of. Studies have shown that many parents who have a child with Down syndrome react to this “change of plan” with resilience and go on to thrive! Correct research would have shown you that."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

11/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Our Families Thrive

"We don't just ‘cope’ with our children in fact our families thrive because of our children."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

10/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale - when you say in your advertising, "The couple had some devastating discussions about whether they should go ahead and have their child, knowing their baby would not have the same life as it's siblings..." What you should have said was, we don't want all our children to be the same! That's what keeps life interesting. The lives people with Down syndrome lead are varied and fulfilling, correct research would have shown you that.

10/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, The Down Syndrome Advantage

"Studies show that you are actually less likely to get divorced if you have a child with Down syndrome!"

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

10/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, No Real Context

"Your scripts have highlighted so many possible health conditions, with no context. All this does, really, is create more fear and stigma around Down syndrome."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

09/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, I Need Some Time To Process

"...of course at first it is a shock, but talking to families who have a child with Down syndrome, many will tell you that it turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Thorough research would have shown you that."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

09/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Happy Rich and Interesting

"...people with Down syndrome lead happy, rich, and interesting lives. The social model of disability suggests that physical and attitudinal barriers in society is what “impairs” people. You could have chosen to challenge attitudes towards Down syndrome and celebrated ability."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

08/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, A missed opportunity

Every baby ever born ever is different and our differences, our uniqueness, our diversity, is what makes the world such an interesting and beautiful place to live in.

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

08/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, How are you feeling?

There is nothing to be sorry about. Instead, you could have had Priya say “Congratulations on the pregnancy. Gosh, that must be quite unexpected news. How are you feeling?”

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

07/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, ITV is for Everyone

ITV - You could have chosen to really live your social purpose, by choosing to create an inclusive storyline which showed compassion and empathy to those living with Down syndrome without the direct discrimination which you have created.

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

07/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, It’s 25 years...

It’s 25 years since the disability discrimination act, don’t you think it’s about time we stopped trying to draw lines around an “acceptable” level of disability?

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

06/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, We Are Proud

97% of parents are proud of their child with Down syndrome. Correct and proper research would have shown you that.

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

06/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, It's Not Acceptable

"The Down’s Syndrome Association’s “Terminology Guide” highlights that Down’s is not an acceptable abbreviation and Down syndrome or “DS” should be used. This is because Down syndrome is not a disease, illness, or identity – it is a syndrome."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

05/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, You Either Have It Or You Don't

"Down syndrome is not a spectrum. You either have an extra copy of chromosome 21, or you do not. Just like everybody else, people with Down syndrome have their own individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, hobbies, interests, likes and personalities."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

05/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, A Strong Network

"There's a strong parent network out there...who are happy to share their experiences, their lived experiences in a balanced and supportive way."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

04/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, A Great Head Start

"Research shows that 99% of people with Down Syndrome are happy, 97% like who they are and 96% like how they look. What I really want for my child’s future, is happiness and it looks like we get a head start."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

04/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, So Much Better

"Down syndrome arrives randomly in people’s lives, people of all different background, races and creeds. Our community is united in one thing – Our children are brilliant, and we love them and they love us very much."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

03/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Informed Choices

"No one can predict the future of any child. Doing balanced research with parents of children who have Down syndrome would help to give her an up to date reality of what life is like - helping her to make her own informed choice."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

03/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, The Support Continues

"What happens to any of our children when we die? Their friends and family support them through the loss of their parent, and life continues with support in place. This is the same, whether you have Down syndrome or not."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

02/01/2021

CHRISTMAS DRAMA - 'Missing You' starring June Brown MBE and Sam Barnard - Distinct Nostalgia

When something is researched, understood and treated with respect...you get this:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/17DGrPLESBzQXd24uJDgwb

Thank you Sam Barnard, June Brown, Ashley Byrne & co for producing something of depth and telling a story of worth and warmth. ❤️

(More details in comments)

Distinct Drama presents...MISSING YOU by Richard VergetteStarring June Brown MBE and Sam BarnardProduced by Ashley Byrne, Iain Mackness and James BrownAn MIM Production for Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast!This 30 minute drama kicks off ‘Generation Games’, a new series of occasional mono...

02/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Our Daughter Has Brought Us Joy

Our daughter has brought us joy and taught us about empathy, compassion, and acceptance. I could not hope for more.

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

02/01/2021

Dear Emmerdale, Excellent Communication

"People with Down syndrome are excellent communicators, whether they use speech or signing. Not speaking is not the same as having nothing to say. Correct research would have shown you this."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

31/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Living Independently

"Many adults with Down syndrome move out from their parent’s houses and live independently."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

30/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Compassion, Inclusion, Integration

Today a person with Down syndrome can expect to live well into their 60's and 70's, because of compassion, inclusion, integration, improved medical care, support and above all else, Love.

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

30/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Make Friends

"Not only do children with Down syndrome make friends but the research shows...they find it easy to make friends."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

29/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Misplaced Fear and Stigma

"We understand, and are completely supportive, non-directive, non-judgemental. Had you spoken to anyone from 'Positive About Down Syndrome' the parents with lived experience, your story could have reflected the reality..."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

29/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Learn More and Know More

Wouldn't it be better to learn more, and know more, so that we can really understand what life will be like."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

28/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, We Thrive

"Siblings don’t suffer, siblings don’t just survive. Siblings thrive and grow to become better people. Correct research would have shown you that."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

28/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Living a Great Life

"Only half of people with Down syndrome have a heart condition, and only half (of that half) require an operation."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

27/12/2020

Dear Emmerdale, Please Don't Panic

"I know this wasn't the news you were expecting, but please don't panic, ... There is nothing to be sorry about."

A series of videos educating Emmerdale in what they could have said when exploring a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.