Jen Blackwell receives honorary degree for dance services
The co-founder of the multi-award winning dance charity DanceSyndrome has been named a doctor of arts for her work encouraging disabled and non-disabled people to dance.
Following her own Down’s Syndrome diagnosis, Jen established DanceSyndrome in 2009 with the help of her family. Since then she has attracted tens of thousands of people who want to spread the word that just because you have a disability, it doesn’t hinder your ability to pursue your dreams.
Following the company’s success, Jen collected her award at the Lowry Theatre at the University of Salford on Friday 12th July. In an emotional speech, she thanked the university for highlighting her work.
‘Thank you for recognising what’s possible for anyone, even those of us with learning disabilities. Everyone, with the right support can dream, believe and achieve,’ Jen said.
‘Having had the opportunity to share what’s possible with students at Salford University they’ve learnt not to underestimate people like me when they meet us or work with us. The University of Salford has helped me spread my message that anyone can have fun moving their body, in whatever way is available to them.’
Over the years The University of Salford have taken steps to ensure they’re an inclusive establishment for people with a disability, making it even more special that Jen received her award from them. The university offers the UK’s oldest integrated learning disabilities and social work course which is crucial due to the shortage of Learning Disability nurses and social workers locally and nationally. The programme has been running since 1995 and has an excellent reputation in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Jen was nominated for the honorary degree at the university by her friend Sarah Kennedy, who was involved in the set up of DanceSyndrome. Sarah was also a lecturer at the University for 17 years, contributing to the delivery of the integrated programme.
‘Jen being awarded an Honorary Doctorate is so important as it is in recognition of her many achievements both personally and professionally. People with learning disabilities are at risk of living less active lives for a number of reasons, and so getting people dancing is a wonderful thing,’ Sarah said. ‘The Award demonstrates that with the right support, people with learning disabilities can be leaders. DanceSyndrome works because everything that they do is in partnership with people with learning disabilities. Everything is co-produced and equal. People with learning disabilities have been treated as second class citizens for so long, so examples of where people’s skills and talents are valued should be celebrated. It is wonderful that the university recognises the importance of this and Jen’s pivotal part in it.’
Image: Jen Blackwell.
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