Welcome to another compelling episode of The Purpose Pod: T21 Alchemy Series!
In this latest instalment, we are honoured to have Danise B. Grant, an esteemed educator, and the visionary founder of Panda's Tree, which stands as the UK's pioneering organisation dedicated to advocating for, educating about, and supporting the Black Down syndrome community.
With a remarkable track record of over two decades in various educational settings, including adult literacy, TESOL, and secondary education, Danise B. Grant is not only an educator but a passionate advocate for social justice. Her current mission revolves around championing inclusion and diversity within educational institutions. Additionally, she serves as a judicial official and a key member of a local authority SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) panel, where she passionately advocates for the rights and needs of children who require special educational support.
Our conversation in this powerful episode, which marks the second instalment of our Trisomy 21 Alchemy series, delves into crucial topics. We discuss the complexities of diagnosis and definitions related to Down syndrome, the unfortunate insensitivity of medical professionals, the weight of expectations, and the intersectionality of racism, sexism, and ablism within this context. Danise brings her profound insights to the forefront as we explore the realm of advocacy, the stigmas faced by the community, and how we collectively aim to make a brighter future for all.
Furthermore, this episode features Danise’s a moving and empowering testimony from a motherhood perspective and emphasises why sometimes, relying on Google for information might not be the best approach when it comes to understanding Down syndrome.
Join us on this journey as we celebrate Trisomy 21, shed light on the challenges faced by the Black Down syndrome community, and strive to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and informed world.
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Connect with Panda’s Tree https://www.facebook.com/PandasTree @PandasTree_BlackDSUK
Jingle @jbrose
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