The work of DanceSyndrome Founder Jen Blackwell was celebrated with a Highly Commended certificate in the HER-abilities Award category at the Inspire Women Awards this weekend.
The Inspire Women Awards celebrate the wealth of outstanding contributions women have made to the North West. It is a night of celebration and achievements of women from all walks of life in the diverse and thriving local community, showcasing extraordinary examples of courage, triumph, kindness, compassion, transformation, skill and success.
Now in its fifth year, the 2019 event will play host to heads of industry, business chiefs, community leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, celebrities and other well-known figures from the region’s private, public and voluntary sectors. Packed with stories of unsung heroes, community champions and women who have gone above and beyond in the course of their work, service and passions, it is sure to be an inspiring event.
Jen was shortlisted as a finalist in the HER-Abilities Award category. The award is reserved for a special woman who despite her disabilities inspires by her positive contribution to the community, workplace, family or just her own life. Embracing HER-Abilities, she may have achieved new success, eliminated limiting beliefs and demonstrated the importance of living a fulfilling life.
Jen said “I’m honoured to have been Highly Commended in the HER-Abilities Award category. Being nominated for this award shows that people with learning disabilities can do amazing things with their lives if given a chance. Dancing is my life, I am passionate about dance and about supporting people like me to have opportunities in the dance world.”
Jen’s mum Sue, who helped her to set up DanceSyndrome said “Achieving Highly Commended in the Her Abilities Award of Inspire Awards 2019 is a huge personal accolade for Jen. There are few awards which allow her to compete as an equal. Her Abilities was different. It recognised that you could be female, inspirational, making a huge effort in your own life and that of others around you, and all whilst having a disability, in Jen’s case Down’s syndrome with all the associated learning disabilities. From Jen’s perspective ‘my disability doesn’t define me for who I am’ has never been more true.
“Every day Jen is helping to break down barriers. She demonstrates that people with learning disabilities can contribute hugely and positively to a society where they are welcomed, wanted and appropriately supported. She communicates the ‘ability, not disability’ message, influencing people from all walks of life and offering hope to people with learning disabilities themselves and their families.”
Due to a prior commitment, Jen was unable to attend the Inspire Women Awards event on 22nd June, so DanceSyndrome Patron Julie Ward MEP and supporter Jane Fox attended the ceremony to collect the certificate on Jen’s behalf.
As a patron of @DanceSyndrome I was honoured to accept this incredible award on behalf of Jen Blackwell who founded the inspiring disability-led inclusive dance co https://t.co/7yAw2rwQq5
— Julie Ward MEP (@julie4nw) June 22, 2019
This award is one of several recent accolades that have recognised the importance of the work done by DanceSyndrome and our team members. You can find out more on the Accolades page of this site. If you would like to support the work of our charity, you can donate directly using the form below, of find out more on the Fundraising page of our site.
