Jen Blackwell, DanceSyndrome co-founder, has been awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Salford. She has been named a Doctor of Arts for her work inspiring both disabled and non disabled people to dance.
Jen, who has Down’s syndrome, set up DanceSyndrome in 2009. Since then, thousands of lives have been transformed through her work. Jen aims to get the world dancing and showcase what is possible for people with disabilities.
Jen collected her Honorary Degree on Friday 12th July at a University of Salford graduation ceremony at the Lowry Theatre. In an emotional acceptance 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.”
DanceSyndrome holds weekly workshops for disabled and non disabled dancers. They have performed for audiences nationwide, and Jen is a frequent guest speaker at events raising awareness about disability. As well as multiple TV appearances, Jen and DanceSyndrome have danced at The Lowry theatre in Salford as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe to name a few.
Jen already has strong links with the University of Salford, which offers the UK’s oldest integrated Learning Disabilities and Social Work Course. The programme 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.
Salford’s course is recognised for its commitment to working in partnership with people with learning disabilities, and Jen is regularly invited in to lead a workshop for students and to talk about the value of seeing people with learning disabilities as unique individuals with skills and talents.
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.”
Jen was nominated for the Honorary Degree at the University by her friend Sarah Kennedy, who was involved in helping her set up DanceSyndrome. Sarah was also a lecturer at the University for 17 years, contributing to the delivery of the integrated programme.
Sarah said: “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.
“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.”
In 2023, Jen was accepted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and she was recognized for her services to Disabled People in the King’s Birthday Honours with a British Empire Medal (BEM).
Details about Salford’s Integrated Practice Learning Disabilities Nursing and Social Work Course are available on this page on their website.
