Our "Meetings and Committee guidelines" state clearly:
http://www.dsscotland.org.uk/publications/general/meetings.pdf
Downs Syndrome Scotland as a membership organisation, is underpinned
by the recognition of the right of individuals with Downs syndrome to
have direct influence over the ongoing development of the Association.
It is essential that adults with Downs syndrome are properly represented
within the Association and other areas, by ensuring that they are fully
and effectively involved in the decision-making processes.
Each member of Downs Syndrome Scotland has input into the decisionmaking
processes, via the Executive Committee. Therefore, involving
adults with Downs syndrome in the branch committee meetings will
allow their opinions and contributions to be made initially in the most
relevant and responsive environment. This will facilitate adults with
Downs syndrome being formally included in the Association.
Involving adults with Downs syndrome in branch meetings will ensure
that Downs Syndrome Scotland is responding positively to the people
that it represents and working directly with people with Downs
syndrome, not just on their behalf.
The main benefit for Downs Syndrome Scotland is that members with
Downs syndrome will become colleagues who give their time,
enthusiasm and ideas to the Association.
The benefits for adults with Downs syndrome include; true
representation within the Association, the opportunity to contribute to
discussions and proceedings highlighting areas which need to be
addressed and a chance to take responsibility for ensuring that positive
changes occur.
WE ARE AIMING TO ENSURE
That there is at least one adult with Downs syndrome on each
branch committee.
That the person with Downs syndrome understands the reasons for
the meetings and the part that they are expected to play in the
meetings.
That the person with Downs syndrome has the relevant support
that s/he needs to take an active part in the meeting.
That this support is also available between meetings to discuss the
minutes and agenda prior to the next meeting.
That the person with Downs syndrome feels confident about
her/his involvement in the meeting.
That ideas and suggestions raised by the person with Downs
syndrome are listened to, acknowledged and acted upon when
necessary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Association talked to three groups of people with Downs syndrome
about their experiences of taking part in meetings. The groups came
from the Highland, Central and West of Scotland branches of Downs
Syndrome scotland.
These workshops focussed on the following areas;
- What types of meetings people had attended
- What experiences had been good
- What experiences had been bad
- How should meetings be run
- What help a person with Downs syndrome might need
Their answers to these questions have been incorporated into the
guidelines.
These representatives all had some very strong ideas about meetings and
despite having had one or two negative experiences in the past, most
people had enjoyed being included in the meetings.
Everyone felt that it was very important that people with Downs
syndrome have a chance to influence how the Association works, even if
they might need a lot of help to do so.
