New landmark for Wilburton mum’s campaign

A campaign started by Wilburton mum Michelle Clark to get people thinking more positively about Down’s syndrome has reached a new landmark.

Lose the Label was inspired by Michelle and husband Ben’s daughter Mara who was diagnosed with the condition 18 months ago.

Michelle, 44, said that people she encountered – including health professionals - were often unsure what to say around her daughter or inadvertently put her condition before her name.

Michelle is championing ‘person-first’ language and believes that a change in the way people use language will help change attitudes and could help encourage more positive outcomes for people who have Down’s.

Since she launched the Lose the Label campaign on Facebook in October, Michelle has now attracted almost 4,000 supporters and, this week, she posted up her 100th image.

A Twitter account has also been launched, which has attracted more than 230 followers.

Michelle said: “Most of us are blatantly unaware of the language we use and how it affects others. Let’s face it; we generally don’t give our language a second thought.

“Lose the Label is not about pointing fingers, its not setting out to embarrass anyone who may have used limiting language in the past, it’s here for you to see each person with Down’s syndrome as the unique individual they are, learn how to change what you say to be more aligned with the inclusive society we all now live in.”

If you would like to get involved with the campaign, visit the Lose the Label Facebook page.