Holding Hands

Red Cross and Respite – disabled children and Red Cross cadets help each other at a day centre in the 1960s.

The Red Cross and respite care – disabled children and Red Cross cadets help each other at a day centre in the 1960’s. The sentimental commentary belies the mutual bonding and learning that is clearly taking place between the non-disabled and disabled young people.

In the 1960’s, people with Down’s Syndrome like those in this film were patronisingly regarded as “sub-normal” and unemployable, with an anticipated short life span. These low expectations and perceptions have since changed hugely, with Down’s people themselves accessing employment and campaigning for social inclusion.