Politics of Down Syndrome, The

Kieron is a non-executive Director of Down Syndrome Education International the world's leading academic research based Down syndrome charity (www.dseinternational.org). He is also father to Tanzie (born 2004) who has Down syndrome and was involved in the incident with the comedian Frankie Boyle, with his wife Sharon Smith, (http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/apr/08/frankie-boyle-downs-syndrome). Kieron is a professional bookseller, ex Managing Director of The Book Depository, the UK's largest specialist online bookshop, he has previously worked throughout the trade, including at Waterstones and WHSmith Retail. Since 2014 he has been MD of The Best Little Bookshop http://www.bestlittlebookshop.com/.

This is a timely book that is as important as it is unusual. The 'problems' of people with Down syndrome are often discussed - less so those of the world they find themselves in. Political decisions that profoundly affect (or even prematurely end) the lives of people with Down syndrome are taken by policymakers with little knowledge of the condition and almost always without asking people with Down syndrome what they think. This book highlights many of the prejudices behind these decisions, and many of their consequences. In so doing, it provokes a debate that is urgently needed - one that is not just about Down syndrome but about human differences, human diversity and the defence of individual human rights. (Frank Buckley, CEO Down Syndrome Education International) Fascinating - at last a concise, well written examination of Down's syndrome which not only presents a historical perspective and political analysis but has the added advantage of deriving from personal experience. (Andy Merriman, Writer and broadcaster, co-author of BBC Radio 4 drama 'Minor Adjustment')