Man with Down’s inspiring disabled people to enter the workplace

A man with Down’s syndrome has been celebrated for inspiring others with disabilities to enter the workforce.

Luke Newton works as an administrator in Wiltshire Police’s Crime and Communications Centre. He has spoken at conferences and to other police forces about the benefits of employing people with disabilities.

Newton was announced as runner-up for the 2025 David Grainger Award, an award by the British Association for Supported Employment which is given to “a disabled person who inspires other people to have high aspirations in employment, who has changed perceptions around what disabled people can achieve or progressed in their chosen career”.

Enthusiasm and pride

Newton used WorkFit, the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme, to help him get his job at Wiltshire Police ten years ago.

Following the awards ceremony, he encouraged others with Down’s syndrome who are seeking work, saying: “It can be hard at first, but it’s a great opportunity and good fun – just be yourself”.

Amy Outlaw, Newton’s supervisor at work, commented: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Luke throughout his career at Wiltshire Police, and he truly is an inspirational figure.

“His enthusiasm for his role is contagious, and his pride in being part of the Force shines through. I couldn’t be prouder of all that Luke has accomplished.”

Raising awareness

Roy Perrett, from Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, explained: “Over many years, Luke has raised awareness about the benefits of employing people with disabilities – in the police force, and beyond.

“He has also inspired people like himself to consider working.”

He added: “Luke is a great credit to himself, his family and Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, and we are so proud of him.”

Promoting understanding

Over the summer, a photo of a two-year-old called Violet from Chelmsford was shown on a Times Square billboard in New York to raise awareness about children with Down’s syndrome.

The billboard slideshow is a campaign by the National Down Syndrome Society which showed 500 pictures of people with the condition in one of the busiest locations in the world.

In Great Britain, unborn babies who are thought to have Downs can be aborted up to birth.

Violet’s mother Rebecca explained: “It’s all about promoting understanding and trying to educate everyone that having a child with Down’s syndrome is not the end of the world, it’s actually a real joy”.