BAPS Award Winners 2019
We are super proud to present the BAPS Award Winners for 2019.
It was a fabulous line-up (as always) with very worthy winners (as always!). Be sure to check out their brilliant blogs for real-life stories, support and information below.
For a full list of this year’s finalists and links to their blogs, you can find the info right here. Trust us, they are all worth a look.
Best Use of Media
Stories about Autism – James Hunt
“My family is nominating this blogger because their posts have bettered our lives, as well as our grandson’s. They have helped us feel less isolated and alone. Openly sharing their expert advice, patient parenting approach, struggles and triumphs have helped us better understand our grandson, who has autism. Even though we live across the globe from one another, the challenges we face are one and the same“
Newcomer
Feeling Upside Down – Sarah Mayes
“One of my closest friends had a beautiful baby who happens to have Down’s Syndrome in October 2017 with a post-birth diagnosis. Her whole world came crashing down around her and it took many months for the light to come back on. Through the help of other blogs and eventually starting her own blog, she is back to her bloody awesome self, raising awareness, changing extremely outdated perceptions and wouldn’t change a thing”
Post with the Biggest Impact
Faithmummy: The reasons I don’t like people – Miriam Gwynne (collected on the night by Steph Curtis)
“The way of writing through the eyes of a nine-year-old child made me ‘get it’ in a way that more technical blogs did not. It made sense of how and why things are as they are in a way that made me say – of course – out loud. Should be added to some textbooks”
Bloody Awesome Parent of the Year
Paula McGowan
“This person has done an amazing job campaigning for changes to ensure healthcare workers receive the correct training. She has made a huge impact and made real change happen! She has campaigned tirelessly to get mandatory training for healthcare professionals, and she deserves recognition for her bravery and determination to help stop this happening to other“
Travel and Accessibility
Autism Kids on Tour – Star Harford
“This blog is full of reviews of holidays and days out and each review has tips about taking autistic children. It is a great resource when thinking about travelling and finding places to go as well as an inspiration that autism doesn’t need to limit you. They have also recently started a YouTube channel and it’s great to watch their trips and hear tips”
The Truth about SEND
I am River – Hayley Balozi
“My granddaughter was born with Down Syndrome. She’s 2 years old & I have been following this blog since her diagnosis before she was born. It is so encouraging, informative & inspirational to me. It raises so much awareness about Down Syndrome. I’m so thankful to be able to share in the accomplishments of the little person the blog is all about.”
Wellbeing
Coraline and Us – Liz Arriens
“They have shared their journey with their amazing daughter with us and helped everyone who has read it to understand and appreciate that children with Down’s Syndrome are first and foremost just children. Each child is special regardless of whether they have Down’s syndrome or not. The love generated by the three of them radiates from each post and photograph and brightens up each and every day for me and all their followers.”
Making a Difference
Our Altered Life – Charlie Beswick
“A force of nature, and an inspiring mum with the most amazing positive attitude. She brightens the lives of many just by being herself and having a positive and fun outlook on all the daily challenges she faces. She shares her family’s story, telling the whole truth in a great, impactful way. She’s also started her own charity and is working with schools to educate and spread awareness. I look forward to seeing her cheerful face everywhere I can!”
A fabulous night was had by all and we hope to make next years awards even better. If you want to stay in the loop about the BAPS Awards sign up to My Family, Our Needs and we’ll notify you when nominations open for 2020.
Thanks to our sponsors and everyone else who contributed to the night – it wouldn’t have been possible without your help!