Goals and Objectives

About Down Syndrome International

This section of the website provides general information about Down Syndrome International (DSI).
Summary

Down Syndrome International is a registered charity, established to continue the work of the former International Down Syndrome Federation.
Down Syndrome International is a federation of organisations and individuals committed to ensuring the quality of life and human rights for all people with Down syndrome.
DSI organises the World Congress on Down Syndrome every 3 years with a host country: the 8th World Congress was in Singapore October 2003, the 9th World Congress was in Vancouver, Canada 2006 and the 10th World Congress will be in Dublin, Ireland, 2009.
DSI is focusing on dissemination of information in collaboration with other organisations.
Membership of DSI is open to individuals with Down syndrome, parents, practitioners, researchers and organisations.

The objectives and goals of Down Syndrome International (DSI) are:

To organize a World Congress, every three years, that brings together parents and professionals from around the world. Current research, education and advocacy programs are discussed by international experts.
To select the sponsor and site of all future World Congresses.
To co-sponsor, with regional Down syndrome organizations, local conferences on specific issues. These programs are aimed at developing countries.
To develop an international scientific advisory committee to support the World Congress and all DSI activities.
To encourage research into the educational and developmental needs of individuals with Down syndrome and disseminate the findings.
To provide a web site http://www.ds-int.org/ and e-mail distribution list to promote international discussion and collaboration.
To provide publications currently in co-operation with other organisations and develop additional materials as needed.
To actively solicit fundraising to assist in meeting the above goals and specific projects.