Governance
Down Syndrome International (DSI) is the outcome of over 20 years' hard work, effort and commitment by the international Down syndrome community.
In November 2001, Down Syndrome International was incorporated in Portsmouth, England as a registered UK company, number 4327941.
Charity registration
In May 2002, Down Syndrome International was formally registered as a UK charity, number 1091843, with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
Elections for Board positions are held at each World Congress. See
Background: Over 20 years' commitment
In the early 1980s it was recognized that Down syndrome groups worldwide needed an international federation in order to have an international voice for people with Down syndrome. Since then two steering groups have worked to establish an international organisation.
The first steering group started work during the 1st (1981) and 2nd (1983) World Congresses on Down Syndrome held in Mexico City (Mexico) and continued during the 3rd World Congress in Brighton (England) and 4th World Congress in Jerusalem (Israel).
Huge efforts were made by members of the steering group in Mexico, England and Israel for this organization to become a legal international association. These were the seeds that made the DSI possible, and the first steering committee were pioneers trying to put together the dreams of the people working together for the cause of individuals with Down syndrome, at the time when there were no international organizations at all.
The International Down Syndrome Federation
At the 5th (1993) World Congress in Florida (USA), a new steering group gave a progress report to the 37 countries represented and received support for the work done in setting up the main office. The International Down Syndrome Federation - the organization that was to become DSI - was initially incorporated under the support of the Down Syndrome Research Foundation, Vancouver, Canada. This brought the two groups together and increased the world representation on the volunteer Board of Directors. The dedicated founding group worked hard to continue seeking to meet the goal to improve life for people with Down syndrome.
Discussion at the World Congress in Australia, 2000 led to a revised name as Down Syndrome International.
In 2001, Down Syndrome International with a new President was incorporated in Portsmouth, England through the auspices of the Down Syndrome Educational Trust. Down Syndrome International was been established in England but continuing the work of the former International Down Syndrome Federation. In May 2002, DSI was formally registered as a charity with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
Governance
Current Directors include
