With Us Not For Us - World Down Syndrome Day 2023 Our campaign On World Down Syndrome Day 2023, we call for people and organisations around the world to be With Us Not For Us. A human rights-based approach to disability The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability. DSi is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support. A human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working With others to improve their lives. Our global network calls for all supporters to be With Us Not For Us. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for everyone to have the freedom to make their own choices. But people with Down syndrome often have poor or controlling support. Often their supporters do things For them, not With them. Our global network calls for all organisations to include people with Down syndrome and be With Us Not For Us. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for full and effective participation of persons with disabilities. But many organisations exclude people with Down syndrome from taking part in their work. They take decisions For them, not With them. Our global network calls for all decision makers to commit to involve organisations representing people with Down syndrome in all decisions, and work With Us Not For Us. Down Syndrome International and its members are Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). This means we represent and work With people with Down syndrome, not just For them. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that organisations of persons with disabilities should be involved in all policy and decision-making. But organisations that represent people with Down syndrome are often excluded. So, what can you do? We are putting together guides for advocates, schools and organisations to help you think about ‘With Us Not For Us’ in your daily life. We are also creating a fundraising pack, so if you want to take the opportunity to support a Down Syndrome organisation we can help with that too. In the meantime, you might like to sign up to our Advocates mailing list to learn more about advocacy. Together we will create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome. SIGN UP NOW Become a World Down Syndrome Advocate! Join Down Syndrome International (DSi) in our campaign to create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome. Each year the voices of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. SIGN UP NOW Manage Cookie Preferences