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  • inclusive-education
  1. Key issues
  2. Inclusive education

Inclusive education

Every child should have access to inclusive and equitable quality education

People with disabilities have the right to inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities.

This is stated in Article 24 (Education) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, United Nations, 2006).


The challenge

All around the world children with Down syndrome are being failed by education systems.

They are not given the support that they need to succeed in mainstream schools. Many are pushed into special education systems, excluded or segregated from learning alongside their peers.

Many more children with Down syndrome are denied education altogether.


What is inclusive education?

Every child should have access to inclusive and equitable quality education to enhance their opportunities and quality of life.

For children with Down syndrome, this can be realised if:

  • full access is provided to education settings, without segregation or exclusion;
  • each child is supported to learn and is given the same learning opportunities as others and
  • all children have opportunities to develop interests, make friends and gain confidence and independence.   

This is also what we expect for any other child.

What we are describing here is an inclusive education system, one which will deliver better outcomes


What we are doing

Check out our current projects:

Project focus - Education guidelines

  • WHEN - In July 2020 DSi published our "International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome".
  • WHO WITH - With our members and key global stakeholders.
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING - We are translating the guidelines into various languages, distributing toolkits and working with members to support its implementation.

Learn about guidelines


Project focus - A pilot study in the UK

  • WHEN - For 12 months from September 2021.
  • WHO WITH - With our members Down's Syndrome Association and Down's Syndrome Scotland.
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING - We are talking to all types of education stakeholders and launching an information campaign promoting inclusive education for all

Learn about study


What's next?

We are learning all the time from our current projects. In the future, we hope to work in many countries, with our members, using what we are developing to have a substantial, positive impact on education systems around the world.


Sign up.

Sign up to hear more about the work we are doing to improve quality of life for people with Down syndrome around the world.

SIGN-UP - OUR WORK


Related education news and events

Congratulations Rhonda!

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Associate Professor Rhonda Faragher, Vice President of DSi, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to people with Down syndrome through research programs and education initiatives. Read more

Published: 6th February, 2023

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A message from the President of DSi - 2022

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Published: 7th December, 2022

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We call for world leaders to commit to transforming education so that every child in the world can access quality, equitable, inclusive education and lifelong learning. Read more

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WATCH: a discussion on the concept of 'Inclusive Education', the inclusion of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and effective practice in the classroom. Read more

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UDL helps teachers to address the needs of all students in the classroom at the same time! Read more

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DSi would like to thank our members Down Syndrome Albania Foundation, Jonathan Center and Down Syndrome Kosovo for translating the original version from English. Read more

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International Day of Education

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“If we are to transform the future, if we are to change course, we must rethink education.” We are working with our member organisations to "rethink" education and bring about positive change for all. Read more

Published: 20th January, 2022

Updated: 20th February, 2022

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What is your experience of inclusive education?

Please take 15 minutes to complete our anonymous survey. As a key stakeholder in this process, your honest opinions and experiences really count! Read more

Published: 13th October, 2021

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DSi education guidelines now available in Bosnian

DSi education guidelines now available in Bosnian

We are delighted to announce the publication of the International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome in Bosnian. Read more

Published: 13th October, 2021

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Published: 4th October, 2021

Updated: 24th October, 2022

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DSi announces first official translation of education guidelines in French

DSi announces first official translation of education guidelines in French

DSi is delighted to have worked with Inclusion Down in Belgium to make our education guidelines accessible to French speakers. Read more

Published: 19th March, 2021

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Promoting positive change for the education of learners with Down syndrome in Tajikistan Read more

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Author: Deleted User

Education Guidelines

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Through our international guidelines and wider education activities, we are enabling people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential. Read more

Published: 25th September, 2018

Updated: 11th January, 2023

Author:

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