Network members area

Welcome to the DSi Network.

In this section:

• The DSi network.
• What we do.
• World Down Syndrome Day.
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
• World Down Syndrome Congress
• The role of network members.
• Opportunities to get involved.
• Resources.
• Become a member.
• Latest network news and activities.

The DSi Network.

The DSi Network is the only global network of organisations working to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome. Our goal is to ensure equal rights and opportunities for everyone in the Down syndrome community.

The network has more than 150 member organisations working in 113 countries.

Find and connect with network members

The network is coordinated by the DSi secretariat team. The secretariat is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a team of Ambassadors.

The DSi secretariat facilitates network meetings and leads research, program work, and international campaigns.

Together we can make the world a better place for everyone!

What our members say:

"The DSi Network has helped us in our successful advocacy and activism for a more inclusive society." - Down Syndrome Family Network, Trinidad and Tobago

"As a Country representative, we are proud to be a part of the DSi Network and to benefit from the advantages offered to us all." - Down Syndrome Madagascar

What we do.

DSi's programme work is focused on 4 key areas:

Inclusive education - advocating for ALL children to have access to inclusive and equitable quality education to enhance their opportunities and quality of life.

Inclusive employment - advocating for ALL people to have access to employment in inclusive workplaces.

Inclusive health - advocating for ALL people to have access to the highest attainable standard of healthcare provision where they live.

Inclusive organisations - advocating for ALL organisations to include everyone in their decision-making.

World Down Syndrome Day.

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), on 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

Each year we deliver a network campaign. Network members work together to deliver a powerful message to raise awareness and make a change in the world.

DSi hosts events at the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

Member organisations are invited to participate in the planning and execution of these activities.

Check out our latest WDSD activities:

World Down Syndrome Day

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October was first designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the 1980s and has been recognized every October since.

It is a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments.

We support the DSi Network by promoting its activities and campaigns.

World Down Syndrome Congress

The World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) is an unmatched opportunity for people with Down syndrome, families, advocates, professionals and researchers to meet and share knowledge, insight and experience with others from different countries and environments worldwide. Those who attend once rarely miss it again!

We are very grateful to our national hosts, who put in a huge amount of work to make WDSC happen.

Down Syndrome Australia invites you to the 15th World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane, in July 2024!

VISIT WDSC 2024 WEBSITE

The role of network members.

There are two types of members:

• Representative organisations are usually national Down syndrome organisations representing their country at DSi. Many of these national organisations are also members of world regional networks, with whom we maintain strong relationships.
• Affiliate organisations are other Down syndrome or disability advocacy groups or focus on specific issues like healthcare, education, employment or other service provision. 

Supporting people with Down syndrome.

Network members have the best knowledge of the laws, systems, and available support in their country. We direct individuals and families to network members to get this local information.

Representing your country.

Network members are the eyes and ears of their country or region. They tell us what life is like for people with Down syndrome living in their country. This helps us to focus our work where it is most needed.

Speaking up.

Network members are in the best position to bring about change in their country. We support network members to speak up through national and international campaigns.

Projects.

The DSi Programme team works with network members on specific projects, e.g. starting a self-advocacy group. 

Opportunities to get involved.

Network meetings.

Network members are invited to attend meetings with the DSi secretariat and other network members. This might be to discuss a particular project or campaign. 

Surveys.

We send surveys to network members to gather information about the situation in their country.

Training.

Network members are invited to attend training sessions to help increase the capacity of their organisation.

Annual 1-to-1 meetings.

This is an opportunity for network members to meet with a member of the DSi Secretariat to talk about the organisation's work. We offer support and advice on developing the capacity of the organisation and activities. This is currently available for Representative members only.

Projects.

Network members have opportunities to work with the DSi Programme team and other members on joint projects.

International advocacy.

Network members are invited to participate in international advocacy activities, including speaking at the United Nations.

Call to action.

Network members are invited to participate in international campaigns. We provide campaign messages and resources.

Resources.

Members may wish to share these resources with their membership. If you wish to translate these into a local language, please get in touch.

• Down Syndrome Explained - Our 'Down syndrome explained' pack provides bitesize introductions to some of the key topics relevant to people with Down syndrome.
• Listen Include Respect - These guidelines explain how organisations should include people with intellectual disabilities in different parts of their work.
• Education guidelines - our International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome provide best-practice guidance for learners, teachers and managers in pre-school, school and post-school education settings to promote life-long learning.
• Letter to your members about membership to DSi.

We also have a YouTube channel with useful videos on a range of topics:

DSi on YouTube

Become a member.

Organisations that want to join the DSi network must meet the membership criteria. If your organisation meets these criteria, you can apply for membership.

You can find the membership criteria and membership application form on this page: 

ORGANISATION MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

Latest network news and activities.