We believe 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).
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.
The DSi network advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for ALL children.
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:
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, for everyone.
Check out our current projects:
Learn about guidelines
Learn about study
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.
Learn - find out what needs to change in the world so that all people with Down syndrome are fully included in society.
Inform - tell us what life is like for people with Down syndrome where you live.
Advocate - speak up for people with Down syndrome and disabilities.
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We are happy to share the 2023 World Down Syndrome Awardees. Congratulations to all! Read more
Down Syndrome International was established in 1993. This year we celebrate 30 years of inclusion advocacy! Read more
Recommendations from the International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome. Read more
We worked in collaboration with the Down’s Syndrome Association (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and Down's Syndrome Scotland, to promote quality, inclusive education for all learners in the United Kingdom including learners with Down syndrome. Read more
Through our international guidelines and wider education activities, we are enabling people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential. Read more