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.
SIGN-UP
We are happy to share the 2023 World Down Syndrome Awardees. Congratulations to all! Read more
We are delighted to share our brand new strategy which will guide our work for the next 10 years. Read more
Down Syndrome International was established in 1993. This year we celebrate 30 years of inclusion advocacy! Read more
The congress team welcomes people with Down syndrome, academics, practitioners, family members and support people to submit a summary of what they would like to present at the event. Read more
DSi is working on a new strategy for our organisation. This is essential to make sure we have a clear vision and plan for the next few years. Read more
The Down's Syndrome Association is building on our Inclusive Education project to share resources to support teachers, SENCOs, school leaders and people who have Down’s Syndrome and their families. Read more
We were pleased to collaborate with the World Federation of the Deaf and Inclusion International on this new position paper. Read more
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
Recommendations from the International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome. Read more
Reflections on our achievements in 2022 Read more
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
Chris Barnes, our Inclusive Education Officer, quizzes a panel of experts about 'Inclusive Education' and asks questions from parents. Read more
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
UDL helps teachers to address the needs of all students in the classroom at the same time! Read more
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
“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
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
We are delighted to announce the publication of the International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome in Bosnian. 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
DSi is delighted to have worked with Inclusion Down in Belgium to make our education guidelines accessible to French speakers. Read more
Promoting positive change for the education of learners with Down syndrome in Tajikistan Read more
Through our international guidelines and wider education activities, we are enabling people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential. Read more