For World Down Syndrome Day 2022, Down Syndrome International is asked:

What does #Inclusion mean?

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Why ask this question?

In its general principles, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) calls for:

“Full and effective participation and inclusion in society”

There are references throughout the UN CRPD to #Inclusion, for example:

“Persons with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality and free primary education and secondary education on an equal basis with others.”

“States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities...to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.”

In 2019, the UN Secretary General adopted the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UN DIS). This provides a path towards disability #Inclusion through all areas of the work of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and development.

Around the world, it is widely accepted that everyone should have the same opportunities, be able to go to the same places, take part in the same activities, and enjoy the same experiences in life.

But the reality is that people with Down syndrome and disabilities today do not benefit from full and effective participation and #Inclusion in society.

There are many reasons for this. One reason is that there is a lack of agreed understanding of what #Inclusion is and what #Inclusive systems look like in practice.

So on 21 March 2022, we asked people with Down syndrome, families, advocates, professionals, organisations and indeed anyone around the world, to tell us:

"#InclusionMeans …"

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DSi programme messages

#InclusionMeans in Education

We believe that everyone should have access to inclusive and equitable quality education.

Click here to read what we believe #InclusionMeans in Education and watch the presentations delivered at the 11th World Down Syndrome Day Conference in New York, 21 March 2022.

Education

#InclusionMeans in Employment

We believe that everyone should have access to employment in inclusive workplaces.

Click here to read what we believe #InclusionMeans in Employment and watch the presentations delivered at the 11th World Down Syndrome Day Conference in New York, 21 March 2022.

Employment

#InclusionMeans in Health

We believe that everyone should have access to the highest attainable standard of health, without discrimination.

Click here to read what we believe #InclusionMeans in Health and watch the presentations delivered at the 11th World Down Syndrome Day Conference in New York, 21 March 2022.

Health

#InclusionMeans in Organisations

We believe that everyone has the right to be involved in decision-making that affects them.

Click here to read what we believe #InclusionMeans in Organisations and watch the presentations delivered at the 11th World Down Syndrome Day Conference in New York, 21 March 2022.

Organisations

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Visit the World Down Syndrome Day website to find out about our campaign for this year.

WDSD website