Life has changed dramatically for many people with Down syndrome. Inclusion and improved healthcare and education offer new opportunities for many of today’s young people with Down syndrome.

I have had the great privilege to be intimately involved with these advances, both as a scientist and as a mother.

I have seen just how much practical research can help to improve outcomes for people with Down syndrome. I have also seen how vital accurate information, and evidence-based advice and support are for families, teachers, doctors and therapists.

However, there is still much to do to understand how we can best care for and educate people with Down syndrome of all ages. Yet funding for practical research is inadequate and falling further. This is why we are launching this major 5 year appeal to revitalise and accelerate Down syndrome research around the world.

I have always sought to focus research efforts towards practical outcomes - the teaching strategies and interventions that families, teachers and therapists can use successfully in daily life. This research fund will focus on practical outcomes in the near term - outcomes that can help today's generations of people with Down syndrome.

I am being assisted by a wonderful group of supporters and distinguished board of advisors.

We want to see a world where people with Down syndrome everywhere have every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

I hope you do to.

With best wishes,

Professor Sue Buckley OBE

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