our cause

Among many compelling causes, the needs of people with Down syndrome stand out.

As a group, people with Down syndrome are often written off at birth or viewed as a problem that can and should be eradicated. Yet, people with Down syndrome are indeed people with every right to lead rewarding lives and it is abundantly clear that we can help them fulfil their potential.

The benefits of doing so reach far beyond the individual, touching communities and improving the societies in which we live.

Our vision is a world where people with Down syndrome everywhere have every opportunity to achieve their full potential. This vision is compelling, achievable and delivers a wide and lasting impact.

Compelling

People with Down syndrome find aspects of learning more difficult through no fault of their own. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses, but this specific genetic condition presents additional challenges.

We do not fully understand Down syndrome, but we know enough to be clear that people with Down syndrome are far more capable than is often thought. Social opportunities and effective developmental and educational support can help unlock this potential.

Achievable

There are already many examples of success in supporting people with Down syndrome to achieve more. Extending and improving on proven approaches is a low-risk strategy for delivering future advances.

Our current understanding of Down syndrome is incomplete, but offers many clues to focus research efforts productively.

Wide and lasting impact

Development and education from birth through childhood has a lasting impact on all our lives. For young people with additional learning needs, the impact of the right support and opportunities is even greater.

Researching and communicating effective interventions and teaching strategies creates a beneficial legacy for future generations.

Understanding the learning difficulties faced by people with Down syndrome informs our understanding of human brain development, benefiting us all.

Learning to include, accept and support people with differing abilities and needs helps us all to become more compassionate, understanding and tolerant members of our communities in a world much in need of these qualities.