About us
We are the global network of organisations representing people with Down syndrome and their families.
We work together to advocate for the human rights of people with Down syndrome.
Our vision is a better world where all people with Down syndrome are fully included in society.
Our strategy.
Our strategy guides everything that we do to achieve our vision. You can find our full strategy here:
DSi network.
We are a global network with members in 113 countries.
Most of our members are national Down syndrome organisations who represent their country at DSi.
Other members are disability advocacy groups or groups that focus on specific issues like healthcare, education, employment, or other service provision.
DSi staff team.
The DSi staff team coordinates the network.
The staff team facilitates network meetings and leads research, programme activities, and international advocacy campaigns.
The staff team is governed by a Board of Trustees.
DSi Ambassador Committee.
We work with a team of Ambassadors who guide our work and give us feedback.
Ambassadors are nominated by the representative network member organisation in their country.
The Ambassador group helps DSi understand how to include people with Down syndrome better.
International partnership.
DSi is a member of the International Disability Alliance.
We collaborate with our disability community partners at national and regional levels and within the United Nations (UN) system.
We are in Special Consultative (ECOSOC) Status with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Advisors.
We are committed to making sure that our work is done in a way that is inclusive, informed, and effective.
Our work is guided by the knowledge and expertise of the people who are most affected by it. This includes people with Down syndrome themselves, as well as their families, caregivers, and other stakeholders.
We also work with leading international experts in the fields relevant to the lives of people with Down syndrome.
This ensures that our work is based on the best available evidence and that it is relevant to the needs of the people we serve.
Patrons.
We are very grateful to our patrons, who give us their time, support our events, raise our public profile and make a major contribution to help us achieve our objectives.
Damon Hill and Georgie Hill
Damon Hill OBE was the 1996 Formula One World Champion and is a successful business, television and media personality. Georgie Hill is a Trustee of Down's Syndrome Association (UK). Their son Oliver has Down syndrome.
Michael Caines
Michael Caines MBE is an internationally recognised chef, business and television personality. Michael is the visionary behind Lympstone Manor, a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant in Exeter, UK. He has a Michelin star at Lympstone Manor and previously held 2 stars for 18 years consecutively at Gidleigh park.
Our history.
DSi was founded in 1993.
In May 2002 DSi was registered as a UK charity with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
In May 2009 we delivered our first training programme, in Libya.
DSi has gone from strength to strength.
Read our detailed history here.
Our promise.
