Our work for organisations

We complement the important work of associations and support groups around the world to help them improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

Photograph of babiesComplementing the activities of groups and associations

Associations and support groups play a vital role around the world in delivering quality information, advice and effective interventions to people with Down syndrome and their families. They are also instrumental in creating change in service provision in their communities.

Through its unique range of activities, the charity aims to complement and support the invaluable work of these organisations to help them make a real difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Conducting innovative research

As one of the world's leading research centres focusing on Down syndrome, we conduct research with practical outcomes focusing on areas that will provide real benefits to individuals. We also encourage and stimulate the efforts of other researchers around the world to continue to build our knowledge about the Down syndrome and the impact it has on development.

We know that this research is much needed, and is something that most groups and organisations around the world do not have the capacity to undertake. Find out more about our research...

Sharing practical outcomes

Photograph of group activitiesThrough our wide range of education activities we provide local, regional, national and international associations and support groups with advice, information and training on issues of practical importance relating to the education and development of individuals with Down syndrome:

  • Training: Each year, we work with organisations to provide our training courses for parents and professionals at locations around the world. In a typical year we contribute to training courses at over 20 locations attended by more than 4,000 people. 
  • Publishing: Our printed publications and DVD videos are purchased by associations and support groups as a vital reference resource.
  • Online information: Our leading website Down Syndrome Online provides a free source of high quality information available around the clock - and we are increasing moving towards publishing this information online in Open Access formats so it is suitable for reuse and reproduction by associations and support groups.
  • Early intervention: Through our publications and training courses we aim to share the research-based activities that we use in our early intervention services for preschool children with Down syndrome.

Find out more about our education services...

Supporting communities around the world

We support and promote collaboration and communication between groups and organisations around the world by: 

  • offering free or reduced rate membership of the charity and benefits to support groups and associations working in less developed parts of the world - find out more...
  • continuing to support the work of key international groups, including the European Down Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome International
  • hosting associations and support group communication forums via the charity's Listserv and web sites
  • hosting association and support group collaboration meetings alongside our key international conferences, where appropriate

Testimonials

Testimonials from organisations around the world helps us evaluates the impact of our work. Read testimonials from organisations...