Changing lives
Find out what others think about the impact of our work on their lives by reading their:
Working to improve all areas of development
Our work considers all of the influences on health, development and education - from the impact of genes
to the impact of inclusion.
We work to assist people with Down syndrome in all areas of development:
Our work helps many thousands of people every week in over 170 countries around the world.
For 30 years, our research and education activities have directly led to interventions and educational
approaches that help young people with Down syndrome achieve more.
Results from research
The charity's research has delivered important results affecting many areas of development and education
for young people with Down syndrome around the world.
Our research findings have led to improvements in early intervention practice, teaching methods and
many other aspects of care, support and education for people with Down syndrome.
Read more about the impact of our research...
Communicating change
The extensive information resources published by the charity, and its wide-reaching training programmes,
ensure that up-to-date, evidence-based advice and information reaches families, therapists, educators
and other professionals around the world.
The charity has published over 35 books, selling around 80,000 copies to date. The Trust has been publishing
online since 1996. Web site visits have quadrupled over the past 4 years and the charity now serves
many tens of thousands of people in over 130 countries around the world via its online services.
Read more about the impact of our education activities...
Changing lives
Our impact is not just measured by statistics. Real outcomes for people with Down syndrome and their
families are our ultimate aim.
We measure this impact by talking to the people we serve and from the feedback
we receive.
Efficient operations
We maximise our impact through efficient working. Given the reach of all that we do, it may be surprising
that we only receive around £500,000 (US$975,000/€735,000) in grants, donations and fundraising events
income each year.
We put it to good use, though -
- We focus on activities with a broad reach and demonstrable impact.
- We work hard to ensure that our activities are operated as efficiently and effectively as possible.
- We do not overspend on fundraisers - our fundraising costs to charitable expenditure ratio is 9% - far
lower than many charities. (In fact, our total annual fundraising expenditure is only around £40,000
each year - in large part thanks to the efforts of many fundraising volunteers)
Read more about how to support our work...
Planning to do more
For
many people with Down syndrome, the outlook has never been brighter. Increased life expectancy, higher
educational achievements and greater social inclusion are improving the quality of life for people with
Down syndrome in many countries.
However, there is still much more work to be done to ensure that every person with Down syndrome receives
the best care, support, education and life opportunities.
Down Syndrome Education Internationalplays a pivotal role in informing progress through scientific research
and information. Our forward-looking strategic plans include an expanded programme of original research
focused on practical outcomes for people with Down syndrome.
Read more about our strategy...
Further information
Find out more -