Our vision is a world where all young people with Down syndrome are offered
the
opportunities that they need to achieve their individual potential.
Mission
Our mission is to improve the opportunities offered to young people with Down syndrome. We
do this by discovering their potential and by identifying how to support their personal
development most effectively through scientific research. We then
communicate evidence-based information and guidance through
publishing, training and consultancy
services to families and professionals worldwide. Through scientific research and global
communication, we transform the lives of people with Down syndrome everywhere.
Approach
Five fundamental principles describe our approach to our work:
- Knowledge through research – Our work is founded on
an improving scientific understanding
of the development of young people with Down syndrome. We focus on
high quality research that yields practical
outcomes.
- Honesty through evidence-based advice and expertise –
We offer honest advice and information.
We make clear the reasons for our advice and the evidence that supports it.
- Excellence from independent, professional experts – Our services are delivered by
experienced
professionals, focused on the needs of young people with Down syndrome and their families.
- Understanding individual needs and respecting
differences – We recognise that every young person is
unique. We offer advice that is relevant to each individual's personal
development.
- Accountability to clients and donors – We are accountable to our clients and our donors
about how we manage, direct and deliver all that we do.
Values
Our core values describe our beliefs about the people with disabilities, their rights and
their roles in our societies:
- Equality – Everyone is of equal worth, regardless of their race, gender, social or
religious background, or abilities.
- Opportunity – Everyone should be offered the support they need to achieve their full
potential.
- Inclusion – There is no justification for excluding anyone from equal opportunities
to participate in their local community life, nor the wider social and economic world.
- Self-determination – Everyone has the right to live with independence, dignity and
security and the right to exercise control over their lives.
- Family centred – Families, in all their forms, play a pivotal role in the lives of
children. Families possess unique understanding of their children and their particular needs, and this
should always be respected.