About us

"The charity is now central to the worldwide understanding and sharing of research from many academics and longer-term experience of those working with generations of children with Down syndrome." (New Philanthropy Capital, London, UK)

"The charity has had a profound impact on the Down syndrome research and practice community for the past three decades. It combines a scientifically grounded approach to educating individuals with Down syndrome with a passion for improving the life of each child." (Professor Deborah Fidler, Colorado State University, USA)

Down Syndrome Education International is a leading international charity dedicated to raising levels of educational achievement among children with Down syndrome. We have been at the forefront of developmental and educational research and evidence-based services improving outcomes for children with Down syndrome for over 30 years.

Every child deserves a good education - one that welcomes them a valued member of their community and recognises their individual learning needs and their particular strengths.

Children with Down syndrome experience a variety of delays and difficulties that affect many areas of development. Research is steadily improving our understanding of these challenges. It is also helping us to identify more effective teaching approaches.

Our role

Our vision is successful education for all children with Down syndrome. We want every child with Down syndrome to have every opportunity to achieve their individual potential and to live more fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Our mission is to raise levels of educational achievement among children with Down syndrome. We focus on delivering measurable improvements in speech and language, reading and literacy, and number and maths skills, memory and cognition, social development and educational attainment.

Our activities

Our scientific research advances understanding of the children’s development and learning difficulties and evaluates new teaching approaches. Our services empower families, teachers and therapists with the knowledge and tools needed to offer children with Down syndrome highly effective support.

Our social impact

By advancing evidence-based practice, we leverage substantial public and nonprofit sector investments in developmental and educational services to improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome around the world.

We help families, teachers, therapists, schools, non-profit and government service providers to provide highly effective early intervention and education for young people with Down syndrome.

"Down Syndrome Education International is one of the leading centres in the world in research and practice about development, learning and communication in children and adults with Down syndrome for many years. The charity is renowned for its publications and teaching." (Down Syndrome New South Wales, Australia)

We are part of the DSE Group

The Down Syndrome Education Group is a consortium of nonprofit organisations that share a common vision, including Down Syndrome Education International, Down Syndrome Education Enterprises CIC and Down Syndrome Education USA.

Together, we undertake research and provide services that help over 100,000 people in over 180 countries each year.