Inclusive organisations
We believe everyone should have a say in decisions that affect them.
What is an inclusive organisation?
An inclusive organisation makes sure everyone is part of its work.
People with intellectual disabilities are included in a meaningful way and have key roles in the organisation.
They can help lead and make big decisions. They can help plan activities or projects. They can also share information in a way that everyone can understand.
This helps everyone feel included and valued.
Being involved is a human right!
This is written in Article 4.3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Organisations must include people with disabilities in everything they do.
The problem.
The problem is many people with intellectual disabilities are not included in a meaningful way.
They face barriers that stop them from having key roles.
What we want.
We want organisations to include people with intellectual disabilities in a meaningful way.
This can be done with the right processes and a real wish to succeed.
Some organisations already do this well, but we can all improve.
We are working on advocacy, training and resources to help organisations to include people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
Our work that is related to this issue:
Bridge training review
We are supporting self-advocates to improve Bridge training - a program that helps advocates speak up for the rights of...
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Ambassadors
We work with a team of Ambassadors who guide our work and give us feedback.
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International advocacy
We take part in important global events and activities to help raise awareness about Down syndrome.
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Self advocacy
We work with national organisations to develop self-advocacy in their countries and we support self-advocates directly to advocate for their...
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Listen Include Respect – UK
We are training self-advocates with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, to become consultants on inclusive organisations.
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Listen Include Respect
We are working with Inclusion International developing international guidelines so organisations can make their work inclusive.
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World Down Syndrome Awards
The World Down Syndrome Awards are given to projects, achievements, or practices that make the lives of people with Down...
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Legal capacity and supported decision making
For World Down Syndrome Day 2023, the Down Syndrome International network campaigned for the right to legal capacity, supported decision-making...
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Kami
We have teamed up with creative agency Forsman & Bodenfors and global digital modelling agency The Diigitals to create the...
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Inclusive participation with CAST
We are working with our UK member, the Down’s Syndrome Association, and our Ambassador Committee to explore solutions to the...
Learn MoreDiscover the other key issues that we advocate for:
Inclusive health
Everyone has the right to good healthcare. This means no one should be treated unfairly because of who they are.
People with Down syndrome do not always get the healthcare they need. This is not fair.
Inclusive education
Every child has the right to a good education.
Many children with Down syndrome do not get the education they need to have a good life. This is not fair.
Inclusive employment
Everyone should be able to work in a place where they are welcome and included in a meaningful way.
Bad attitudes and lack of knowledge stop many from working. This is not fair.