Our campaign
On World Down Syndrome Day 2023, we call for people and organisations around the world to be…
With Us Not For Us
A human rights-based approach to disability
The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability.
DSi is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support.
A human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working With others to improve their lives.
Our global network calls for all supporters to be With Us Not For Us.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for everyone to have the freedom to make their own choices.
But people with Down syndrome often have poor or controlling support. Often their supporters do things For them, not With them.
Our global network calls for all organisations to include people with Down syndrome and being With Us Not For Us.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for full and effective participation of persons with disabilities.
But many organisations exclude people with Down syndrome from taking part in their work. They take decisions For them not With them.
Our global network calls for all decision makers to commit to involve organisations representing people with Down syndrome in all decisions, and work With Us Not For Us.
Down Syndrome International and its members are Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). This means we represent and work With people with Down syndrome, not just For them.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that organisations of persons with disabilities should be involved in all policy and decision-making.
But organisations that represent people with Down syndrome are often excluded.
So, what can you do?
Speak up with us!
Sign up below to hear from the WDSD team. We will give you everything that you need to speak up for ‘With us Not For Us’.
Sign up!
Sign up to hear from the World Down Syndrome Day team about how you can get involved.
You will also get access to our FREE WDSD resources including guides for advocacy, schools and organisations, posters, templates and lots more to help you to mark this important day.
Together we will create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
