Global Down Syndrome Foundation – Mission, Vision and Values

Global's Mission, Vision and Values

Mission:

Significantly improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

Support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome.

Vision:

Educate government organizations and society, and change legislation so that every person with Down syndrome:

  • is protected against discrimination
  • has access to evidence-based educational programs
  • enjoys a comparable, fair share of funding from the Federal Government for research, medical care and educational programming
  • is a valued member of society
  • has access to evidence-based medical care
  • has the opportunity to have a job and earn a decent wage without being disqualified for health benefits
  • is able to reach their potential and lead a dignified, full and productive life

Values:

Leadership: Lead with clarity of vision and implementation. Have courage to highlight discrimination, embark down new paths, have new ideas and measure outcomes.

Diversity: Continually confirm through words and action a commitment to move the national and international conversation from “disability” to “diversity” and from “disability rights” to “human and civil rights.” Support campaigns such as Rosa’s Law and the End the ‘R’ Word campaign.

Equality: Strongly advocate for, and do not accept less than, human and civil rights for all people with Down syndrome locally, nationally and globally.

Hope & Inspiration: Inspire hope in people with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers and all who touch their lives. Inspire others to join a movement for people with Down syndrome.

Respect and Trust: Hold the highest regard for children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. Earn and maintain the trust of our patients, families, scientific communities and our partners.

Collaboration: Partner or collaborate with the Down syndrome community, with the intellectual and developmental disability community, and with all organizations interested in the differently-abled and in human and civil rights. Always ensure that the mission is at the core of any and all collaboration.

Accountability & Financial Stewardship: Hold the highest standard of accountability for our scientific and medical outcomes, to our donors and investors, and above all, to people with Down syndrome, and all who touch their lives.