About Down Syndrome Ireland
Down Syndrome Ireland was founded in 1971 to provide support and services to people with Down syndrome and their families.
Vision, Mission & Purpose
Vision
We work towards a society that enables all people with Down syndrome to participate to their fullest potential, as equal members with full entitlement as Irish citizens.
Mission
Down Syndrome Ireland supports people with Down syndrome and their families in their communities. We strive to provide consistent, high-quality advice, support and information to every person with Down syndrome to ensure that whatever their stage of life they have a network to support them.
Purpose
Our purpose is to create the environment for people with Down syndrome to achieve their potential, with a particular focus on health, education, employment, and life in the community. Down Syndrome Ireland is a confederation of local branches, who work together to ensure consistency, quality and a common approach which celebrates, supports, and advocates for people with Down syndrome.
Values
- Inclusivity: We strive to create a society where people with Down syndrome are supported, valued and integral members of their communities and we demonstrate that inclusivity in our own work.
- Passion: We will fight tirelessly to enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families through our work and support Nationwide.
- Integrity: We will act with honesty, accountability, and professionalism at all levels of the organisation.
- Respect: Everyone should be supported to live a meaningful, rewarding, healthy, and happy life.
- Collaboration: Together we are stronger. Sharing information, knowledge and expertise improves outcomes for everyone both locally and nationally.
Governance
Down Syndrome Ireland is committed to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of governance. We believe that it is essential to set and demonstrate high levels of transparency and accountability to all our stakeholders, supporters and funders.
We have worked on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families since 1971. We have built up and maintained a high level of public trust that we value and do not take for granted.
Down Syndrome Ireland works with more than 3,500 people with Down syndrome and their families each year. We are an organisation with an annual expenditure of €5,578 million (2023).
As well as a national office, we are made up of 25 local branches which provide a wide range of vital services including education, support and research that enhance the lives of thousands of children and adults with Down syndrome. Our branch network is primarily run on a voluntary basis by our members and offer a range of activities, outings, services and supports throughout the country.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Download our Memorandum and Articles of Association
Funding and Finances
With only 18% of our income received through State funding, we are very heavily reliant on fundraising activities and the generosity of the general public to continue providing our essential services and supports.
Down Syndrome Ireland publishes its financial accounts annually. They are prepared in accordance with the most up to date accounting standards, FRS 102 (2015) and with UK and Irish GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) (2014).
We also comply with the requirements set down by the Charities Regulatory Authority, the Governance Code of Good Practice for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations and the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising created by the organisation Irish Charities Tax Reform, ICTR.
Annual Report and Financial Accounts
Down Syndrome Ireland’s 2022-2025 Strategy:
Working Together for a Brighter Future
Past Financial Reports
Past Annual Reports
Other Reports
Board
The Board of Directors has appointed Hayden Brown, 34 Grafton Street, Dublin, D02 XY06 as auditors of Down Syndrome Ireland.
Down Syndrome Ireland’s Board Members and the Chairman of the Board are volunteer members of the organisation and receive no remuneration. They donate freely of their time, skills and experience.
Everyone in Down Syndrome Ireland is 100% committed and passionate about the work they do on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families.