The Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down (FCSD) is a private non-profit organisation, founded on 30 March 1984 and declared of public utility on 24 October of the same year. It is registered in the Foundation Registry of the Generalitat de Catalunya under number 61.
The Foundation was created as an initiative by a group of parents and professionals with the aim of deepening knowledge about Down syndrome (DS) through research and practical experience in pedagogy, psychology, medicine and social work. Since its early days, it has counted, whenever necessary, on the valuable contribution and direct participation of the most prestigious international scientists working on issues related to Down syndrome.
The technical team is made up of professionals in psychology, education and medicine, and is supported by a group of scientific advisors. As a pioneering organisation, the FCSD is a reference point consulted by public and private entities in Spain and internationally. The spirit the FCSD wants to convey is that people with Down syndrome have inherent capabilities and a right to receive the resources appropriate to their individual needs in order to optimise their development.
Vision
A fairer world in which all people participate and coexist on equal terms in society, as full citizens and in harmony with nature.
Mission
To promote and protect respect for inherent dignity and equal rights, freedoms and opportunities for all people with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities.
Our values
- Human Rights: The FCSD works for compliance with the purpose, general principles and various articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
- Sustainability: The FCSD strives to ensure growth that meets present needs without compromising the ability to meet future needs, both economically and in terms of environmental preservation.
- Innovation and research: The FCSD carries out research activities aimed at acquiring new knowledge and rigorously analysing the FCSD’s context in order to advance service improvement.
- Excellence: The FCSD works to achieve continuous improvement in the satisfaction and loyalty of its stakeholders, while minimising the risks associated with its services.
- Compliance and transparency: The FCSD is committed to meeting client requirements, applicable legal requirements and other subscribed requirements, promoting maximum transparency.
Principles
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy, including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and the independence of persons.
- Non-discrimination.
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society.
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity.
- Equality of opportunity.
- Cognitive accessibility.
- Equality between men and women.
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for their right to preserve their identities.
- Financial sustainability and respect for the environment.
- Regulatory compliance and application of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda.
- Continuous improvement.
- Solidarity (volunteering, civic responsibility, etc.).
Our objectives
- Creation, expansion and improvement of services considered relevant at any given time to meet emerging needs.
- To serve as a permanent body for study, research and training in the biomedical, psychological, educational and social fields.
- To develop any initiative or activity related to the above objectives that responds to the social, personal and family needs of people with Down syndrome and other disability situations.
Partnerships
The Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down has maintained close ties since its founding with organisations in Spain, Europe, Canada, the United States and Latin America.