Down's Syndrome Association
The Down's Syndrome Association is a UK-registered charity (No. 1061474), founded in 1970, that supports people with Down's syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland through helpline, employment (WorkFit), self-advocacy, training, and policy advocacy services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersTeddington, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Down's Syndrome Association does
The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1061474), founded in 1970 and headquartered at the Langdon Down Centre in Teddington, that supports people with Down's syndrome, their parents and carers, and the professionals who work with them across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its core services span the full life course, from antenatal and pregnancy support through to ageing and dementia, and include a free confidential helpline, an Our Voice self-advocacy network of hundreds of members, the WorkFit employment programme, DSActive (physical activity), DSEngage (community engagement), co-produced training (including Tell It Right for health professionals), speech and language assessments, a listening service, and research support delivered in partnership with academic institutions.
Operationally, the DSA runs sub-brands including WorkFit, DSActive, DSEngage, Our Voice, and the Tell It Right campaign, and distributes services via direct digital access, telephone helpline, online training, and a network of affiliated local support groups. No proprietary technology platform or product is at the centre of the offering; the role of technology is limited to digital marketing, online training delivery, and a website serving as the primary information hub.
The DSA is funded primarily through donations and fundraising activity, with diversified income from individual giving, lottery and challenge events, virtual fundraising, grants from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Active Inclusion Fund, and corporate support including the Hilton Global Foundation. All services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries. It pursues corporate partnerships through WorkFit with major employers (DHL, Amazon, Hilton, IKEA, GXO, Thomas Franks, Baxi, Hickory's Smokehouse, Nando's), and engages in civil society coalitions (Disability Benefits Consortium, Council for Disabled Children, Special Educational Consortium) alongside strategic collaborations with Down Syndrome International, Down's Syndrome Scotland, and the University of Cambridge CIDDRG.
Down's Syndrome Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Down's Syndrome Association
- Legal name
- Down's Syndrome Association
- Website
- https://downs-syndrome.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Down's Syndrome Association is a UK-registered charity (No. 1061474), founded in 1970, that supports people with Down's syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland through helpline, employment (WorkFit), self-advocacy, training, and policy advocacy services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Down's Syndrome Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Other Individual and Family Services (62419), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF)
Keywords
Where Down's Syndrome Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Teddington
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Down's Syndrome Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: The DSA relies on charitable donations from supporters, individual donors, and fundraising activities including challenges, lottery, runs, skydives, walks and treks, and virtual fundraising events.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
Down's Syndrome Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Down's Syndrome Association is a UK registered charity that delivers free, lifelong support services to people with Down's syndrome, their parents, carers, and the professionals who work with them. Its core offerings include a confidential helpline, the WorkFit employment programme, DSActive (physical activity), DSEngage (community engagement), the Our Voice self-advocacy network, training for health and education professionals, specialist assessments, research support, and policy advocacy including work related to the Down Syndrome Act 2022. All services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries.
Product overview
The Down's Syndrome Association offers a comprehensive suite of support services organized around core pillars: information and advocacy (helpline, publications, DSA Journal), employment support (WorkFit programme), health and wellbeing services (DSActive, DSEngage, training), research facilitation, and policy campaigning. The organization provides a network connecting people with Down's syndrome to resources across all life stages—from pregnancy through ageing—including dedicated services for education, employment, housing, and family carer support. The product portfolio includes both direct service offerings and awareness merchandise, with key programmes like WorkFit, DSActive, Our Voice self-advocacy network, and the Down Syndrome Act advocacy campaign forming the core identity of the organization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- WorkFit: The Down's Syndrome Association's employment programme that brings together employers and job-seekers who have Down's syndrome.
- DSActive
- DSEngage
- Our Voice
- Tell It Right
Products and services
- Helpline & Advocacy A free, confidential helpline staffed by trained professionals providing support and advocacy for people with Down's syndrome, parents, carers, and professionals.
- WorkFit The Down's Syndrome Association's employment programme that brings together employers and job-seekers who have Down's syndrome to facilitate meaningful, supported employment opportunities.
- DSActive Sports and physical activity programme enabling people with Down's syndrome to participate in regular exercise and fitness activities.
- DSEngage Engagement programme providing social activities and community involvement opportunities for people with Down's syndrome.
- Our Voice A network of hundreds of people who have Down's syndrome living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, enabling self-advocacy and direct representation in policy matters.
- Training & Support A wide range of co-produced training and support services for individuals at every stage of their lives, including Tell It Right training for health professionals.
- DSA Assessments Specialist speech and language therapy assessments and support for person-centred planning during transition to adulthood.
- Listening Service Emotional support service providing a listening ear for individuals and families affected by Down's syndrome.
- Research Support Facilitates research to benefit the lives of people with Down's syndrome and their families by co-producing projects, advising on development, finding participants, and disseminating findings.
- Tell It Right Campaign and training programme ensuring health professionals provide accurate, balanced information about Down's syndrome during antenatal care.
- Down Syndrome Act Advocacy Advocacy work related to the Down Syndrome Act 2022, engaging with government to develop guidance that reflects the varied needs of people with Down's syndrome.
- Information Resources Publications and resources covering health, education, pregnancy and baby support, and life journey topics for families and professionals.
- Merchandise Branded merchandise including #LotsOfSocks items supporting World Down Syndrome Day awareness.
Quantifiable outcome
- Multiple affiliated groups across England, Wales and Northern Ireland providing local support networks
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Down's Syndrome Association
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Down's Syndrome Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Down's Syndrome Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Thomas FranksminorThomas Franks is a catering company that has partnered with the DSA's WorkFit employment programme to offer employment opportunities to people who have Down's syndrome. The partnership enables job seekers with Down's syndrome to access meaningful employment in the hospitality sector through WorkFit's supported employment service.
- DHLcoreDHL has partnered with WorkFit since 2023, successfully onboarding four candidates with Down's syndrome in various roles. The logistics company provides permanent paid employment supported by the WorkFit programme, demonstrating inclusive employment practices in the logistics sector.
- AmazoncoreAmazon's Fulfilment Centre in Swindon has employed multiple WorkFit candidates with Down's syndrome. The partnership showcases success in inclusive employment within the logistics and fulfillment sector.
- HiltoncoreHilton has partnered with WorkFit to promote inclusive employment, participating in events such as 'A Meal to Change Minds' during Learning Disability Week 2025. The hospitality company supports employment for people with Down's syndrome.
- IKEAminorIKEA has employed WorkFit candidates with Down's syndrome, providing retail employment opportunities in their stores.
- GXOcoreGXO, a logistics company, partnered with WorkFit and was recognized at the BASE Awards 2024 for their commitment to inclusive employment.
- Down Syndrome International (DSi)coreThe DSA collaborates with Down Syndrome International on international advocacy, research projects including the UK-wide Inclusive Education project, and coordinates World Down Syndrome Day activities globally.
- Down's Syndrome ScotlandcoreThe DSA works with Down's Syndrome Scotland on the UK-wide research and advocacy project on Inclusive Education, collaborating on policy positions and research initiatives.
- IPSEAminorIPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice) collaborates with DSA on SEND reform webinars, providing legal expertise on special educational needs and disability issues.
- Special Educational ConsortiumcoreDSA is an active member of the Special Educational Consortium, a rights-based organization focused on SEND policy advocacy.
- Council for Disabled ChildrencoreDSA participates in the Council for Disabled Children's SEND Information Organisations Group (SENDIOG), contributing to policy development on disability rights.
- Disability Benefits ConsortiumcoreDSA is an active member of the Disability Benefits Consortium, a coalition of over 50 organizations committed to working towards a fair benefit system.
- University of Cambridge (CIDDRG)coreDSA supports the Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group (CIDDRG) Defeating Dementia in Down's syndrome (DiDS) research programme, facilitating participant recruitment and awareness raising.
- Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group UK & IrelandcoreDSA belongs to the steering group of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group UK & Ireland, collaborating on health guidance and best practices for medical care.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Down's Syndrome Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Contact (for families with disabled children): UK charity supporting families of disabled children with advice, helpline, and peer support — overlapping DSA's parent/carer support role, though across all disabilities rather than Down's syndrome specifically.
- Learning Disability England: Membership organisation for people with learning disabilities and family carers in England — comparable self-advocacy and policy focus to Our Voice and DSA's campaigning work.
- Ambitious about Autism: UK charity focused on autism education, employment, and youth services — directly comparable specialist-disability model and overlapping programmes (education, employment, family support) on a different condition.
- Special Olympics Great Britain: UK arm of Special Olympics providing sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities — directly comparable to DSA's DSActive physical activity programme.
Broad incumbents
- Mencap: Mencap is the UK's largest learning disability charity, providing employment support, family advice, training, and advocacy that overlap with DSA's services — serving a broader intellectual disability population that includes people with Down's syndrome.
- Scope: Scope is a major UK disability charity providing employment support, family services, and policy advocacy — broader disability remit but overlapping service lines, particularly around employment and benefits advice.
Direct peers
- Down Syndrome International (DSi): Global Down's syndrome umbrella body that DSA is a member of, coordinating World Down Syndrome Day and international advocacy — directly comparable mission with international rather than national scope.
- National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): US national Down's syndrome organisation delivering employment programmes, advocacy, resources, and community engagement — the closest international analogue to DSA in mission and programme mix.
Regional players
- Down's Heart Group: UK charity providing specialist support for children and adults with Down's syndrome and associated heart conditions — a niche peer addressing the cardiac-health intersection that is a major part of DSA's health content.
- Down's Syndrome Scotland: Scotland's national Down's syndrome charity, providing information, family support, training, and policy advocacy — directly comparable service model to DSA, just on a Scottish geographic footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Down's Syndrome Association social profiles
Digital presenceDown's Syndrome Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Down's Syndrome Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Down's Syndrome Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Down's Syndrome Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
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Down's Syndrome Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Down's Syndrome Association
What does Down's Syndrome Association do?
The Down's Syndrome Association is a UK registered charity that delivers free, lifelong support services to people with Down's syndrome, their parents, carers, and the professionals who work with them. Its core offerings include a confidential helpline, the WorkFit employment programme, DSActive (physical activity), DSEngage (community engagement), the Our Voice self-advocacy network, training for health and education professionals, specialist assessments, research support, and policy advocacy including work related to the Down Syndrome Act 2022. All services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries.
Is Down's Syndrome Association a public or private company?
Down's Syndrome Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Down's Syndrome Association founded?
Down's Syndrome Association was founded in 1970. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Down's Syndrome Association based?
Down's Syndrome Association is headquartered in Teddington, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Down's Syndrome Association make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Fundraising.
Who are Down's Syndrome Association's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Contact (for families with disabled children), Learning Disability England, Ambitious about Autism and Special Olympics Great Britain. Broad incumbents are Mencap and Scope. Direct peers are Down Syndrome International (DSi) and National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Regional players are Down's Heart Group and Down's Syndrome Scotland.
Does Down's Syndrome Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Down's Syndrome Association.
What industry is Down's Syndrome Association in?
Down's Syndrome Association's product category is Disability Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of HSAAAIAC, Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare. Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8300.