Sue Buckley launches major appeal to accelerate research to benefit people with Down syndrome everywhere

Professor Sue Buckley OBE today launched the Sue Buckley Research Fund - a major new appeal to revitalise and accelerate scientific research and education to benefit people with Down syndrome everywhere.

The Sue Buckley Research Fund

Sue Buckley, Director of Research and Science at Down Syndrome Education International, has been at the forefront of international research into the education and development of children with Down syndrome for nearly 30 years.

Today she launched the Sue Buckley Research Fund.

This major new appeal aims to revitalise and accelerate scientific research and education to benefit people with Down syndrome everywhere, at a time when other sources of funding for this area of research are declining.

Revitalising and accelerating research and education

Launching the appeal, Sue commented:

"Great strides in the relevant sciences have been made in the last 10 years. I think that we could now see an explosion of relevant research in the next 10 years if we can make the funding available. This optimism is shared by many in the international Down syndrome community. Many more scientists and practitioners are interested in this field and in working together more effectively.

"I believe that we could be on the edge of very considerable advances in our knowledge that will deliver important improvements in services, support and progress for people with Down syndrome. This is why I am asking everyone who wants to see better opportunities for people with Down syndrome to support this Appeal."

Advised by leading scientists and practitioners

The Sue Buckley Research Fund will deliver clear and measurable benefits to the lives of people with Down syndrome everywhere.

The work of the fund is being guided by a Science, Research and Intervention Advisory Board that includes many of the world's leading scientists and practitioners with an interest in Down syndrome and all committed to effecting change through the widespread dissemination of evidence-based practice.

Making the most gain - quickly

The planned program of research and communication - undertaken by researchers at the charity and at other leading institutions around the world - will:

• Provide free access to high quality guidance, information and teaching resources
• Reduce the effects of hearing loss
• Reduce behaviour problems
• Reduce sleep disturbance
• Deliver effective home learning programmes
• Improve memory skills
• Improve speech clarity
• Understand the reasons for individual differences
• Improve literacy and maths skills
• Increase the success of inclusive education

Detailing the fund's priorities and financial goals, Sue Buckley said:

"Our current priorities for people with Down syndrome focus on the areas where the most gain can be made quickly. All of these priority initiatives will lead to demonstrable benefits for people with Down syndrome. We can deliver these gains today, given your support."

"We want to see a world where people with Down syndrome have every opportunity to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. I hope you will help me achieve our ambitions for people with Down syndrome everywhere."

Achieving these goals will require annual funding of £5.6 million ($11.2 million/€7.8 million) for scientific research and education. The charity's target is to reach this by 2012.

Find out more

• Visit the Sue Buckley Research Fund website
• Full list of Science, Research and Intervention Advisory Board members...