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About Us
We Advocate, Support, and Empower
At DSI, our mission is simple but bold: To improve the lives of people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries so they can live life to the fullest.
We work to build a world where equal human rights and a high quality of life are realities for everyone. A world where disability is no longer a barrier to opportunity, education, dignity, or contribution.
We are development focused
We don’t deliver quick fixes. We invest in development, which means strengthening communities’ own capacity to build a better future for people with disabilities. Development is a process. It facilitates ongoing, transformative change, impacting not just the communities we serve, but also those of us doing the serving.
Though development work takes time, its impact is powerful and long-lasting and results are sustainable - benefiting children, families, and entire communities for generations to come.
We believe in cultivating greatly needed change
We recognize the vicious cycle of disability and poverty and commit to cultivating sustainable change rooted in respect and the beliefs that:
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Equal human rights and a high quality of life should be a reality for everyone
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Working to reduce the vicious cycle of disability and poverty.
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Exceptionalities, diversity, and cross-cultural exchanges benefit us all
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Inclusive progress happens through collaboration, not charity
We envision a world of greater equality and belonging
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In which every person with a disability has access to education, care, and opportunity
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Where local communities have the capacity to provide that support themselves
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That values people with disabilities equally and assures they are empowered contributors to society
Ultimately, we envision a future where DSI no longer needs to exist, because disability-inclusive systems are the norm, not the exception.
Why this matters
Children and adults with disabilities in the majority world face extreme barriers to education, services, and full participation. In many places, inclusive programs simply don’t exist.
At DSI, we’re working to change that—by helping local leaders become the experts and advocates their communities need. When teachers are trained, children gain access. When changemakers are empowered, systems start to shift.
This is dignity. This is belonging. This is the future we are building - together.
Learn more about our programs and approach.
Meet the people behind this mission.
Check out ways you can help to advance this mission too.