Inclusion International (II)

Inclusion International (II) is the global OPD network of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. We have over 200 members across 115 countries who advocates for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in all aspects of their lives.

The Inclusion International network’s vision is a world where people with intellectual disabilities and their families can take part and be valued equally in all areas of their lives in their communities. Our member’s shared vision is explained in our Statement of Unity, which all members of the network agree to.

Inclusion International works to make this vision a reality through:

  1. advocacy, such as going to the United Nations (UN) to ask them to make inclusion happen and working in partnership with other stakeholders for joint advocacy
  2. supporting our members to ask for change in their countries through direct support and project partnerships, resources, and information
  3. building the strength of our network with joint work across countries and region, shared learning, and information sharing.

The Inclusion International network works on all issues that are important to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, which includes inclusive education, employment, deinstitutionalization, political participation, supported decision-making and legal capacity, inclusive development, and more.

Inclusion International also worked with Down Syndrome International to create the Listen Include Respect Guidelines, a set of guidelines that support organisations to include people with intellectual disabilities in their work better. Inclusion International welcomes organisations reaching out to get more support making their organisation more inclusive.

Inclusion International is also a founding member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and is a member of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC).