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Changing the word “exclusion” to “opportunity” is one of the premises of Instituto Mano Down, a non-profit organization that promotes the autonomy and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Mano Down emerged from Leonardo Gontijo's love for his younger brother, Eduardo — also known as Dudu do Cavaco — a musician with Down syndrome.

The story began in 2011, when Léo published the book “Mano Down – Stories of a Brother in Love”. From that moment on, Gontijo dedicated his time to give visibility and create opportunities for people with Down syndrome, foster their inclusion and fight for the recognition of their capabilities.

The project initially focused on socializing people with Down. Soon, with the involvement and support of the beneficiaries’ families, Mano Down started gathering steam. Not long after, Léo and Dudu were traveling all over Brazil, retelling their story as musical lectures.

The institute was legally established in 2015. Since then, Mano Down has never stopped evolving and reinventing itself. The goal, however, has remained consistent: to act in all phases of life for people with intellectual disabilities and promote development, autonomy and inclusion.

Today, hundreds of families benefit from the institute and thousands are indirectly impacted by it.

By encouraging development and providing visibility and opportunities, the Mano Down Institute has been demonstrating the potential of people with disabilities for ten years, transforming lives and generating a positive impact on society along the way.