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We are so excited as we head into the final stretch of preparations for our 28th Annual Conference. We've extended our Early Bird deadline until today at noon so you still have a chance to save some money. As you'll read below, we have an exciting announcement regarding some very special -- and fitting -- guests for what we've dubbed our Style Down Syndrome Conference. We also want to welcome back the  MDSC "delegation" we sent down to Washington D.C. last week with a message for Massachusetts legislators. Did they ever deliver it! Finally, we invite you to check out, if you haven't already, our newly redesigned Facebook Timeline, which features this month stunning Photos of the Day (like the one to the right) as we lead up to our Annual Conference and World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Our FB page is easier than ever to find now, with a user-friendly web address, www.facebook.com/massdscongress. |
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We are proud to announce that Ryan Langston and his family will be Special Guests at our Annual Conference March 17. This is especially exciting news considering the theme of this year's conference, "Style Down Syndrome."
Ryan, a child model with Down syndrome, took the advertising world by storm recently, breaking down barriers with his appearance in two national ads, for Nordstrum last fall, then in a Target circular (above, Ryan is far left) in January. The story drew national attention, including from the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.
Ryan and his family (including his twin brother Ian) will be visiting all way from New Jersey. Join us in welcoming the Langstons. Register for our conference here.
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 The MDSC's trip to Washington D.C. last Thursday as part of the national Buddy Walk on Washington proved to be a rousing success. (Pictured above from left to right flanking U.S. Scott Brown are Rosalie Forster, MDSC Education Resource Specialist; Dr. Brian Skotko, MDSC Board member; Laura Noble, MDSC Legislative Advocacy Task Force Chair; John Anton, MDSC Advocacy Specialist; Louise Borke, MDSC Board Chair; and Maureen Gallagher, MDSC Executive Director.)
Nationally, a total of nine U.S. Representatives have signed onto the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act since the walk. Three of them - that's right 1/3 - were from Massachusetts (Reps. Neal, Markey, and McGovern). Congratulations Team MDSC! You truly made a difference and I know there will be even more movement on our bills over the coming weeks due to your excellent advocacy.
The MDSC representatives are now busy following up with legislators and their staffs to ensure that these policymakers are thanked and have all the necessary information going forward to keep things moving in the right direction.
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As you veteran parents out there know, new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome are in critical need of information and inspiration about what the future holds in store. To that end, the MDSC is compiling a booklet of "words of wisdom" from our current parents, which will be made available to new and expectant parents. We know your thoughts and words will provide hope and a profound sense of community for our new families. You may provide one or more of the following: - Advice for new parents
- Things you know now that you wish you'd known then
- The biggest gift your child has given you/your family
Please include your child's current age. Please email our Family Support Director Sarah Cullen here to participate. |
 On March 14 at the Papa Razzi in Framingham, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S.) welcomes Daniel Heffernan of Kotin, Crabtree & Strong. Mr Heffernan, whose son Brian has Down syndrome, will provide an overview of legal issues to consider regarding children with Down syndrome, including inclusion and Special Education law. Learn more about Mr. Heffernan here. Mr. Heffernan will also be speaking at the MDSC's Annual Conference March 17. D.A.D.S., a proud affiliate of the MDSC, is an organization of fathers of children with Down syndrome whose mission is to assist and support each other and their families through fellowship and action. See their website for complete information. |
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