A.I.M. Sets Sail Sunday
The MDSC's Advocates in Motion program will be taking their name quite literally on Sunday. For their monthly activity, self-advocates from 13 to 22 will launch from Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston for a sailing excursion followed by food and fun in the park's tent area. The event runs from 1-4pm. For more information about our A.I.M program, go here and contact MDSC Program Coordinator Colleen Endres at cendres@mdsc.org or 781-221-0024 ext. 207.
|
On June 9 at Artesani Park in Brighton, the Mass. Department of Conservation & Recreation is hosting an accessible recreation fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will be able to meet recreation organizations serving people with disabilities who offer a variety of recreation activities and sign up for summer fun!
See here for complete information.
|
The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council is sponsoring a Self-Advocacy Leadership Series at Massasoit Community College starting June 13.
The free, nine-week training for people with developmental disabilities and/ or intellectual disabilities offers an opportunity for people with disabilities to learn more about themselves and the fundamentals of leadership.
Topics will include communication, self- expression, teamwork and leadership, and students will learn in a supportive and inclusive environment. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Application deadline is May 29. Just 12 seats available, with additional seating available for support staff. See the brochure here. For more information email Sandy Houghton or call her at 1-617-770-7676 ext. 109.
|
|
|
|
New Parent/Grandparent Coffee
 Twenty-five new family members got to know each other and made connections that may last a lifetime at our second New Parent Coffee last Saturday at our Burlington office. This time, we welcomed grandparents as well and the event was a huge success. As someone commented on our Facebook page, " How can anyone not just fall in love with these little faces!" Executive Director Maureen Gallagher gave a tour and families mingled downstairs, while siblings created art projects. As she always does, our Family Support Director Sarah Cullen did an amazing job putting together the event with lots of help from Jacquie Sherman, our Executive Assistant. Special thanks to Kate Bartlett for welcoming and registering our families, and to Regina Kando, our Grandparent Group Leader for being available and providing a warm welcome to the grandparents. Check out all the photos here. 
|
 |
(L to R): MDSC Development & Communications Director Angela Ortiz, NDSS National Buddy Walk Director Rebecca Switalski, MDSC Board Vice Chairman Paul Karrlsson-Willis, NDSS Vice President of Development Pamela Sandonato, NDSS Vice President of Advocacy & Affiliate Relations Sara Weir, and MDSC Executive Director Maureen Gallagher
|
The MDSC was proud to host recently the National Down Syndrome Society's 4th Annual Buddy Walk Conference in Boston, welcoming Buddy Walk leaders from across the country. It was a productive weekend of networking, sharing best practices, and brainstorming new ideas for future Buddy Walks. As co-host with NDSS, the MDSC sponsored a Friday evening reception to kickoff the event in the Flagship Ballroom of Boston's Seaport Hotel. Our Board Vice-Chair Paul Karrlsson-Willis gave welcome remarks and Development & Communications Director Angela Ortiz and Executive Director Maureen Gallagher presented a plenary session on Best Practices in Engaging the Community. See below for more information about our two upcoming Buddy Walks this year.
|
 Nearly 30 teams have already signed up for what promises to be our biggest and best event ever - the MDSC's 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic on Oct. 7. The three-mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield draws about 3,000 people yearly who raise funds and awareness for Down syndrome. This year's Buddy Walk is expected to draw even more, as we welcome Special Guest Lauren Potter, that's right, GLEE's very own Becky (left). Join the Excitement!
 If you live (or vacation) in Southeast Massachusetts, the Cape or the Islands, get warmed up for our Buddy Walk By the Sea on Saturday July 28th in Falmouth. Registration is Now Open. Just like our signature Buddy Walk in October, this 2nd Annual event at Falmouth's Marine Park will promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
Sign Up Today!
|
 | | TEAM MDSC's Russell Trottier taking a pit stop on Commonwealth Ave., where the MDSC Cheering Section gave him some love and, perhaps more importantly, some water. |
On April 16, at the 116th running of the historic Boston Marathon, our team of 10 TEAM MDSC runners braved the record-breaking heat to raise nearly $73,000 for critical programs essential to people with Down syndrome, including our Parent's First Call Program, Advocates in Motion and our Teacher Partnership Network. Our runners trained hard for months for the chance to run and raise awareness, but nothing could have prepared them for 90-degree heat.
We are so appreciative of their individual and collective efforts - Brad Capello, Sean Carroll, Kristine Cox-Favier, Emily LaMarca, Laurie Maranian, Anne McCarthy, Josefina Oliva, Erik-Jan Peerbolte, Liz Richard and Russell Trottier. (You can still donate to one of the runners or make a general donation by visiting here)
We were lucky to have our inspiring coach, Susan Hurley, train runners for the big day. And on race day, our raucous MDSC Cheering Section, anchored by the MDSC's Angela Ortiz and members of our A.I.M program, were stationed along the route with posters and noisemakers, giving runners that extra jolt to push on to the finish line. See this video below put together by Boston.com about Russ Trottier's mission to run the marathon for his son Colin and the MDSC.
If you happen to be thinking, "Hey, I'd like to do that, but 26 miles?" then we've got good news for you. We are taking applications now for members to join TEAM MDSC's New Balance Falmouth Road Race Team. It's a 7-mile run along the beautiful Cape Cod coast on August 12 that will raise funds for the MDSC and help make a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Because it's the 40th Anniversary of the Falmouth Road Race, it promises to be a very special year for the event. You can do this! See our web page for more information or email race@mdsc.org.
|
As you may remember, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2011 (HR3423), a key priority on our national platform, was introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives late last year. The legislation represents a major opportunity to provide people with disabilities and their families a pathway to a better economic future through tax-free savings.
Since then, we have made major headway in garnering local support for this federal legislation - nearly all of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation is signed on. Unfortunately, two legislators are holding out - Rep. William Keating and Sen. John Kerry (who sponsored the original ABLE Act last session).
Please call Sen. Kerry and, if he his your representative, Rep. Keating. Simply ask them to sponsor the ABLE Act (HR3423) because it's critical to the future of people with Down syndrome and all disabilities. Watch this video of Lauren Potter detailing the need for passing the ABLE Act.
|
 On Sunday, June 10, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S) will host its annual Family Outing at Kimball Farm in Westford from 11am to 4pm. For $10/person (2 years and above), you will get a full lunch, 3 bumper boat rides, a $6 swipe card for use in the arcade or batting cages and unlimited use of the golf driving range, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pitch and tug of war pit. Not included in the price, but also available, are two18-hole mini golf courses.
D.A.D.S, a proud affiliate of the MDSC, will have its own tent for the more than 300 anticipated attendees. If you are interested, please contact Jeff Roback at 339-788-1460 or dadsmass@yahoo.com. Payment deadline is May 28.
On Monday, June 25 D.A.D.S. will hold its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Outing at Easton Country Club in Easton, Mass. The cost is $125 per person or $500 per team. If golf is not your thing, that's okay.... join the fun for the luncheon, awards, and raffles. Go here for complete information, including registration.
|
 | |
Our very own Angela Ortiz with Yaeger, the world record holder for vertical leap and the face of Team 21, an organization that raises funds and awareness for Down syndrome.
|
Last weekend at Patriot Place in Foxboro, the MDSC participated in the first ever "Jumping Up for Down Syndrome" Festival, organized by Dave Skoletsky of Go Team 21. Three world-record holding dogs performed, including Dave's own Yeager, the canine world-record holder for vertical leap, all to raise funds and awareness for Down syndrome (Dave's daughter Eve has Down syndrome). Look for the whole Go Team 21 crew at our 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic on Oct. 7th! See our Facebook page for all the photos.
|
|
|
|
|
The MDSC is continuing to accept applications for a Program Development Intern for 10 to 16 hours a week over the summer at our Burlington office.