Saturday, March 23, 2013  

DCU Center

Worcester, MA  

REGISTRATION ENDS THURSDAY

 

Welcoming More Than
40 Exhibitors, Including...

 

 
Berkshire Hills Music Academy South Hadley

BHMA is a post-secondary learning community for young adults with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities.  We specialize in vocational and independent living skills and music.  Music lovers and accomplished musicians are welcome to apply.  Summer programs for teens and a summer music therapy program for children is also available.  Go to www.berkshirehills.org.

 

Boston Ballet Boston

Boston Ballet's Adaptive Dance is designed to foster a love of dance and creative inspiration in children with special needs.  In addition to providing an important outlet for creative expression, Adaptive Dance students have demonstrated improvement in coordination, overall fitness, balance, focus, self-esteem, self-expression, rhythm and musicality.  Classes are available for children with Down syndrome at Boston Ballet's Newton and Boston studios.

 

Crystal Springs School Assonet

Crystal Springs provides individualized programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities while embracing and nurturing each person's pursuit of growth, independence, dignity, and choice.  Full Array of Therapeutic Services, Applied Behavior Analysis, Residential Services, Licensed Special Education Teachers, 24/7 On-Site Medical Services, Clinical Services, Beautiful Campus Setting and Family Atmosphere

 

Growums A Product of Preferred Commerce, Inc. West Palm Beach, FL 

Growums are themed garden kits that allow children to grow complete gardens encouraging healthy eating. Growums 6 different garden kits include Pizza, Taco, Salad, Stir-Fry, Herb, and Ratatouille. The Growums characters come to life on www.Growums.com and give FREE animated lessons, from seed to harvest, with every purchase or fundraiser.

 

Piers Park Sailing Center East Boston 

Located on the waterfront in East Boston, Massachusetts, Piers Park is a community sailing center dedicated to providing affordable year round recreational, educational and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through sailing and other activities in and around Boston Harbor. Our vision is to be the premier organization utilizing the marine environment to deliver accessible, high impact programs to a diverse spectrum of people of all ages and abilities in an inclusive, enriching, and empowering environment.  

 

Reece's Rainbow Indianapolis

The mission of Reece's Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children. 

 

Seven Hills Foundation Worcester

Seven Hills Foundation is one of the largesthealth and human services providers in New England, with 3,500 professionalstaff supporting 28,000 people with disabilities and life challenges at more than 160 locations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Seven Hills wide range of person-centered supports integrates care and community with compassion.

 

TASH Washington

The mission of TASH is to promote the full inclusion and participation of children and adults with significant disabilities in every aspect of their community, and to eliminate the social injustices that diminish human rights. These things are accomplished through collaboration among self-advocates, families, professionals, policy-makers, advocates and many others who seek to promote equity, opportunity and inclusion.

 

Team 21 Stoughton

Team 21 raises public awareness about Down syndrome and funds for organizations that provide support, healthcare, and advocacy to individuals with Down syndrome.  

 

Tracey's Kitchen East Falmouth

Tracey Newhart has owned Tracey's Kitchen for 9 years and has a wonderful assortment of baked goods, candy, and dog bones for sale for this conference.  Tracey's cookie mixes in jars and her famous apple pie kits have a great following.  Everything is utterly delicious.

 

 

 

Usborne Books & More Andover 

Books for children of all ages.  Discover fiction and non-fiction, award-winning titles that will stir the imagination and make children say, "Read it again, please!"  

 

 

Whole Children Hadley

Whole Children, in Hadley, offers innovative classes for children of all abilities. Classes teach skills (social skills and more) to help children be meaningfully included in their community. Classes are held after school and on weekends and include sports, theater, art, music, self-advocacy, and much more. Get more information at www.wholechildren.org.

 STAY TUNED TO OUR REAL LIVES WEBPAGE AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES   

 

OTHER EXHIBITORS INCLUDE...

 

AbilityPLUS West Dover, VT

AbilityPLUS has been providing life enriching adaptive sports programs for people with physical and developmental disabilities for more than 15 years.  Programs are designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities through participation in athletic and physical activities that create freedom, promote independence and help individuals reach their full potential.

 

Advocates, Inc. Framingham

Advocates partners with families to build bright futures for their loved ones with disabilities. We offer a full range of services including: transition planning consultation, family support programs, Shared Living, Adult Foster Care, group homes, creative housing options, day and employment supports, in home supports, and clinical services.

Angelfish Therapy Stamford, CT
Angelfish Therapy bridges the gap between therapy and swim lessons to help children become independent and successful in the water.  We have created a dynamic, highly trained team of therapists and swim instructors who incorporate Angelfish Therapy's strategies that helps to make our programs (Aquatic Therapy & Swim Whisperer) so successful.

 

Applied Behavioral Associates Framingham

Applied Behavioral Associates, LLC is a clinical behavioral therapy practice with BCBA's and Licensed Mental Health Counselors, with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and Disabilities. Clinical and Home-based Teams serve children with behavioral health and social/communication issues within office, home and community settings.  Insurance is accepted.  Website: www.appliedbehavioralassociates.com

 

Arc of Massachusetts Waltham

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community. Through advocacy and collaboration with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and federal levels.

 

Bay Path College Sturbridge

At Bay Path College we offer innovative programs for undergraduate women, our One-Day-A Week Saturday Program for adult women and graduate programs for men and women. Our graduate programs include MS in Special Education and MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis. We have three convenient locations: Longmeadow, Sturbridge and Burlington, MA.

 

Boston Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Program Boston

Boston Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Program offers comprehensive clinical care through interdisciplinary team care (birth-3) and a personalized multidisciplinary approach (age 3-21). We also provide neuropsychological, behavioral, and psychiatric consultations and prenatal consults.  Beyond clinical care, we offer unparalleled family-centered care through support staff, parent groups, resources and family education.

 

Cardinal Cushing Centers Hanover

Cardinal Cushing Centers provides individuals of all ages and abilities opportunities to discover the benefits of a supportive and vibrant intergenerational community. We are proud of our nationally recognized opportunities for learning, working, living and playing together. Caring and engaging, at every stage of life - from school age, through adulthood and the elder years.

 

Chapel Haven, Inc. New Haven

Since 1972, Chapel Haven, a lifelong residential transitional independent living program and approved school, teaches people 18 years and older with developmental disabilities, Asperger's Syndrome and those on the autism spectrum how to live independent and productive lives. Chapel Haven is located in New Haven, CT and Tucson AZ.

 

Charitable Insurance Waban

Charitable Insurance is an insurance agency which donates all after-tax profits to organizations that support people with special needs.

 

The Children's Center for Communication / Beverly School for the Deaf Beverly

CCC/BSD seeks to enhance the lives of deaf and hearing children and their families living with communication and developmental challenges by providing comprehensive educational and communication-rich programs. 

 

Chris May Photography

Chris, a member of the MDSC's Self-Advocate Advisory Council, enjoys taking pictures of nature, sporting events, and special events.

 

Cotting School Lexington

Cotting School meets the unique needs of students with a broad spectrum of learning and communication disabilities, physical challenges and complex medical conditions by providing an array of integrated services. We design our programs to enable students to realize their highest potential both during and after their enrollment.

 

Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S)

Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome's (D.A.D.S.) mission is to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome.  At our meetings our members come together to share insights, stories, and experiences that are unique to father's of children with Down syndrome.  We invite expert speakers to discuss medical, educational, financial, social, and many other challenges that affect our children's lives.

 

Down Syndrome Society of RI, Inc. Cranston, RI

The Down Syndrome Society of RI's (DSSRI) goal is to disseminate information on Down syndrome available in Rhode Island.  DSSRI would also like to sell our "awareness jewelry" (rings & bracelets).  As a member of the NDSC Partnership Alliance, we will have the NDSC Convention Brochure and informational brochure available.

 

Easter Seals Worcester

Easter Seals Massachusetts is a statewide, community-based organization that helps students with disabilities to live full and independent lives.  Services include Assistive Technology, a free demonstration and device loan for assistive technology, Youth Transition Services, Employment Services, Rehabilitation Services, low interest loans for assistive technology, Youth Leadership and Camp.

 

EMARC/Center for Emerging Artists Reading

The Center for Emerging Artists encourages the creativity within, and promotes the talents of, artists with disabilities. The Center welcomes individuals who would like to explore their artistic talents with the support of the Center's professional staff. Individuals may participate on either a full or part time basis. Arts assessments are available. Mediums explored at the Center include watercolor and acrylic painting on paper and canvas, decorative furniture painting, jewelry making, ceramics and holiday gift items.

 

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Boston

The mission of the Federation for Children with Special Needs is to inform, educate and empower families of children with special needs and those at risk to fully participate in their schools and communities and to gain access to healthcare and other services and supports. The Federation was founded nearly 40 years ago by parents of children with special needs and today serves over 40,000 families per year. Contact us at www.fcsn.org.

 

Fletcher Tilton PC Worcester

The Special Needs Practice Group of Fletcher Tilton provides comprehensive legal services to families of individuals with special needs in a caring and concerned environment.  Using an interdisciplinary approach, our attorneys draw upon their experience in the areas of estate and retirement planning, Medicaid and Medicare eligibility, long term care issues and financing to provide our clients with protection and peace of mind.

 

Giving Greeting - SayitwithSymbols.com Sudbury

SayitwithSymbols.com offers speech aids and visual supports for people with developmental disabilities. Parents and educators will find communication boards, picture labels, visuals to help with personal care, home and recreational activities, as well as simple voice output devices. Catalog online at  www.SayitwithSymbols.com.  Join our community on FB at www.facebook.com/SayitwithSymbols.

 

Heartbeats for Down Syndrome Brockton

Having a child with Down syndrome is a rewarding experience, however when medical complications arise it can be overwhelming - that's where Heartbeats for Down Syndrome comes in. Our goal is to alleviate that fear and bring some light and love in the form of a care package.

 

iCan Shine Paoli, PA

Our mission is to provide unique learning opportunities in recreational activities for people with disabilities.  Each person's abilities are embraced and nurtured to foster an environment where everyone can shine!

 

Kurzweil/Intellitools Natick 

Kurzweil Educational Systems was founded in 1996 and is recognized as the leading developer of reading technology for people with learning difficulties and those who are blind or visually impaired. 

 

MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program Boston

The MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program integrates state-of-the-art resources with compassionate, comprehensive care through a multi-disciplinary approach. Our Down Syndrome Program has five distinct clinics: Prenatal Services, Infant & Toddler Clinic (ages 0-5), Child Clinic (ages 5-13), Young Adult and Adolescent Clinic (ages 13-21), and Adult Clinic (ages 21 and older).  More information at www.massgeneral.org/downsyndrome.

 

MetLife Financial Group of Massachusetts Westborough

MetLife Financial Group of Massachusetts is a financial consulting company and insurance provider. The team helps clients secure future funds through investments, retirement planning and insurance coverage. Some of the services and products offered are mutual funds, annuities, life, disability, long term care and property insurance. 

 

New York Life Insurance Company Waltham

New York Life Insurance Company Financial Advisors Leo Rotman and Gordon Szerlip offer planning services to the parents of special needs children.  The work that both do have provided parents the steps they can take to help assure the financial security of their special needs loved one.

 

SafetyNet by LoJack Canton

Caring for someone with a cognitive condition (including Down syndrome, autism, Alzheimer's and others) is a considerable responsibility.  Especially if they wander.  SafetyNet by LoJack helps public safety agencies quickly find and bring your loved one home, providing you with additional protection and peace of mind.  To learn more, visit SafetyNetByLoJack.com or call 877-434-6384.

 

Saltillo Corporation Millersburg, OH

Saltillo Corporation manufactures Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices for individuals who are unable to use their natural voice.  Visit our table to view our NOVA chat family and TouchChat application.

 

Special Needs Advocacy Network Natick

SPAN is a network of Special Education Advocates and Consultants that provides ongoing high level professional development training opportunities. In addition, we provide a Professional Directory Listing of Special Education Advocates and Consultants across Massachusetts as a resource for parents and other professionals.

 

Talk Tools Charleston, SC

TalkToolsŪ is an educational company that provides oral placement speech and feeding seminars as well as a full line of therapy products.  TalkTools Speakers have presented extensively in the United States and internationally on the diagnosis of Down syndrome.  To get your questions answered please send an email to info@talktools.com.

 

Toward Independent Living and Learning (TILL) Dedham

Toward Independent Living and Learning (TILL) offers an extensive and comprehensive range of residential, day and vocational programs, clinical and family support services that meet the needs of individuals of all ages with disabilities and their families throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

 

UMass Medical School / Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center Waltham

Martha.ventura@umassmed.edu

With inspiration from Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her family, Shriver Center faculty and staff pursue research, education, and service programs aimed at improving the quality of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

 STAY TUNED TO OUR REAL LIVES WEBPAGE AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES   


GET ON THE COVER OF 
'REAL LIFE' MAGAZINE

 

We are excited to announce that our "Coverize Me" Photo Booth is returning to our Annual Conference this year. This time, get yourself on the cover of "Real Life Magazine." 


Come to the conference equipped with your favorite accessories that epitomize your"Real Life". Ballet or Karate Outfit? Work Uniform? Graduation Cap? Chef's Hat? Cowboy Boots? Anything at all!