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More than two dozen workshops by regional and national experts on a spectrum of topics related to Down syndrome, including...

SUSAN ELLIS

'TV Teacher' Founder, Video Modeling Expert

 

The way Susan Ellis started her TV Teacher program is a familiar storyline. At age 3½, Susan's oldest son Ryan was diagnosed with Autism. Though he was able to recite the entire alphabet by 20 months, and could even read and spell words at 4, Ryan could not or would not write the alphabet.  

His refusal, as Susan describes it, was holding him back in school. So knowing Ryan better than anyone, Susan took it upon herself to figure
out how to teach Ryan this skill. She hit on video modeling, launched the

TV Teacher in 2005, and the rest is history. 

 

To date, Susan has produced and directed five award-winning handwriting programs used by parents, teachers, and therapists around the world. She is a national speaker on video modeling and visual strategies, is a frequent source on television, radio and print media, and has herself authored several articles on the subject.  

 

Last year, when we saw Susan present at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Conference, we realized just how much our members would appreciate her approach and presentation. 

 

At our conference, Susan will present two sessions:  
  • Visual Strategies 101: Using a Spectrum of Techniques to Help Your Child Succeed
  • Video Modeling: Engaging and Effective Means to Teach Children with Down Syndrome

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DR. SUSAN HEPBURN

Expert on Co-Occurrence of Down Syndrome & Autism

 

Dr. Susan Hepburn, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is a cutting edge researching in a cutting edge field - the intersection of Down syndrome and autism. 

 

Dr. Hepburn, who also serves as Director of Research at JFK Partners, has focused her research on the development of children with different developmental disabilities, with a particular interest in co-occurring conditions. She also teaches courses in assessment, ethics, and research methods through her university's Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders program. 

 

Even with her administrative roles, Dr. Hepburn has continued to work directly with families and schools across the state. She is also co-author of a chapter in the book When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect.

 

At our Conference, Dr. Hepburn will present two sessions: 

  • What Autism Looks Like in Persons with Down Syndrome - Session to provide overview of behaviors one may observe in persons with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Using videotaped examples, Dr. Hepburn will compare and contrast behaviors observed in individuals with Ds - with and without ASD.  
  • When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect: Ideas about Intervention - Session will focus on intervention for persons with this complex combination of conditions. Discussion will center around practical, day-to-day strategies for encouraging social, communicative, and behavioral growth in children with this complicated combination of challenges. 

 

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Awards Luncheon Extravaganza

 

 

You won't want to miss the Awards Luncheon we have in store for our 30th Annual Champions Conference. Our luncheon has become the perfect forum to highlight the individuality and determination of MDSC self-advocates.

 

As has become our tradition, participants in our Self Advocate track will make a Grand Entrance sure to get the ballroom at the DCU Center on its feet.  

Then, John Dunleavy, a member of our Self Advocate Advisory Council, will deliver the Keynote Address. John has come to the attention of the media recently for giving a rousing pep talk to Boston Bruins players.  

 

Finally, as we do every year, we will be honoring the work of people in the community who have advanced our mission of promoting acceptance and inclusion. We will present our Media Award, Educator of the Year Award, Leadership Award and Allen Crocker Award of Excellence.  

Plus, we will unveil our Champions Video Collage, featuring MDSC member submitted photos, all on the theme of Champions! See last year's video below. 

 

 

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Additional Sessions 

  

Behavior and Down Syndrome - Applications of Neuroscience

David Stein, Psy.D., Faculty Psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Senior Psychologist for the Down Syndrome Program

 

How, When and Why to Access Supports and Services through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services  

Victor Hernandez, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

 

Grandparents - Sharing and Caring

Mary-Frances Garber, MS, CGC and Regina Kando

 

Nurturing the Nurturer - Self Care for Caregivers

Emily Jean Davidson, MD, MPH, RYT, Derik Newton, LMT, Myofascial Yoga Therapist

 

New Parents: Sharing Our Stories  

Sarah Cullen, Family Support Director, MDSC, Mary-Frances Garber, M.S. C.G.C., Angela Lombardo, Program Coordinator, Down Syndrome Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Melanie Perkins McLaughlin, Down Syndrome Family Support Group

 
Sexuality, Social Skills and Individuals with Down Syndrome - A Rationale for Learning (2014) 
Sally Fogel, M.Ed. Sexuality Educator, Counselor and Trainer  

 

Achieving a Healthy Weight through Lifestyle Change with Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Richard K. Fleming, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston
Barbara Fargnoli, MS,RD, Lifestyle Coach Health U., Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at University of Massachusetts Medical School   

  

Growing Up! The Ins and Outs of Transition Planning  
Allie Schwartz, MD, Co-Director, MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program, Kay Seligsohn, Ph.D, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program, Julie A. Grieco, PsyD, Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow, MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program

 

Targeting Reading Instruction to Maximize Learning in Students with Down Syndrome 

David A. Koppenhaver, PhD, Reading and Special Education Dept.,

Appalachian State University

 
We hope you will join us on March 22nd at the DCU Center to promote acceptance and inclusion and celebrate the Down syndrome community.

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WE WANT YOU....

 

TO VOLUNTEER TODAY!

 

Want to lend a helping hand? Volunteer to help us out on March 22. We guarantee that you'll have fun and feel good afterwards.  

 

Email volunteer@mdsc.org for more information.