Tell Your Story on May 27

Help lawmakers understand why good disability is so important

A big part of our legislative success in recent years has been your involvement - reaching out to connect with your legislators to share your personal stories.

On Tuesday, May 27, the MDSC will host its very first Down Syndrome Advocacy Day at the State House to encourage lawmakers to support critical policies and funding to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have opportunities to lead meaningful fulfilling lives in the community.

We expect hundreds of members and supporters of the Down syndrome community to gather for a rally and luncheon reception followed by individual meetings with their legislators. Family members, friends and all supporters are welcome!

Advocacy Day Schedule of Events

Great Hall, State House, Boston

10:30a.m. Registration
11:00a.m.-12:30p.m. Rally and luncheon reception
12:30p.m-1:30p.m. Individual meetings with legislators/staff

Invited guests include Governor Deval Patrick, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Therese Murray, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (primary sponsor of National Background Check Bill when he was a state rep.), EOHHS Assistant Secretary Rosalie Edes, DDS Commissioner Elin Howe, State Rep. Tom Sannicandro, and others.

Please join us as we walk the halls to lobby our legislators to pass key legislation including the National Background Check Bill.

Don't worry about what you'll say to legislators. We'll provide you with fact sheets and talking points on issues that are important to our community.

Join us for a pre-Advocacy Day webinar on May 20 at 11 a.m. where we will walk you through the step-by-step basics for advocating at the State House. Look for information in the upcoming UpSide Weekly and on our Facebook page.

The MDSC is leading the charge for important policies and systemic changes that provide critical support for people with Down syndrome and their families.

In 2012, we pushed through a Prenatal Testing Bill that ensures that expectant families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis get the most up-to-date, accurate information to allow them to make the best decision for their family. Signed into law by Governor Patrick, the landmark bill was the first state legislation of its kind in the nation and is being replicated by other states around the country.

On the national level, the MDSC has been a leader in our advocacy of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a bill that would finally allow people with disabilities and their families to set up tax-advantaged savings accounts so they can save for their future without losing access to important benefits. For the second time in two years, we have secured the unanimous support of entire 11-member state delegation in Washington (after significant turnover in the last year).

Now, over the last year, the MDSC has taken the reins to push for the National Background Check Bill, which would close a gaping loophole that puts our loved ones at risk. On May 27, when we hold our first ever Down Syndrome Advocacy Day, this bill will be at the top of our priority list.

Register now for the MDSC's Down Syndrome Advocacy Day and help us pass the National Background Check Bill.

Contact

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
20 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 261

Burlington, Mass. 01803
781-221-0024
781-221-0011 (Fax)

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