Happy summer from the
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress!

I hope your summer has gotten off to a great start! Summer is a busy season at the MDSC as we take some time to create programs and events for teens and adults in the year ahead.

Though our teen and adult office is quiet during the summer, there is lots of activity going on with many of our friend organizations. If you're looking for something to do, please check out the links below! From hiking to windsurfing and everything in between, I think you will find something that interests you!

In addition, I have included the dates of several fall transition-related conferences so that you can mark your calendars now.

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe 4th!

Best wishes,

Colleen Endres

MDSC Teen and Adult Services Director

AccesSportAmerica

High challenge sports and training for those who like adventure!

AccesSport is at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on Boston Harbor this summer:

Monday through Friday

4 sessions per day: 10-11:30, 11:30-1, 1:30-3, 3-4:30

$20/session or $50 for 3

To sign up, contact Mark at Spaulding Adaptive Sports at 877-976-7272. For more information on this and other AccesSport offerings contact Nate Berry, Program Director, at 978-790-2960 or nate@accessportamerica.org.

DCR Universal Access Program

Outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks for visitors of all abilities

The full line-up of UAP activities can be found on the Everyone Outdoors blog here. Offerings include hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, and rowing! Most activities are in the $3-$5 range.

Spaulding Adaptive Sports

Dedicated to enabling individuals of all abilities to lead active, healthy lifestyles

Golf, archery, tennis, kite flying... these are just a few of the programs offered by Spaulding Adaptive Sports. Click on the link above to see program dates, prices, and contact info.

Waypoint Adventure

Adventure for people of all ages and abilities

Waypoint is offering open enrollment kayaking (both beginner and intermediate) as well as an Adirondack expedition and a NH backpacking weekend. Click here and scroll down to the open enrollment section for full details. For more information or to register, contact Julia Spruance at jspruance@waypointadventure.org.

MDSC social-recreational resource page

Though it's not completely finished, the MDSC has created a social-recreational resource page for teen and adult self-advocates and their families. Please check it out for more ideas on fun and active events this summer!

Save these Dates!

Fall Transition Conferences

Transition from School to Adult Life: A Statewide All-Day Conference for Families, hosted by The Arc of MA

Saturday, September 20th

College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

Event Flyer

Registration Page

Building a Home, hosted by Mass Families Organizing for Change

Saturday, September 27th

DCU Center, Worcester

Event Page

Transition Matters