2014-2015 AIM Calendar

Registration Form

Core Events

This year, the core curriculum will focus on Adventure. We'll work together to plan a participant-driven event, learn about different cultures across the globe, get into the spirit of helping others, create delicious (and healthy) snacks, dance, kayak, and more!

Core events include:

• One Sunday session each month from November through May; all sessions are held from 12:30-3:30 at the centrally-located Newton YMCA (also called the 'West Suburban YMCA') located at 276 Church St in Newton right off of the Mass Pike
• Year End Party in June

Click on the map below to get directions to the Newton YMCA. It may not be as far as you think, and Sundays are generally easier travel days! We have many families who drive over an hour to come to AIM, and they truly believe it is worth is to make the trip once per month! Carpooling helps too! We can help connect you with families in your area.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to our core curriculum, we offer at least one extra activity each month (Nov-May) so that participants can continue to build relationships with one another in a less structured environment. Extra activities are held in varying locations throughout Eastern MA (Reading, Milford, Boston, Lexington, Chelmsford, Natick, Easton, and more!) . Extra activities this year will include bowling, dances, a trip to the ballet, karaoke, and so much more!

Registration and Fees

The AIM Program fee for our 2014-2015 year is $150. Scholarships are available!

AIM membership includes:

• all core events and extracurricular activities (with the exception of one or two extracurricular activities that may require a small fee, like our visit to the Boston Ballet to see The Nutcracker)
• AIM Parent Info Sessions, held each Sunday session from Nov-May at the Newton YMCA
• AIM youth participants also receive an AIM t-shirt and gym bag

We know that some families are unable to commit to the full program but would still like to join in from time to time. Non-members can sign up to attend extracurricular activities, given that space is available, at the cost of $20/activity (with the exception of one or two extracurricular activities that will require a greater fee, like our visit to the Boston Ballet to see The Nutcracker).

We're getting excited for Flame, Ayla Brown, the Team 21 jumping dogs, dancing, yummy food, and connecting with old friends and new! Whether you sign up for Team AIM CHAMPIONS or have a team of your own, we hope you'll stop by the teen and adult tent to say hi and meet other families.

The Buddy Walk & Family Festival is the MDSC's biggest celebration of the year! The event is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it also serves as a fun and active way to raise awareness about Down syndrome and get your family, friends, and communities involved.

participants will take part in a program that includes weekly to biweekly group and individual sessions focusing on losing weight through healthy eating and 

increasing physical activity in ways that are fun and achievable. Parents

receive training on supportive behavioral techniques to encourage their son/daughter to meet nutrition and physical activity goals.

Sessions are 90 minutes, highly interactive, and led by nutritionists and lifestyle coaches.

Health U. is a free and voluntary research study. Qualified participants may be eligible for compensation.

For more information, please contact Judith Ellen, Research Coordinator at 774-455-6540 or email healthu@umassmed.edu. To learn more, click here for a brochure. 

Mass Families Organizing for Change 'Building a Home'

The Easter Seals Youth Leadership Network (YLN) empowers youth to use self-advocacy to take control of planning their adult lives and experience educational and professional success.

The YLN is 2 hour monthly meetings that take place in four cities across Massachusetts. The kickoff is a great chance for new members to learn about what we do and connect with familiar faces.

Participation is completely free and open to youth ages 14 to 26. Check out the kickoff dates and locations to find the YLN near you:

Boston: October 4, 2014, 1-3pm

Worcester: October 11, 2014, 1-3pm

Springfield: October 23, 2014, 5-7:30pm

New Bedford: October 25, 2014, 1-3pm

During the YLN kickoff there will be a parent's transition workshop happening in the same location. 

For any questions or to RSVP, email youth@eastersealsma.org or call Desi Forte at 617-226-2855.