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AIM: Teen and Young Adult Program
November 2014 Newsletter
 
Upcoming events and resources for families of self-advocates, ages 13 - 22.

Hello!

 

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 

 

Whether you celebrated with us at the 18th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Festival, the Fenway ceremonial signing into law of two MDSC priority bills (the National Background Check and Real Lives bills), our first AIM event of the year or from afar, the strength and spirit of the Down syndrome community in Massachusetts was heard loud and clear!

 

Our momentum continues as we move into November. Please read on for information on upcoming AIM events, transition-related learning opportunities, and other happenings throughout the state.

 

And, if you haven't signed up for AIM yet, don't worry! We welcome new members throughout the year; however, the earlier you sign up, the more you will get out of the program!

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

 

Colleen Endres

MDSC Teen & Adult Services Director

[email protected], 781-221-0024 x207

Upcoming AIM Events

  

Sunday, November 2nd: 

*Pizza & Bowling*

6pm @ PiNZ!

110 South Main St, Milford

 

Join AIM youth and families for this fun night!

 

FREE for AIM members and their families.

$15/pp for non-members

 

RSVP by 10/30 to Colleen

 

***

Sunday, November 16th:

November AIM Meeting

*The Nina, the Pinta and the Kayak?!* 

12:30-3:30

Newton YMCA

276 Church St, Newton

 

This indoor kayaking session is open to registered AIM members only. Limited spots available!

 

Reserve your spot! RSVP to Colleen

 

 

Haven't signed up for AIM yet?

It's not too late!

Info on program structure, location, and fees

 



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).


 

November Transition Events

 


Transition Fair

Saturday, November 8

12-3pm

Framingham High School Cafeteria

115 A Street, Framingham, MA

Event Flyer


 
This free event will provide information about services to help students who are transitioning (or will be transitioning in the next few years) from school to post-secondary education, employment, and/or independent living. There will be information for students with all types and levels of disabilities, with representatives from colleges, technical institutes, service organizations and providers, state agencies and learning programs. 


 
This is open to ANY family that would like to learn more about transition resources! 


 

College for Students with Disabilities Info Night

Wednesday, November 12

6-7pm

Roxbury Community College

Event Flyer


 
Come learn how Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (ICE) supports students with intellectual disabilities achieve their educational and career goals through participation in college courses. 

 

Contact Tim Coogan with questions: 516-361-3430 or [email protected]


 

MDSC 10th Annual Educators Forum: Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down Syndrome

Tuesday, November 18

8am-3pm

College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

Event Site

 

Parents, please let your educators know of this great opportunity! Of special interest are two workshops on transition and inclusion:

 

Transition from School to Adult Life- Using the IEP to Create Success

Presented by Johanne Pino, Project Coordinator, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, University of Saint Joseph

 

This workshop will address the transition planning, and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, focusing on both the transition special education services which prepare youth for employment, independent living and further education, and mechanisms to plan for services students may require when they exit special education and transition to the adult human service system. Through the use of case examples, parents and professionals will learn strategies that may help students receive important transition services mandated by special education laws. Parents and professionals will also gain an understanding on Chapter 688, the federal law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave school.

 

Advice from the Trenches- A Panel of Middle and High School Teachers Offer Advice on Successful Inclusion Strategies in the Upper Grades

Panel Facilitated by Anne M. Howard, Ph.D., Professor, Fitchburg State University

 

Creating successful inclusion programs can be challenging for educators- especially at the Middle and High School levels where the content of curriculum is more challenging and makes it more challenging to find appropriate access points for students. In this session, educators from middle and high school who have developed successful programs will share their thoughts on how they were able to make this happen!

Strengthen Self-Advocacy Skills!

Easter Seals Youth Leadership Network


  

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. November's meeting will include activities to prepare you for setting, planning, and meeting your future goals.


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

 

Boston: November 1, 2014, 1-3pm

Worcester: November 8, 2014, 1-3pm Easter Seals Logo

Springfield: November 20, 2014, 5-7:30pm

New Bedford: November 22, 2014, 1-3pm

 

Parents are also invited to stay for a parent group, covering topics related to transition services and program for youth with special needs.  


For learn more, email [email protected] or call Desi Forte at 617-226-2855.

 

Resource Spotlight!


  

Guiding Your Success Tool

 

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) for Youth has developed a document to help youth and young adults think about and plan for the future. Youth can work on this tool by themselves, with peers, or with a caring adult. 

 

This is a great way for youth to exercise self-determination and think through their vision for their future!

 

Contact Information

Colleen Endres 
MDSC Teen & Adult Services Director
(781)221-0024 x207