Early Bird Rates End Feb. 28

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For the 31st year, we are proud to host our Annual Conference, bringing together more than 600 self-advocates, parents, grandparents, siblings, educators, and other professionals from across the Northeast to learn from regional and national experts on a spectrum of topics related to Down syndrome. 

  

Participants also gather to share stories, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite with other MDSC families. The conference features presentations that will appeal to families with young children through adulthood; families with children who have complex medical needs and autism; as well as educators, medical professionals, and siblings of individuals with Down syndrome.
 
We hope you will join us on March 28th at the DCU Center to promote acceptance and inclusion and celebrate the Down syndrome community.

Check out the centerpiece video below from last years Awards Luncheon Extravaganza...

You Are the Champions - Official 30th Annual Conference Video 
 
2015 THEME - "THE WORLD IS OURS!"
 
In 2015, "The World Is Ours". This will be our annual theme throughout next year as we celebrate the true acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. 

"The World is Ours" means that people with Down syndrome are taking more ownership over all aspects of their lives - education, employment, health care, public policy and recreation. 

And the MDSC is right there with you... making a difference here in the Bay State, but far beyond Mass. borders too.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS TIERNEY & NAIA FAIRCHILD 
On March 28, at our 31st "World Is Ours" Annual Conference, we are thrilled to welcome Tierney and Naia Fairchild. 

In 2002,Tierney, her  husband Greg and their daughter Naia became well known in our community as the subjects of Mitchell Zuckoff's book "Choosing Naia: A Family's Journey," which was followed by an hour-long Dateline NBC special: "Matters of the Heart." 

At the Awards Luncheon of our conference, the mother-daughter duo will present a keynote speech to a crowd of hundreds in the Grand Ballroom of the DCU Center in Worcester. Tierney's talk, titled "Challenging Naia: Toward a Vibrant Future", is modeled on her 2012 address at the National Down Syndrome Congress' annual convention. Then, Naia, 16, will offer her own address, explaining her life, goals and dreams. 

Later in the day, the Fairchilds will offer a full 90-minute session, titled "Challenging Naia: Tools for Embracing a Full & Resilient Life", in which they will talk about practical lessons that have helped Naia become a confident learner and engaging family member and friend, enriching the lives of those around her. They will discuss the constellation of professional and personal resources that have made a difference for their family, from Naia's first months of life to her first years of high school.

Tierney and Naia have a moving, inspiring story to tell that is sure to resonate with our members. Read more about their journey below. 
Join us for a day of learning and celebration. 
 
 Our conference on Down syndrome is for parents, educators, self advocates, brothers and sisters, and other family members and professionals. 

 
Early bird rates
expire Feb. 28
Submit photos of your loved one for the MDSC's 
'The World Is Ours' Video Slideshow!
email your photo to worldisours@mdsc.org
(image should be at least 100kb and in focus)

Tierney Temple Fairchild and her husband, Greg, were the focus of an award-winning six-part series on prenatal genetic testing by The Boston Globe. The series was the basis for Mitchell Zuckoff's 2002 book Choosing Naia: A Family's Journey and an hour-long Dateline NBC special: "Matters of the Heart." The Fairchild's also have appeared on Good Morning America, CNN and NPR and have been featured in USA Today. They currently live in Charlottesville, Virginia with their three children Naia, Cole and Jude.

Naia Grace Fairchild is a 16-year-old sophomore at Charlottesville High School where she is pursuing a standard diploma. After high school, Naia hopes to go on to community college and is interested in becoming a baker. Last summer, Naia interned at the Virginia Discovery Museum, Charlottesville's children's museum, and this summer she hopes to work in a bakery. Naia enjoys cheerleading, dancing riding horsee and spending time with family. When Naia isn't playing big sister to Cole and Jude, she enjoys listening to music, watching moviesand playing with her dolls.