***** UpSide Weekly No. 38*****

3rd Annual Trottier Charity Breakfast on March 7

Once again, Russ and Kelly Trottier host in honor of their son Colin their annual breakfast fundraiser to benefit the MDSC and the new Down Syndrome Program at UMass Memorial in Worcester.

The free event will be held Saturday March 7, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 77 Prescott Rd. Whitinsville. Donations are appreciated, however modest the amount and the Trottiers are seeking raffle items.

"Your generosity will go a long way in helping our family and friends with developmental disabilities to be active members in Central Massachusetts and beyond," Russ and Kelly said.

To volunteer or donate please contact Russ:

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If you'd like to hold your own community fundraiser in your town, we can help. Contact MDSC Development Director Becca Canavan

Join Liam Fitzgerald March 7 as Bruins Hold 50/50 Raffle

Join world famous fist-bumper Liam Fitzgerald at the Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers game on March 7 to help raise awareness and funds to support Down syndrome!

Liam and his family will be helping sell 50/50 raffle tickets on Level 4 of the TD Garden if you want to look for him. Half all of proceeds from raffle ticket sales benefit MDSC.

Every year, as part of the MDSC partnership with the Boston Bruins Foundation, the MDSC is the beneficiary of a 50/50 raffle event at a Bruins game to support our Down syndrome programs and services.

Upcoming Events

March 6-8

DSAIA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Three MDSC Management Team members will be at the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action Annual Leadership Conference.

Executive Director Maureen Gallagher will present on "Why Public Advocacy is So Important." Family Support Director Sarah Cullen will present on "Comprehensive & Reliable Support at Diagnosis." Gallagher and Cullen will co-present on "Enhancing Your First Call Program." Director of Communications Josh Komyerov will present on "How to Communicate Your Biggest Stories."

Through sharing information and best practices with other Down syndrome organizations, the MDSC is helping build a stronger national movement to enhance the lives of all people with Down syndrome.

Tuesday, March 10
MDSC WEBINAR: SUPPORTING STUDENTS

MDSC Education Director Mo Blazejewski, a veteran educator herself, leads a professional development webinar tackling how educators can find the time to coordinate and communicate in order to support their students with Down syndrome. If you are interested in attending this session, please email Mo at mblazejewski@mdsc.org

Wednesday, March 11

SECTION 8 AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKSHOP

Our partnership with MFOFC and Riverside Community Care continues with this "Full Life Ahead" Workshop on Section 8 and other affordable housingoptions for people with disabilities. Susan Nohl, Deputy Director of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership will explain all the ins-and-outs of Section 8, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), state and federal public housing and low income tax credit (LITC) units.

RSVP to Adrienne Szafranski at adrnnszf@aol.com or go here for complete information.

April 4

NEW FAMILY SOCIAL

Families of children with Down syndrome three years old and younger, as well as expectant families, are warmly invited to join MDSC staff and other new families for an informal get-together with light refreshments! As a special treat, a photographer will be with us taking family (or baby) pictures for families at no cost!

10 a.m. at the MDSC office. RSVP to Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org or go here for complete information.

Circus of the Senses Tickets Available to MDSC Members

Marc Epstein, from the D.A.D.S. group has secured 150 tickets for a unique showing of The Big Apple Circus called "Circus of the Senses", which is designed for children with physical and intellectual disabilities!

It will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 11am in the Big Apple Circus tent at City Hall Plaza in Boston. Five tickets per family are available - as long a child with a disability is one of them.

If interested, please email MDSC Family Support Director Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org. Include names of the people who would like to attend and a contact phone number....first respond, first to go!! Please be sure you can attend before requesting tickets.

Marc Epstein will meet the group outside the main entrance to the circus at 10am to get a group photo, check names, and receive tickets so that you can be seated as a group in time for the 11am show.

Business Advisory Council Hosts 8th Annual Golfathon

On Monday, June 1, the MDSC hosts its 8th Annual Corporate Golf Tournament at Turner Hill in Ipswich.

The event, sponsored by the MDSC's Business Advisory Council, includes a round of golf, awards dinner, raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Opportunities for companies to play or sponsor available.

See here for complete information.

A.I.M. Exercise Their Lungs; & Now Await Warm Weather

Members of our AIM: Teen & Young Adult Program gathered twice this past weekend! Friday night AIM members belted out tunes during a karaoke night at the Paul Center in Chelmsford.On Sunday, AIM members made green milkshakes, reusable mason jar mugs, guacamole, and handmade jump ropes from recycled plastic bags!.

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Next Up for AIM...

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress' AIM: Teen and Young Adult Program is for youth ages 13 to 22 and their families. They get together during the school year to have fun, meet peers, and learn new things! Contact Teen & Adult Services Director Colleen Endres for more information at cendres@mdsc.org.

Area Down Syndrome Clinics Looking to Hire

Down Syndrome Center Coordinator

UMass Medical Center

The UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is looking for a part-time coordinator for its new Down Syndrome Center. The position is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of clinical care is provided to all patients with Down syndrome through the effective coordination of clinical services. Ensures and facilitates open communication with all staff, to promote improved performance within the center. Serves as a liaison among the surgeons, physicians, residents, managers, nurses, patients, and their families in the fostering of patient satisfaction. Reports directly to the Chief, Division of Genetics for all clinical issues.

See the full job description here.

Patient Liaison Apprentice (for Self Advocate)

Boston Children's Hospital

The Down Syndrome Program at Children's Hospital is seeking an individual with Down syndrome to serve as a Patient Liaison Apprentice for two half-day clinic sessions weekly. Job responsibilities include greeting families, setting up rooms for clinicians, escorting families to clinical rooms, sharing resource material, supporting families during their visit and assisting program coordinator with clerical duties. See the full job description here.

MDSC's 31st Annual Conference

EARLY BIRD EXPIRES MIDNIGHT SUNDAY

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. EARLY BIRD RATES EXPIRE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 8 AT MIDNIGHT. (Self Advocate Workshop registration closes March 13) REGISTER NOW!

More than two dozen workshops
Regional and national experts
Awards Luncheon Extravaganza
Keynote Address during Awards Luncheon by mother-daughter duo Tierney & Naia Fairchild
Specialized Tracks for Parents, Educators, Self Advocates and Brothers & Sisters
Sessions for families of Children 0-5 years old, Children 5-12, Teens, Adults, Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism, and Individuals with Complex Needs - there's something for everyone.

Participants also gather to share stories, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite with other MDSC families. We hope you will join us on March 28th at the DCU Center to promote acceptance and inclusion and celebrate the Down syndrome community.

REGISTER NOW

Conferees are also invited to other related events on the morning of the conference at the DCU Center: the MDSC's Annual Meeting at 8 a.m. in Room A is open to all; and our Diversity breakfast from 7:45am - 8:45am is held behind the escalator on the 2nd floor.

Public Policy

A New Bill, New Laws & 2 Chances to Make a Difference

Take Action Now on Organ Transplant Bill

Please call your state reps and senators as soon as possible and ask them to co-sponsor a bill that will be on the MDSC's legislative platform in the new 2-year session. The bill, HD3416, ensures that people with disabilities are not discriminated against when vying for access to organ transplants. The bill was just filed, and we only have until Friday to get co-sponsors. Find your legislator's office number here.

Here's all you have to say: "I am calling today with an urgent request for Representative/Senator [Legislator's Name] to co-sponsor HD 3416 - An Act concerning nondiscrimination in access to organ transplantation. It is important to my loved one with Down syndrome (or other disability). Please ask Representative/Senator [Your Legislator's Name] to call Representative Jim Cantwell's office at 617-722-2140 and tell him that your office wants to co-sponsor HD 3416."

Go here for more information about this bill.

2nd Annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Day

Mark your calendars for the MDSC's 2nd Annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Day on June, 4 at the State House. Like last year's inaugural event, hundreds of members and

supporters of the Down syndrome community will once again gather on Beacon Hill for a rally and luncheon reception followed by individual meetings with state legislators.

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. Last year's event was a great success, as evidenced by the passage of our top priority bills in the following months. Family members, friends and all supporters are welcome to this second annual event!

Stay tuned to our website or your preferred social network for information about how to register.

Session at Annual Conference to Cover New Laws

At our 31st Annual "World Is Ours Conference" on March 28, the MDSC will present a session to answer all your questions about what our three recently passed laws will mean for our members: "What the ABLE Act, Real Lives, and NBC Bills will mean to you... and how advocacy can make a real difference!" In this session, we will discuss the nuts and bolts of what these important bills say, how they get implemented and how you might be able to take advantage of the new provisions. We will also briefly consider the progress our community has made in the realm of public policy over the years and how critical disability advocacy is to providing opportunity and even changing public attitudes about people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

REGISTER HERE

Join our Legislative Efforts.... in Washington, D.C. or here in Massachusetts

For the 6th year, the MDSC will send a delegation of Down syndrome advocates to Washington D.C. to lobby for good public policy at the NDSS Buddy Walk on Washington April 14 and April 15.

For the past two years, 16 representatives from our community fanned out across Capitol Hill to personally meet with the Bay State's 11 congressional leaders and advocate for key policies to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Go here for more information about the Buddy Walk on Washington. If you would like to be involved in advocacy efforts closer to home, we're looking for members to join the MDSC's Legislative Advocacy Task Force, and help us map the future of the MDSC's public policy initiatives.

If you are interested in either opportunity, just email timetospeakout@mdsc.org.

Support Group Leader Retreat

DS Community Leaders Around the State Gather to Network and Strategize for Future

Earlier this month, the MDSC gathered together two dozen support group leaders from across the state to network, share experiences and strategize for the future. The MDSC partners with each of these groups to ensure that all families across Massachusetts have access to the local supports and resources they need.

Thank you to everyone who attended. See here for a complete list of the Down syndrome support groups that the MDSC supports and collaborates with.

Special thanks to photographer, filmmaker and Parents First Call volunteer Melanie Perkins McLaughlin for taking wonderful photos of our retreat.

Self Advocate Advisory Council

Members Take to Catwalk for 1st Ever Fashion Show

Our first-ever SAAC Fashion Show at Bentley University in Waltham last week was a rousing success!

MDSC Teen & Adult Services Director Colleen Endres said that "the energy in the room was really indescribable! The idea to have a fashion show came directly from our SAAC (Self Advocate Advisory Council) members during a meeting over a year ago.... Their ideas and creativity came together and that their vision was executed smoothly; what an achievement!!!"

MDSC Program Specialist Mychelle Lee noted that her favorite part was hearing comments from people at Bentley who weren't associated with the fashion show but chose to watch and cheer. "In fact, they were some of the loudest cheerleaders in the audience," Mychelle said. "From the other side of the curtains it looked like a Hollywood red carpet event with all the cameras flashing away."

Colleen may have summed up the event best by noting that "There were lots of happy tears!!!" Special thanks to our collaborators at the Bentley Best Buddies Program and to photographers Frank Jansen, Mary Ellen McDonough and Chris May for photographing the event. Check out our Facebook page for more Fashion Show photos. Learn more about our Self Advocate Advisory Council here.

Snow Can't Stop These MDSC Marathon Runners; Recruiting Now for Falmouth Road Race Runners

Boston Marathon

It may be a record breaking winter in the Northeast, but for the seven runners on Team MDSC, poor conditions are no excuse - they have to get out and train.

On April 20, MDSC Runners Ryan Trott, Andrew Thompson, Lisa Adelman, John Clark, Evelyn Porter, Lisa Tulloch and Eddie Hulton will make the epic trek from Hopkinton to Copley Square in the 119th Boston Marathon... and raise funds and awareness for Down syndrome with every step! Emily LaMarca, who has run three previous Boston Marathon's for the MDSC is unable to run this year, but is joining in the fundraising efforts.

Go here to learn more about Team MDSC or donate to one of our runners. We are excited to once again be part the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program!

If you're a qualified runner with a race entry bib and would like to join Team MDSC please e-mail race@mdsc.org for more information. Benefits of joining the team include: MDSC running singlet, transportation to race starting line, fundraising and running training tips, included in all CharityTeams weekly training runs and themed long-runs with thousands of other charity runners, invitation to MDSC pre-race event, invitation to CharityTeams pre-race event, communication with CharityTeams founder and coach Susan Hurley. For more information, please e-mail Becca Canavan at race@mdsc.org.

Falmouth Road Race

With warmer weather on our minds, the MDSC is looking for runners to join our team for the Falmouth Road Race.

This year's Falmouth Road Race is on Sunday, August 16th and the MDSC has 30 numbers. Each of our runners have their own personal stories, but they are united by one common passion: to promote acceptance and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. We are a group of very special and all different aged people. Last year's team was very energetic and collectively raised $46,000!

Below is the 2015 race application. Please note that as a participant in the Numbers for Non-Profits program, all MDSC runners are required to raise $1,000 by race day.

As a registered team member, you are guaranteed an official number in the race, a special MDSC running singlet, an invitation to join us at our pre-race luncheon on the weekend of the race in Falmouth and much more. We also send you some quick and effective tips to raise awareness and funds. Help us make all the work we do at the MDSC possible!

Please email jsherman@mdsc.org if you have any questions and we truly hope that you'll join our team.

Public Awareness

Filming Underway for 'Your Next Star', Employment Public Awareness Campaign

As part of the launch of a major public awareness campaign on the topic of employment, we have begun filming a feature video dubbed "Your Next Star" about the abilities of employees with Down syndrome.

Working with Northern Light Productions of Boston, we have shot footage of four employees with Down syndrome at four work locations - John Dunleavy, who works in the Boston Bruins front office; Melissa Reilly, who works in the office of State Senator Jamie Eldridge; Nicole Coppens, who works at the headquarters of Verc Enterprises; and Philip Donahue, who works at a Market Basket in Tewksbury. Thanks to all of these employees and employers for their participation in this important campaign.

If you have an inspiring employment story about someone with Down syndrome to share, send it to YourNextStar@mdsc.org

INFORMATION	PARTICIPATE	SUPPORT US	RESOURCES
About the MDSC	Attend an Event	Donate Now	New Parents
About Down Syndrome	Host a Fundraiser	Memorial/ Tribute Gifts	Expectant Parents
Programs	Advocate	Corporate Partnerships	Support Groups
Legislative Platform	Stay Connected	Sponsorships	Educators
	Volunteer	Circle of Giving Society	Self-Advocates