SAVE THE DATE(S)
New Adult Conference & Educators Forum
Even from our earliest days, the MDSC has recognized the importance of bringing people together to learn from experts in the field and from each other. 

The parents who founded the MDSC as a grassroots organization three decades ago immediately launched our annual conference. And with tremendous growth over the years, we've continued to expand our array of workshops and conferences to share best practices on the full array of subjects related to Down syndrome. 

This year, our two Fall conferences - including our 1st ever "Adult Conference" - continue in that tradition, offering the latest information and resources from the region's and country's leading experts to serve all our members.  

On October 24, we are excited to launch a brand new conference, our first ever Adult Conference, titled "Growing up with Down Syndrome: Living a Longer, Healthier and Meaningful Life." Held in collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program, it will be tailored just for adults with Down syndrome ages 22 and up, their family members and direct support providers. 

Then, on November 18, we hold our annual Educators Forum (for Supporting Students with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities). Now in its 11th year, our Educators Forum just keeps getting stronger. This year's powerful theme is "We Are All in This Together - Collaborating to Create Inclusive Schools." (See below for more information). 

Registration for both these events will open soon. 
1ST EVER CONFERENCE FOR ADULTS  
Growing up with Down Syndrome:
Living a Longer, Healthier and Meaningful Life
SATURDAY, OCT. 24 (BOSTON, MA)

On October 24, the MDSC will hold its very first adult conference in collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program. Titled "Growing up with Down Syndrome: Living a Longer, Healthier and Meaningful Life," the conference is specifically geared for adults with Down syndrome ages 22 and up, their family members and other supporters
The day will focus on empowering adults with Down syndrome ages 22 and up along with their families and support network to plan for a healthy and meaningful future. It will be held at the MGH Simches Research Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Plenary Sessions Include:
  • Keynote Speakers Jo Ann Simons, CEO Cardinal Cushing Schools, and Peter Johnson, Self Advocate
  • Medical Update: "Keeping Adults with Down Syndrome Healthy"- Dr. Allie Schwartz, Co-Director of MGH Down Syndrome Program
  • Nutrition Workshop for Self-Advocates: "Empowering Ourselves for a Healthy Future: How to Stay Healthy by Eating Well and Being Active" - Caitlin Woglom, RD, LDN, Nutritionist for the MGH Down Syndrome Program
Roundtable & Networking Sessions
  • Nothing About Us Without Us - For Adults with Down syndrome ages 22 and up; facilitated by members of the MDSC Self-Advocate Advisory Council; Colleen Endres, MDSC Teen and Adult Services Director; Mychelle Lee, MDSC Program Specialist
  • Been There Done That - Best Resources from Experienced Parents and Family Members - For Parents and Family Members of Adults ages 22-39; facilitated by Ann Bersani, Parent and MDSC AIM Advisory Council Member.
  • Connect and Refresh - Best Practices and Resources for Direct Service Providers - For Direct Service Providers; facilitated by Dr. Brian Skotko, Co-Director, MGH Down Syndrome Program; Susanna Peyton, Parent, MDSC Honorary Board Member and  Operation House Call Program Advisor.
  • Growing Old Gracefully - Addressing Common Aging Concerns and Alzheimer's Issues - For Parents and Family members of Adults ages 40 and up; facilitated by Dr. Julie Moran, geriatrician specializing in care of adults with intellectual disabilities through the Mass. Department of Developmental Services, and Dr. Jessica McCannon, MGH Down Syndrome Program Specialist. 
Please Save the Date of October 24 and feel free to contact the MDSC at adultconference@mdsc.org or 781-221-0024 for more information!
11TH ANNUAL EDUCATORS FORUM 
We Are All in This Together:
Collaborating to Create Inclusive Schools
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 (WORCESTER, MA)
The MDSC 11th Annual Educator's Forum for Supporting Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will be on the theme: "We Are All in This Together - Collaborating to Create Inclusive Schools". 

The event, which will take place Wednesday, November 18, on the campus of Holy Cross College in Worcester, will feature workshop topics designed to provide teachers with tools and ideas to facilitate collaboration and planning for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 

The in-the-trenches perspective of our workshop presenters will highlight the goals, challenges and solutions to ongoing issues facing education professionals as they work with families to provide meaningful inclusive educational opportunities for students in all educational settings. 
 
Discussion will focus on the unique issues related to inclusion programming in schools where standards-based student achievement and accountability play such a big role in our daily instruction. 

Sessions Include: 
  • Self-Advocate Keynote Speakers Jordan Caira, Laura Green, Eliza Meltzer, Sarah Rosenthal of Framingham High School Class of 2015, presenting on "True Friends Don't Count Chromosomes - A Story of Friendship and Inclusion"
  • Keynote Speaker Dr. Zachary Rossetti, Boston University, presenting on "Friendship: The Final Frontier of Inclusive Education"
  • Optimizing Paraprofessional Support: Multiple Perspective Taking Makes it Work, presented by Ann Howard and Dina Trianello
  • Together We Can Do So Much: Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Collaboration Process, presented by Kerri Tabasky and Maureen Blazejewski
  • Best Practices in Literacy Instruction - David Koppenhaver
  • There IS Room on the Broom - Using Children's Literature and Guided Classroom Discussion to Teach About Individual Differences, presented by Sarah Burton
  • But it's only a 6 hour day! Problem solving communication challenges around collaboration for effective unit planning, presented by Maureen Blazejewski
  • Person Centered Planning in the Transition Process, presented by Kerry Mahoney and Support Brokers from The Arc of Mass.
  • Supporting Challenging Behaviors, presented by Jessica Minahan
  • Make and Take Museum - Create Visual Supports to use tomorrow, by the MDSC Education Task Force 
  • Story Boxes - Teaching Vocabulary and Content with Objects, presented by Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Hospital Staff
Please Save the Date of November 18 and feel free to contact the MDSC at education@mdsc.org or 781-221-0024 for more information!
About the MDSC
Since 1983, the MDSC has strived to help individuals with Down syndrome and their families have opportunities to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. 

Today, the MDSC offers a wide array of cutting edge programs, including Parents First Call, Advocates in Motion, Self Advocate Advisory Council, Annual Conference, Educators Forum, Allen Crocker Self-Advocate Internship Program and advocacy and public awareness initiatives. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 781-221-0024 or mdsc@mdsc.org.