As you head back to school,
the MDSC right behind you
Happy September!

Although the weather hasn't received the message yet, fall is upon us!  We have all had the chance to snap that picture of our kids with big smiles and their Back-To-School outfits!  Families can get very busy this time of year, so we wanted to make sure that you had the opportunity to mark your calendars now for some of the upcoming fall programs available to families and teachers through the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress!

We, at the MDSC, are working hard to provide parents and teachers ongoing access to information related to education topics related to supporting students with Down syndrome in school. 

Please stay connected to us throughout the school year as we continue to plan workshops and webinars that answer some "Frequently Asked Questions" by parents.  Of course, our "Meaningful Inclusion" Educator's Guide is still available for purchase. Also, stay on the lookout for some upcoming articles related to supporting your child directly around specific curriculum areas.  

There is lots of good stuff coming your way in the months ahead, so stay in touch!  In the meantime, be sure to scroll down and check out the great opportunities available now for families and teachers!

Good luck as you kick off the school year and we hope to see you soon!

Best,
 
Mo Blazejewski
MDSC Education Director

P.S. - For those families and self-advocates who have aged out of school, we have our new Adult Conference in collaboration with MGH on October 24. 
Parents and Education Professionals.... 
Register for 11th Annual Educator's Forum! 
We are busily planning for our MDSC 11th Annual Educator's Forum for Supporting Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
The title of this year's conference is: We Are All in This Together - Collaborating to Create Inclusive Schools.  Join us on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
Workshop topics are designed to provide teachers with tools and ideas that will facilitate collaboration and planning for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in schools.   

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

Join us on November 18 to collaborate and learn with us!  Please contact the MDSC at education@mdsc.org or 781-221-0024 for more information


Parents - click here to access customizable invitation templates to pass along to your teachers and administrators. 
 
Register NOW for the 2015-2016 AIM Program!   
It's that time of year again! Sign up for our Advocates in Motion Program that begins on October 18.  

The MDSC's AIM: Teen and Young Adult Program provides fun, inclusive, interactive events each month for teens and young adults 13 to 22. AIM participants develop leadership and self-advocacy skills, form meaningful relationships with peers, and build their self-confidence in an encouraging environment.

AIM Logo AIM members meet once a month on Sunday afternoons throughout the school year. These regular Sunday meetings take place at the Newton YMCA. Additional social opportunities are planned over the course of the year at various locations throughout Greater Boston.

AIM members not only have a good time. The program strives to enhance participants' social skills, foster leadership and self-advocacy skills, boost self-confidence, promote fitness and healthy living, and provide knowledge of job and career options. AIM also provides community service opportunities, and encourages social relationships between youth with and without Down syndrome.

In the past, AIM participants have: 
  • Practiced the art of meditation in yoga workshops 
  • Learned to recognize and respond effectively to unsafe situations 
  • Formed a team to participate in the MDSC's Buddy Walk & Family Picnic 
  • Sharpened dribbling, passing, and shooting skills in basketball clinics 
  • Provided critical support for the MDSC runners in the Boston Marathon and walkers in the Walk for Hunger 
  • Joined youth from across New England at the MDSC Annual Conference 
  • Learned movement and expression techniques in theatre workshops 
  • Danced their hearts out at the AIM Holiday Party 
  • Participated in kayaking, sailing and other outdoor activities and more!
This year our theme is Presenting Myself to the World! We'll explore our interests and how they can shape our future, talk about careers, and even develop a virtual resume to share with others. Of course, we'll also have some of our favorite social & recreation events such as the Halloween Party, Holiday Party, dance, yoga, sports and more!
Wondering How to Raise Awareness About Down Syndrome in Your Child's School? Invite Families to the Buddy Walk!   
Many families ask how to raise awareness about Down syndrome in their child's school.  Inviting your child's school community to be a part of your Buddy Walk team is an amazing way to share more information about Down syndrome and your child.  
 
For more ideas on how to get your school community involved, check out our guide here or below for "Bringing the Buddy Walk to Your School." 


 Be sure to share pictures and keep us posted - we love to share stories with other families! Just post to our Facebook page. 


 
Central MA Families!  Join Us October 25 for a "Let's Get Physical" Workshop


The MDSC is pleased to partner with UMass Medical School Shriver Center and Seven Hills in co-hosting an informational workshop geared for families of children aged 3-13 presented by Dr. Heidi Stanish, Adapted Physical Activity Specialist, Dept. of Exercise and Health Sciences, UMass Boston.

Sunday, October 25
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Seve Hills, 81 Hope Ave, Worcester

This workshop will discuss the benefits and importance of physical activity participation for youth with developmental disabilities. There will be discussion of the factors that need to be considered by parents when promoting their child's participation in school and community-based programs, and strategies will be presented for motivating youth and working with program providers for successful participation.  There will be ample opportunity for open discussion and questions.  

Read more here and RSVP below

 
Families of Teens & Young Adults - Workshop Series and Conference on Transition
FULL LIFE AHEAD SERIES

Once again, the MDSC is proud to partner with Mass Families Organizing for Change in co-hosting their workshop series designed to meet the unique needs of families of individuals who are transitioning into adulthood. 

This informative workshop series highlights topics that provides families with information related to transition, employment, housing, friendships and other topics that will lead to interdependent, full lives in the community for young adults with disabilities. 

The first topic of the 2015-2016 series will take place October 21, 2015 at the MDSC office in Burlington.  

The workshop is titled: Massachusetts Autism Omnibus Law. See the flyer here for click below for more information. 



ARC MASS TRANSITION CONFERENCE


Do You Have a Child with Special Needs Age 14-21? Are You Worried About the Future?

The MDSC is pleased to be a sponsor for The Arc's all-day Statewide Transition Conference for Families-Saturday October 3, 2015 at the Best Western/Royal Plaza, Marlboro.

Learn from experts on the IEP Process and Transition, Benefits, Housing, and More! Specialized workshops will be available for students with autism spectrum disorders, complex medical needs and behavioral and emotional challenges. 

Keynote Speaker Beth Mount will show how every student can have a plan for the future.

 
Families of Children 3-5 - Learning Program's Early Education Workshop Series
Learning Program Boston & Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress are pleased to offer a 6-part series of Down Syndrome Early Education Workshops that will be hands-on, interactive and build upon each other in succession.

This is for parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome between the ages of 3-5 who are just beginning to show an interest in letters and numbers

Workshop dates are:
  • Wed, Oct 7 - Understanding the Cognitive Profile & Expanding Vocabulary
  • Wed, Nov 4 - Teaching Whole Words
  • Wed, Dec 2 - Effective Learning Sessions
  • Wed, Feb 3 - Working with Your IEP Team
  • Wed, Mar 2 - Colors & Shapes
  • Wed, Apr 6 - Pre-Number Concepts
Inclement weather make-up date: Wed, May 4th

All workshops are 6:30pm - 8:00pm at MDSC office conference room at 20 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA

 
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES 
LAST CALL!  Families of Children aged 5-plus Register Now for Learning Program Online  
Starting September 14

For parents and caregivers of students with Down syndrome 5 years and up, Down Syndrome Foundation (DSF) is offering LP Online, the webinar equivalent of our Learning Program parent sessions.  

Registration is currently open for Level 1, 2 and 3 - these workshops mirror the content covered in our LPB parent sessions, but in an interactive, online format.  The live event will be on a weekday, depending on level - all webinars will be recorded and online links will be accessible after each session if you are unable to attend the live event.  The deadline to register for LP Online is Sept 11.  The first webinar will be on Sept 14.  Click here for program specifics and schedule
To register,  please go to: 

 
Learn More About Social Security Disabilities Programs 
Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children's Hospital is hosting a workshop presented by: Kristen Alberino, Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration      

Thursday October 22, 2015
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Franciscan Hospital for Children
Brighton

This presentation will discuss:
  • Disability benefits and services
  • How to qualify for benefits
  • How and when to apply
  • Online services and planning tools