Fall Buddy Walks Show the World Is Ours

***** UpSide Weekly No. 42*****

11th Educators Forum Nov 18 to Explore Creating Inclusivity

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.

Feel free to contact the MDSC at education@mdsc.org or 781-221-0024 for more information!

Parents First Call Program Hosts Programs for All

Baby Massage Returns by Popular Demand Oct. 30

Join our Blissful Baby Infant Massage Class fro children from birth to pre-crawling on Friday, October 30 from 10 - 11:30am at the MDSC office in Burlington.

We will learn the ancient art of infant massage in a quiet and calm environment. The strokes will be demonstrated on a doll while you practice with your own baby! You will learn colic holds, massage techniques, along with other ways to calm and soothe your baby.
Infant massage has been shown to relax and sooth babies, deepen bonding, promote strengthening of digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems, relieve discomfort associated with gas and colic, help your baby sleep better by releasing stress and increase you confidence and sensitivity to your baby's cues.

Sheryl White is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Baby Signer, Reiki Master and mother of three.

RSVP REQUIRED (limited space) to Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org or by calling 781-221-0024, ext. 206

Complex Needs Group to Gather Nov. 14

Come help us learn how to best support your needs, network with other families, share resources, and meet staff from both MDSC and the Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Program on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10am - Noon at Boston Children's Hospital WALTHAM location.

Our facilitator will be Dr. Emily Davidson, Director of Prenatal Services for the Boston Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Program. In addition to working in the DSP since 2002, Dr. Davidson is an attending physician in the Complex Care Service where she works with children with multiple medical issues. Her research and community service interests include respite care, exercise for children with disabilities, and self-care for families. She has been practicing yoga for 17 years and is a Registered Yoga Teacher.

Dr. Davidson will lead the group in conversation about self-care, how to sneak in a little self-care in our crazy lives, and finding support from each other. She will also lead the group in a mindfulness exercise and some very relaxing chair yoga poses. Please join us for a warm, supportive environment of sharing and support!

All family members welcome! Volunteers available for children's recreation and support. RSVP to Jeanne Doherty, MDSC at 978-761-3950 or jdoherty@mdsc.org. See here for complete information.

Regional Grandparents Groups

Grandparents of children with Down syndrome will be gathering in Norwood, Centerville and Wilbraham in the next month. Join us for one of these informal get-togethers in a supportive atmosphere where you can meet other Grandparents, learn more about Down syndrome and discover and share helpful resources.

See here for details, including contact information.

Multi-Cultural Diversity Potluck

More than a dozen people gathered on Oct. 3 at the Schrafft Center in Boston for the MDSC's annual Multi-Cultural Potluck Dinner for culturally diverse families who have a child with Down syndrome. Families brought their favorite dishes from their own cultural background and shared experiences.

The MDSC strives to build a comfortable, accessible, warm, inclusive community for all families, irregardless of their race, culture, religion, income level, sexual preference or level of disability. Our anti-bias philosophy is prevalent throughout the organization and is now woven into all our events, activities, publications and communications.

The MDSC Diversity Outreach Committee meets regularly to explore how to encourage inclusion and remove barriers to participation in MDSC activities. The committee's goal is to make all families feel welcome and to find ways to meet their needs, whatever they may be. Read more about the MDSC's diversity efforts here.

All About the New Autism Omnibus Law

At our next Full Life Ahead workshop in collaboration with MFOFC and Riverside CC, you'll have an opportunity to learn about the Massachusetts Autism Omnibus Law.

This workshop will address the major components of the new Autism Omnibus Law which significantly expands services and opportunities for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

Presenter, Leslie Hughes, Public Information Specialist at Mass Advocates for Children, will focus on the six major components of the new autism law, emphasizing practical steps and strategies to help ensure that
individuals with ASD and their families can effectively access new services and opportunities.

Please RSVP to Adrienne Szafranski adrnnszf@aol.com. Space is limited to 50. More information here.

D.A.D.S. Meeting & Halloween Bash in Late October

Halloween Party Oct. 24

D.A.D.S. will hold its annual Halloween party on Saturday, October 24 from 2-5pm at The Arc of Bristol County (141 Park Street, Attleboro). Costumes optional. Come enjoy pizza, balloon animals and face painting. Please bring a drink, dessert or side dish to share. RSVP to shannonpaul28@gmail.com with what you can bring. Thank you!

Regular Meeting Oct. 26

D.A.D.S. will hold its next semi-monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 26 at 7pm at the West Street Tavern, 7 West St. Newton. Please RSVP your seat to Jeff Roback at dadsmass@yahoo.com. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Buddy Walk & Family Festival

3,000 Gather at Region's Largest DS Awareness Event

Our biggest awareness and fundraising event of the year was a huge success. More than 3,000 people with Down syndrome, family members, friends, teachers, neighbors and other loved ones came out to Lake Quannapowitt to bask in the warmth of the sun, and the equally powerful warmth of our community.

As event co-chair Danielle Thompson put it, Sunday's Buddy Walk "proved that literally The World Is Ours.":

Each of the 21 million strides [taken] was pointed squarely in the direction of ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome are valued, included and given the opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives. Together, we are changing lives here in the Bay State - in hospital rooms, schools, city halls, neighborhoods or places of employment. And in today's world, each of these changes has ripple effects that really do stretch around the world.

Your support will allow the MDSC over the next year to achieve its mission, get started on its new strategic plan, and take its work on behalf of people with Down syndrome to the next level.

The event would not have been possible without the support and energy of so many: Major sponsors included the Verizon Foundation, Joyal Capital Management Foundation, WBZ-TV, EchoStor Technologies, Nestle Waters, Patrick McLaughlin Memorial Fund, Contact Telecom and Parametric Technology Corporation. See all sponsors here and be sure to patronize them to thank them!

Thanks to Buddy Walk Task Force members, our event chairs Danielle and Andrew Thompson, Town of Wakefield liaison Marie Rej; WBZ's Chris McKinnon, Karen K. & the Jitterbugs, George Foreman III, Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Program, Ayla Brown and Mister Vic; special guests Representative Paul Brodeur, DDS Deputy Assistant Commissioner Victor Hernandez, MDSC Allen Crocker Intern Ned Reichenbach; Team Captains, exhibitors, all our walkers, especially our Buddy Walk All Stars. Finally, thanks to our incredible crew of more than 200 volunteers, including volunteer photographers Frank Jansen, John Crookes, Geof Simons, Keith Toffling and Mary Ellen McDonough.

We want to give special special thanks to the incredible efforts of our Top 10 Teams this year:

Danielle & Andrew Thompson of Drew's Crew
David & Lauren Falcone of Team Lucy
Alicia & Sean Taylor of Luke's Rough and Rowdy Crowd
Danielle & Anthony DeCotis of Matthew's Troops.
Leah & Matt Campbell of Mia's Team, and Amy & Jeff Feinberg of Kayla's Klub.
Amy & Jeff Feinberg of Kayla's Klub
Staci & Stephen Flynn of Team Sarina
Kerri & Jon Tabasky of Team Tabasky
Heather & Michael Sexton of Anna's Bunch
Brian Skotko and the team at the MGH Down Syndrome Program

Without your support the MDSC would not be able to offer our first-class range of programs, including Parents First Call, Advocates in Motion, Self Advocate Advisory Council, Annual Conference, Educators Forum, Allen Crocker Self-Advocate Internship Program and other education, advocacy and public awareness initiatives, including our new Your Next Star campaign.

You're efforts help to make our mission a reality!

Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair

600 Come Together at 3rd Annual Central Mass Walk

Families from Central Massachusetts and surrounding areas came together on September 20 for the MDSC's 3rd Annual Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair. With the beautiful River Bend Farm in Uxbridge as the backdrop, 400 people gathered to celebrate our community and walk a mile to make a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Organized by the Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair Task Force and chaired for the 3rd straight year by Russ and Kelly Trottier of Sutton, the Harvest Fair was bigger and better than ever. It also showcased the appeal of our two smaller, more intimate Buddy Walks. Our close-knit community of mostly Central Mass families enjoyed an incredible array of activities, many consistent with our fall theme, like a horse-drawn hayride, pie eating contest, haystack hunt, pirate and Halloween tattoos, and games by Knucklebones.

Congratulations and thanks to our incredible top teams: Jessica and Jim Padula in first; the Trottiers in second; and Jessica and Brian Young in third. Special thanks to our self advocate ambassadors Jillian Berube, Natalie Lyons, Alexis Sokoloff, Leah Toronto and Sean Beckman, and to Genevieve Keefe, Alex Robichaud and Rebecca Yelle of Lexington Dance Inn's Adaptive Dance Program, all of whom provided inspiration and entertainment. Thanks also to the UP Band, DJ Dan McLean, and our sponsors, including TJ Maxx, UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center, AllCare Medical Supply, Martignetti Companies, Robert A. Parker Insurance, and BJ's. See all sponsors here.

Advocates in Motion

A.I.M. Starts 2015-16 Year Sunday in Newton

This year the MDSC's AIM Program is excited to think about ways we present ourselves to the world! AIM will explore their interests and how they can shape the future, talk about careers, and even develop a virtual resume to share with others.

Of course, AIM will also have their favorite social & recreational events such as the Halloween Dance, Holiday Party, music, dance, sports and more!

AIM was well represented at Sunday's Buddy Walk. But they officially begin their year this Sunday, October 18th at the Newton YMCA.

Click here for the AIM's full full newsletter with more information on the AIM program an upcoming transition-related conferences, and other opportunities throughout the state.

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.

MDSC's First Conference for Adult Self Advocates Oct. 24

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 direct support providers.

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

SPACE IS LIMITED. SIGN UP BY OCT. 18 TO GUARANTEE REGISTRATION

Boston Bruins Alumni Game

Bruins Greats Look to Retake Crown from MDSC All Stars

On Sunday, November 22, the Boston Bruins Alumni team - stacked with Boston sports legends - will try to prove that last year's loss to the MDSC All Stars was an anomaly.

Like every year, this 11th annual charity benefit hockey game is all about benefiting people with Down syndrome. But that doesn't mean both teams don't try. Only once before had the MDSC come out victorious. So get your tickets now to root the All-Stars on.

Bring the Whole Family

This family-friendly event includes a Free Skate for novice and expert skaters alike and a meet and greet with Bruins legends where you can get their autographs. It all culminates with an action-packed game. But that's not all - Don't miss your chance to win great holiday gifts at our Silent Auction and Raffle.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
** You can even attend the event for FREE if you pre-registered for any of our Buddy Walks or if you wear a hockey jersey (your school team or the Bruins) to the game!

For more information contact Development Director Becca Canavan at hockey@mdsc.org.

Running for Down Syndrome

Apply Now to Run 2016 Boston Marathon on Team MDSC

The MDSC is once again proud to participate in the historic Boston Marathon as part of the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program. We have seven spots and are looking for runners to join Team MDSC.

Maybe you could be among the 28,000 runners at the starting line of the 120th Boston Marathon on April 18! If you are, your efforts will help the MDSC continue to grow our programs like Advocates in Motion, Parents First Call, Public Policy initiatives, the Self-Advocate Advisory Council, the Allen Crocker Self-Advocate Internship, Medical Provider outreach, Public Awareness Campaigns, and our Educator's Forum and Annual Conference.

Last year's team, including Eddie Hulton (right), raised more than $90,000. Read all their incredible stories here.

Benefits of joining the team:

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.

Your Next Star Employment Campaign Launches MDSC Into New Territory

On Oct. 1, the MDSC launched its new employment public awareness campaign, Your Next Star, on the first day of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Month.

The campaign, which can be seen at www.yournextstar.com, aims to open the eyes of employers to the power of people with Down syndrome in the workplace. Two years in the making, Your Next Star came about because of our increasing awareness of the challenges facing adults with Down syndrome looking for meaningful work opportunities in their communities.

The website includes a moving, inspirational centerpiece video, and a seamless process for employers ready to "Make a Hire" to be able to take action.

At a kickoff ceremony at the TD Garden, Boston Bruins legend and Bruins Foundation Executive Director Bob Sweeney, spoke about the value that people with Down syndrome bring to their jobs, and his personal experience with Bruins employee John Dunleavy. Sweeney said that he considers Dunleavy, who has Down syndrome, "one of the Bruins' most valuable employees." (The Bruins-MDSC partnership continued the next week as the MDSC was selected as the charity of choice for the B's 50/50 raffle at last Wednesday's opening night game.)

According to research, people with Down syndrome and other disabilities have drastically higher unemployment rates than their non-disabled peers despite typically showing more loyalty and lower turnover, and having similar job performance ratings. "Your Next Star is our attempt to fix that disconnect," said MDSC Executive Director Maureen Gallagher.

"Fortunately, there are many employers who have embraced our vision and have successfully hired people with Down syndrome to work for their companies," she continued. "We look forward to highlighting these success stories and launching our new campaign calling for other employers to diversity their workforces by including people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities."

"People with Down syndrome have so much to contribute to the workforce and everyone can relate to the need for good employment opportunities," Gallagher said. "We hope no matter who you are, you'll join for this call to action. "

Dr. Brian Skotko, Clinical Co-Director of the Mass General Hospital Down Syndrome Program and chairman of the MDSC's Medical & Scientific Advisory Council, also spoke. He noted that while the MDSC is a charitable organization, "it is not charity work to hire someone with Down syndrome. It makes good business sense."

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