32nd Annual Conference
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Self Advocate Keynote Speaker
TIM HARRIS
Owner of Tim's Place Restaurant
Saturday, March 19
DCU Center - Worcester,MA

He has been featured in TIME, People Magazine and USA Today,
 on the Today Show and CNN, been honored at the White House by President Obama, launched his own Big Heart Foundation to promote entrepreneurship and inclusion, and 
spoken
across the country, inspiring countless other individuals with intellectual disabilities to start their own businesses. Tim believes that anyone, with the right support, can achieve their dreams. 
 

On March 19, don't miss Tim Harris at the MDSC's 32nd Annual Conference! 

Submit a photo of your loved one for 
the MDSC's 'Believe' Slideshow Montage!
email your photo to believe@mdsc.org
(image should be at least 100kb and in focus)

Something for Everyone
GENERAL SESSIONS

Every year for the past several years, the MDSC has chosen a theme that represents where our Down syndrome community is, and where we're going. Last year it was "The World Is Ours." In 2014, it was "Champions." And in 2013 "Real Lives."

Now, for 2016, we are proud to announce our new theme - "BELIEVE"!!! The concept of believing relates to virtually everything we do.

We BELIEVE that people with Down syndrome should be allowed to pursue meaningful lives in their communities. We BELIEVE that all aspects of society should accept and include individuals with Down syndrome fully. We BELIEVE that new and expectant parents should have access to the latest, most accurate information about having and raising a child with Down syndrome. We BELIEVE that people with Down syndrome should not be defined by their disabilities, but rather should be celebrated for their abilities.

We BELIEVE that people with Down syndrome deserve every opportunity for an education that truly meets their needs, a good job that allows them to earn money, quality health care that doesn't discriminate and a fulfilling social life. Ultimately, we BELIEVE that each person with Down syndrome should be honored as the individual he or she is and for the immeasurable value they bring to the world.

We BELIEVE in the future of all people with Down syndrome and pledge to do everything in our power to ensure that they have the opportunities they so richly deserve.

See below for a music video from Shawn Mendes
that speaks to our  Believe theme... 
Join us for a day of learning and celebration, featuring experts on Down syndrome from around the country. 

Our conference on Down syndrome is for parents, educators, self advocates, brothers and sisters, and other family members and professionals. 
Submit photos of your loved one for the MDSC's 
'Believe' Video Slideshow!
email your photo to believe@mdsc.org
(image should be at least 100kb and in focus)