EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW, JAN 29, AT MIDNIGHT
32nd Annual Conference
mdsc logo transparent
proudly presents
Employment Expert
DEBRA RUH
CEO of Ruh Global Communications, 
Global Disability Inclusion & Accessibility 
Strategist, Author, Speaker, Huff. Post Blogger
Saturday, March 19
DCU Center - Worcester,MA

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We are excited to have Debra Ruh
, a Global Disability-Inclusion Strategist from Richmond, Virginia, at our Annual Conference to present a session based on her second book, "Uncovering Hidden Human Capital: How Corporations Leverage Multiple Abilities in Their Workforce." 

Employment can be a challenge for people with Down syndrome, and in this session, Debra explains what employers are doing around the country and globally to include people with disabilities in their workforce. She will talk about case studies of employers that are including persons with intellectual disabilities in their workforce and their expectations of the employees. She will also discuss steps that should be taken when looking for employment, speaking to employers and asking for accommodations. Lastly she will cover ways that we can help employers understand the market value of including Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in the workforce.

On March 19, don't miss Debra and many other experts at the MDSC's 32nd Annual Conference! 

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Ms. Ruh is seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Ruh Global Communications, TecAccess and Strategic Performance Solutions.

She has provided leadership to governments and disability organizations around the world supporting research, outreach, policy and standards initiatives in the public and private sectors. 

Her expertise includes United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  
For the 32nd 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. REGISTER NOW!
  • More than two dozen workshops
  • Regional and national experts
  • Awards Luncheon Extravaganza
  • Self Advocate Keynote Address during Awards Luncheon by self advocate entrepreneur Tim Harris
  • Specialized Tracks for Parents, Educators, Self Advocates and Brothers & Sisters 
  • Sessions for Everyone - 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
  • Annual Meeting open to the public with the Executive Director and Board of Directors where people will learn about MDSCs new strategic plan 
  • Diversity Breakfast before start of conference for families of diverse backgrounds.  
Sponsor, exhibit or advertise at the MDSC 32nd Annual Conference. To learn more about how you, your company or organization can become a sponsor, click here. For information on exhibiting or advertising at the MDSC 32nd Annual Conference click here.
 
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 19th at the DCU Center to promote acceptance and inclusion and celebrate the Down syndrome community.
 
Adam Ingraham of Marshfield loves to snowboard

Submit a photo of your loved one 
DEADLINE MARCH 1 
for the MDSC's 'Believe' Slideshow Montage!
email your photo to believe@mdsc.org 
(image should be at least 100kb and in focus)
 
What do you for your loved one with Down syndrome?

Send us your photo to believe@mdsc.org and we'll use it to bring this year's Annual Conference theme to life! At the conference, look for your photo on conference banners, brochures, rolling slideshows and our video montage. 

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.