In 2016, our community is embracing the theme of BELIEVING! 

The concept of believing relates to virtually everything we do.

• We BELIEVE that new and expectant parents should have access to the latest, most accurate information about Down syndrome - which is why we've greatly expanded our Parents First Call Program. We served 157 new parents this past year along and through replication now in 13 states thousands of others.
• We BELIEVE that people with Down syndrome deserve to have access to the best education possible and we work hand in hand with parents, educators, and school systems to ensure they have the best practices and tools they need to provide a high quality education for all our students.
• We BELIEVE that people with Down syndrome deserve good jobs that allow them to earn money - and last year we launched a new employment campaign, Your Next Star, to open the eyes of employers to the power of people with Down syndrome in the workplace.
• We BELIEVE that people with Down syndrome have a right to self-determination and access to supports no matter what their age - that's why we have self-advocates leading the way at the MDSC, planning activities for adults and for the very first time this year, hosting an exclusive Adult Conference in collaboration with the MA General Hospital Down Syndrome program. Over 150 people attended this inaugural gathering last fall.
• We BELIEVE in tackling the most significant challenges facing our loved ones with Down syndrome - which is why we fight for systemic changes on a State and National level that create a system that is flexible and gives choice and control to individuals and their family members. 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 will carry this theme of empowerment through our three Buddy Walks around the state.

By participating in one of Buddy Walks this year, you will help support the kind of work that allows us to say in 2016 that #iBelieve. REGISTER NOW!

Our Buddy Walk Program is the largest public awareness platform in Massachusetts that promotes acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome. 

We're encouraging our teams to sign up early so that our walks will be the most successful ever! 

So register now for any walk to not only experience - but also contribute to - the warmth and determination of our community.