Dear MDSC member,
There is a great deal happening in our communities, in our country and in the world.
We are without a doubt living through unprecedented times. Especially in times like these, it is critical that our voices be heard. Please see below for
MDSC's statement on racism, diversity and inclusion
as it relates to recent events in our country.
As Massachusetts continues Phase II of re-opening while still in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, old challenges remain, while new challenges and questions are emerging.
Below, you will see how MDSC is advocating on a number of fronts through our advocacy efforts, making sure that the voice of the Down syndrome community is received loud and clear as our state and national leaders make important decisions and set policies that affect our loved ones and their families.
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MDSC Statement on inclusion and Black Lives Matter
MDSC was founded nearly 40 years ago by dedicated parents who stood up for the rights of their children with Down syndrome to be accepted and included like everyone else in their local schools and communities.
Over the years, the concept of inclusion has remained central to MDSC’s mission, a key component in virtually all our programs, from public awareness to education to teen & adult programming to employment. Our loved ones with Down syndrome must be included in all facets of society to be accepted and have real opportunities.
The notion of inclusion has also been a beacon guiding our organizational philosophy. As MDSC has grown and evolved, we have sought to serve and represent every single family with a loved one with Down syndrome in Massachusetts and beyond. By promoting equality, diversity, love and respect for all members, we seek to unify our vast and diverse membership, welcoming all.
Still, inequities persist.
As recent events in the country have illustrated, we as a society have a long way to go before people are treated fairly and without prejudice. The horrific killing of George Floyd and others has once again served as a stark reminder of our nation’s tragic history of brutal racism against Black people and its lethal consequences.
We are inspired to witness and ally with the Black Lives Matter movement defined by its rightful quest for justice and inclusion. We stand by the tens of thousands of people peacefully joining together to speak up for the Civil Rights of the Black community. Their voices can only make our country and world a better place.
At MDSC, we are as committed as ever to our founding ideals of diversity and inclusion.
MDSC’s Diversity Outreach Task Force, a group of parents and professionals from culturally diverse backgrounds, has been meeting regularly the past 10 years to explore how to encourage inclusion and remove barriers to participation in MDSC activities.
We are proud to have five culturally diverse support groups that are affiliated with the MDSC, including the 21 Shades group, that meet regularly. Long-term goals related to serving our diverse communities have been spelled out in our strategic plan. However, we also realize this is a critical time to take stock and reflect on how we can improve our diversity efforts.
As we do, we will be looking to our own diverse membership as well as our entire community for guidance and inspiration. We look forward to continuing to unite our members from all backgrounds with determination and resolve as we advocate for critical issues of equity and justice that benefit not only people with Down syndrome, but our entire society. As our collective journey towards a better world unfolds, we are grateful to be part of a community that inherently values above all else diversity and inclusion.
Our national partner, the
National Down Syndrome Congress
is hosting a Town Hall on Monday, June 15, from 7pm-8:30pm to engage community members for an open discussion around the state of race relations in the world today, the longstanding history of racism, the justice system, healthcare, and education and other societal systems. Longtime MDSC member and leader of our Diversity Task Force, Roxanne Hoke-Chandler who is the co-recipient of the 2015 Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence, will be on the panel. Be part of the conversation as we address the inequalities that exist for the Black community and explore how we can all do better.
You can join the conversation by signing up here
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State extends Early Intervention services for 3-year-olds
Mass Health has issued a bulletin that extends Early Intervention (EI) services to children who may have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new procedures will benefit children with disabilities who receive EI services and turn 3 between March 15 and August 31, 2020, ensuring that they don't face an abrupt end to services.
According to Mass Advocates for Children, whose petition MDSC signed, under the new guidelines, eligible children can continue to receive EI services after they turn 3. Furthermore, EI programs can now start providing these children’s IFSP services through October. And, EI programs can provide IFSP services even if he or she was already discharged from EI on their 3rd birthday.
If you want your child to continue receive EI services, call or e-mail your early intervention provider and tell them that you want EI to continue to implement your child’s IFSP during the COVID-19 emergency.
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MDSC supports request for dedicated HCBS funding
MDSC has signed onto a letter by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities asking that dedicated Medicaid funding for Home & Community Based Services be included in the Congress' next COVID relief package.
This funding, which would provide critical assistance for people with disabilities and aging adults, was included in the HEROES Act, which passed the House. But the language still needs to be included by the Senate.
Dedicated HBCS funding is necessary to support the workforce that provides critical services to people with disabilities and aging adults, the service providers that employ that workforce, and the people who rely on those services to live safely in their homes and communities.
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Updates on visitation policies
In March, DDS stopped all visitation to state-run group homes and facilities in response to the COVID-19 crisis in order to keep residents and staff safe and stop the spread of the virus. On June 10, new guidance was issued for visitations at DDS Residential Programs.
While the new guidance allows for in-person visits, it still includes restrictions meant to keep residents, visitors and staff safe. This includes meeting outdoors only, screening visitors for symptoms of illness and fever, wearing face coverings, and no touching.
According to DDS Commissioner Jane Ryder, "We will continue to enforce proper procedures in infection control, cleaning, good hygiene, and the wearing of PPE. And we will continue to track the virus by monitoring the health of our residents, tracking positive cases, and making testing available to individuals and staff."
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MDSC advocates for State to ensure people with disabilities are kept in mind when re-opening schools
MDSC has signed onto a letter from Mass Advocates for Children asking the state Department of Early & Secondary Education, when setting policy to reopen schools, to consider the needs and challenges faced by students with disabilities.
Among the concerns are that some students with disabilities may be unable to safely wear masks; new safety procedures may cause increased anxiety for students who experience difficulty adjusting to new routines; and many students with disabilities will require 1:1 services that require physical contact and make social distancing impossible. There is also concern that social distancing requirements may result in the separation of students with disabilities from the general education classroom, inconsistent with their needs and in violation of state and federal education law.
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In closing
As we continue to face the challenges in our country together, please know that all of us at the MDSC are thinking of you. We'll be here to continue to provide the critical resources, supports, and advocacy that is more important now than ever before.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at
mdsc@mdsc.org
at any time.
If you're looking to help our families in greatest need, you can make a difference by
supporting our MDSC CARES Program
,
which provides crucial support for our most vulnerable children and their families.
Plus, don't forget to sign up now for our Annual Conference, which launches next week. Now a virtual event, you won't want to the miss the
Opening Awards ceremony featuring actor Zack Gottsagen
or the
more than 20 expert presentations.
You'll have access through the end of the year.
Register here!
Best wishes to you and your family to stay healthy and safe. Together we will ensure that our community makes critical strides to ensure our loved ones with Down syndrome have every opportunity for a meaningful fulfilling life.
In Solidarity,
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Maureen Gallagher
Executive Director
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