IN 2020, WE'RE TRAILBLAZING TOWARD A BETTER TOMORROW For the past 36 years, MDSC and our families have been paving the way to a brighter future for our loved ones with Down syndrome. We have been proud to be powerful trailblazers, truly altering public perceptions, raising expectations and improving the lives of our loved ones with Down syndrome and our society for the better.  With you behind us, we have been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. As much progress as our community has made, there's still so much more we want to do for our loved ones with Down syndrome across the lifespan: Every person deserves access to state of the art medical and clinical care to ensure they can lead a long healthy life; Students with Down syndrome need access to schools and classrooms that utilize best practices in inclusive education; Families and self-advocates need access to comprehensive resources and supports across the lifespan - from prenatal diagnosis to aging. Self-advocates need opportunities to build leadership and advocacy skills so they can have a strong voice in the community. Employment and community living opportunities are critical for everyone to lead a meaningful fulfilling life. And that's just the beginning. That's why, in 2020, I'm proud to announce our new theme - TRAILBLAZERS ! For 36 years, we have empowered people with Down syndrome to become effective self advocates, ensured that they have access to high quality education, medical services, research and employment opportunities, provided critical networking and supports, and worked day in and day out to raise awareness in our neighborhoods, hospitals, schools and communities.  With this theme in mind, we are excited in 2020 to honor our legacy as pioneers and innovators, while making plans to continuing to trailblaze an even brighter future for individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the lifespan. Read on for more information about how we will carry this important theme throughout the year.

TRAILBLAZERS! 36TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE Focus on research Join us March 28 for our 36th Annual Conference: Paving the Way to a Bright Future through Innovative Research. With a special research-based focus, we will delve deep into the promising developments in Down syndrome research and the exciting potential it has for the future. With the help of our Presenting Sponsor, the National Down Syndrome Society , we will help make sense of what's to come in Down syndrome research, and help families feel confident and empowered to navigate the research world in 2020 and beyond. Our Conference offers a general workshop track for parents, other family members, educators and professionals PLUS specialized programming for: Self-Advocates - for youth and adults with Down syndrome, ages 13 and up Brothers & Sisters - for siblings ages 8-16 We are excited to host hundreds of people from across New England and beyond at our 'Trailblazers' Conference, and we hope you will join us to get the latest information from national and local experts while celebrating the lives of people with Down syndrome.

REGISTER FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

More than just a conference At the Awards Luncheon portion of our Annual Conference, we are proud to honor those individuals who have made a significant impact on the Down syndrome community. The MDSC presents five awards during the luncheon: Media Award Educator of the Year Award  Leadership Awards Allen Crocker Award of Excellence  Employer Award Nominate someone you know  here .  Plus:  Annual Meeting Diversity Breakfast " Trailblazers" Video Collage It has become MDSC tradition to unveil our official video on our theme --featuring your photos -- at our Annual Conference awards luncheon So send us your "Trailblazers" photos that bring our theme to life. Email your hi-resolution photo to trailblazers@mdsc.org . If you want a chance at having your photo featured on Facebook as well, include your loved one's name, age (optional), hometown (optional) and a sentence or two on how they have have trailblazed. Registration & Accommodations A limited number of hotel rooms is being reserved for for out-of-state guests. Contact jsherman@mdsc.org for more information.

PARENTS FIRST CALL PROGRAM

Parents First Call is a bedrock program for the MDSC, providing new and expectant families with 24/7 support from our team of trained parent mentors for more than a decade.  PFC continues to grow in size and scope. We now have more than 60 volunteers across the state who are available to listen, share their journeys, answer questions, and provide valuable information.   Now, we have more offerings than ever to meet the particular needs of each of our members: A new 8-12 Playgroup, just for parents of children with Down syndrome from 8 to 12 years old, to add to our 4-7 play group. A new joint collaboration with Heartbeats for Down Syndrome, which integrates the support group for cardiac patients with Down syndrome into our signature MDSC CARES Program, which continues to provide care packages for families whose children with Down syndrome are experiencing an extended hospital stay and/or ongoing complex medical care.  Meanwhile, we continue to offer a range of personalized supports that meet families "where they're at": a Single Mom's Social; a 'Family with Twins Social', baby massage and sign language classes; support groups for Spanish-speaking families and families of diverse backgrounds; New Family Socials; and Grandparents Get Togethers. We continue to give special attention to our families with loved ones with special health care needs, including hosting a Complex Needs Support Group (with Children's Hospital Boston).

SUPPORT GROUP LEADER RETREAT

The MDSC is committed to ensuring that families and individuals with Down syndrome have the local supports and resources they need. Over the January 31/February 1 weekend, more than two dozen Support Group and Play Group Leaders from across the state will gather at our Burlington office for our 7th Annual Support Group Leader Retreat.  As in past years, they will share experiences and strategize about ways to strengthen the Down syndrome support groups across the state. Included in the retreat are the MDSC's two affiliates, the Down Syndrome Autism Connection (DSAC) and Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome and our new partners at Heartbeats for Down Syndrome

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EDUCATION INITIATIVES

With 36 years of experience as educational advocates for people with Down syndrome, we understand the challenges inherent in navigating the educational maze. We are adept at connecting schools with valuable resources and keeping up with the latest best practices in order to ensure that our loved ones get the best, most inclusive education possible. Education Resource Parent Volunteer Program For the past two years, our Resource Parent Volunteer Program has provided personal support to MDSC families seeking resources and guidance related to education, including fact sheets and webinar materials. Through the program, parents of children with Down syndrome are trained on best practices in education and peer-to-peer support. At the MDSC, we understand the importance of peer-to-peer support and the value of personal connections, especially for parents as they work to advocate on behalf of their child at school. If you would like to be connected to an education resource parent please contact us at education@mdsc.org.

MDSC Education Webinars  We are dedicated to providing accurate information, resources and materials to help educators understand best practices for teaching students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom. To that end, we have held nearly a dozen webinars on a range of topics that may be useful for educators, administrators and parents alike.

3-21 Foundation Collaboration In 2020, we will be continuing our collaboration, established last year, with the 3-21 Foundation to develop best practices in educating students with Down syndrome. In addition to the Early Education Workshop Series and Education Curriculum Days, our two organizations are now partnering on the Learning Program Boston, a parent-focused educational intervention program for sharing instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome. This year-long program for families of elementary-aged students runs during the school year from September to June and will be hosted at the MDSC’s Burlington offices. We’ll also continue to work together on offering education related webinars to help families and educators implement effective strategies to enhance the school experience for all students with Down syndrome.

2nd Edition of Education Manual Coming Soon The MDSC's self-published education manual, Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down Syndrome - A Resource Guide for Elementary Educators , has become an essential guide for special education teachers and parents here in Massachusetts and beyond. Now, we are excited to announce that in 2020, a revised 2nd edition will go to press. The manual has sold over 3,000 copies and has become an essential guide for special education teachers and parents here in Massachusetts and beyond. Both the current and revised guide cover everything from "Getting to Know the Learning Profile of Students with Down Syndrome," to "Aiming High - Inclusion" to "Meaningful Curriculum". Ask your school if they have their copy or order below.

PURCHASE 1ST EDITION EDUCATION MANUAL

TEEN & ADULT SELF ADVOCATE PROGRAMS

As part our Strategic Plan, we are committed to serving individuals with Down syndrome for their entire lives, including during the teen years and throughout adulthood. Our Self Advocate Programs will continue to be a critical part of our programming in 2020.

Self Advocate Advisory Council (SAAC) In 2020, our Self Advocate Advisory Council, which gives self advocates with Down syndrome 22 and older opportunities to lead, network and socialize, will continue to represent the larger self advocate community while advising MDSC on issues important to all individuals with Down syndrome throughout the Commonwealth. Already, last fall, SAAC members got together for a Halloween Dance Party, organized a team for our Buddy Walk & Family Festival and sang the National Anthem at our Bruins Alumni charity hockey game. Next month, SAAC will hold its Valentine's Day Karaoke Social, and in March, they will have an integral role planning teen and young adult activities for the Annual Conference.

Advocates in Motion (AIM) Our signature Advocates in Motion (AIM) Program for teens and young adults ages 13 to 22 has already had a busy 2019-2020 season with a kickoff dance in September; an event exploring board games at Omar's World of Comics, a self-advocate run business; and the holiday outing at Boston Ballet's Nutcracker, including a backstage tour. Participants have also brainstormed what their future holds and parents will be discussing employment and how their children can find their passion. In 2020, AIM participants will develop leadership and self-advocacy skills, form meaningful relationships with peers, and build self-confidence in an encouraging environment.

Allen Crocker Internship In recognition of Dr. Allen Crocker's contribution to disability science and advocacy MDSC established the Dr. Crocker Self Advocate Internship Program in 2013 to serve adults with Down syndrome ages 22 and up. Each Crocker Intern has the opportunity to work in our Burlington office on a project of their choosing for a period of six months, gaining valuable work experience, resources for community involvement, and leadership skills. In 2019, we were thrilled to welcome Ashley DeNoble as our Crocker Intern. During her time at MDSC, Ashley fine-tuned her administrative skills and gained experience working on numerous projects, events and mailings, all of which she plans to apply in future employment opportunities. She was also the self-advocate keynote speaker at the 15th Annual Educators Forum, recounting her experience in school to date and encouraging the audience to continue to advocate on behalf of their students. Ashley created and finalized both a written resume and a visual resume, which will be beneficial tools for her as she approaches her transition at age 22.  We appreciated all of Ashley's hard work!

ADVOCACY INITIATIVES

Statewide Advocacy MDSC has made statewide advocacy a hallmark over the last 10 years, helping move legislation that is changing lives - the Down Syndrome Information Act, Real Lives Bill, National Background Check Bill, and the most recently passed Organ Transplant Bill.  Our 2019-2020 Statewide Legislative Platform includes two priorities for this 2-year session. The Higher Education Bill allows people with intellectual disabilities (ID), autism and other disabilities to access the Commonwealth’s state colleges and universities to gain skills necessary to work and live as independently as possible as adults. The ABA Therapy Bill would require insurance companies to cover at-home ABA services for individuals with Down syndrome, when needed. In November, MDSC was at the MA State House, where MDSC Family Support Director Sarah Cullen presented testimony in support of the bill. Save the Date for our 7th Annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Day at the State House on Tuesday, June 9 . The event, the primary vehicle for advancing our policy priorities, gives our community an opportunity to connect with legislators, and share our personal stories and challenges. We look forward to hundreds of our members gathering at the Grand Staircase for a lunchtime reception and speeches before fanning out throughout the building to meet with legislators.

National Advocacy

We are proud to collaborate with leaders across the nation to advocate for national policies that will ensure that individuals with Down syndrome and their families don't lose access to critical benefits that are needed to lead inclusive fulfilling lives.   In November, MDSC Legislative Specialist and NDSS Ambassador John Anton provided powerful testimony at a US Commission on Civil Rights briefing to advocate for fair pay for people with disabilities. I traveled with John to Washington, D.C. for the public hearing on Capitol Hill, officially titled, Subminimum Wages: Impacts on the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities.  The hearing examined the exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act that permits employers to pay less than the minimum wage to individuals with disabilities. John shared his own personal experience getting paid a sub-minimum wage in a sheltered workshop before quitting. "For many years' people told me I could not do what I wanted, but I persisted. My parents were even surprised at how high my goals were. Look at me now!!" Thank you John for representing the MDSC, the NDSS, and the Down Syndrome community through your testimony.

WATCH JOHN'S TESTIMONY

PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVES

MDSC's Board of Directors last year once again made raising public awareness about our community as our organization's top priority. Through our Buddy Walk Program and Your Next Star Employment Campaign, we raise awareness at events throughout the state, online and in traditional news outlets.

Buddy Walk Program  It was another banner year for our Buddy Walk Program in 2019. Both our walks featured return celebrities -- Kennedy Elsey of the Karson & Kennedy Radio Show for our Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair, and Vanessa Welch, the Boston25 News Anchor, for the Buddy Walk & Family Festival, our signature walk that takes place during Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. But without a doubt the highlight was a special return appearance by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, who came with his wife Lauren. Governor Baker has been a steadfast supporter of policies and funding to support individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Speaking at the walk, Governor Baker reinforced his commitment to our community and pledged to work with us to advance our priorities during the rest of his tenure.

Boston Marathon We are excited to have a strong field of runners for our Boston Marathon 2020 Team, who will take on the historic 26.2 miles on April 20. They are: Mercedes Leboreiro Katherine Englund Michael Plumer Tyler Mischel Kelly Sims Maria Van Pelt John Doherty Each of them is dedicated to running for either a special individual in their lives or our entire Down syndrome community, raising critical funds and awareness. One runner, Michael Plumer of Melrose, returns for the 3rd year, in support of his 5-year-old son, Sean. "Our family is blessed to have Sean in it," he says. "We continue to do everything we can to support him, and all others with Down syndrome as well as their families." Thank you to Michael and all our runners! Since 2012, the MDSC has been an official charity of the John Hancock™ Non-Profit Marathon Program , raising over $736,000. Since then, dozens of dedicated individuals have had the opportunity to fulfill their personal dream and run the marathon in honor of people with Down syndrome. If you would like to run a road race for MDSC to support people with Down syndrome, consider the Falmouth Road Race. The historic 7-mile run along the pristine Cape Cod coastline takes place this year on August 16. To apply email Jacquie Sherman at race@mdsc.org

SUPPORT TEAM MDSC MARATHONERS

ACHIEVING OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

In 2020, our Management Team begins the final years of our Board of Directors-approved 5-year Strategic Plan , an ambitious blueprint for expanding our resources, programs and advocacy for the future.  At the center of our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan is designing a program-and-services model that serves individuals and families across the lifespan; builds a community that fosters and sustains a sense of belonging; and increases capacity to ensure that the MDSC has a sustainable financial foundation for the future.

Building the New mdsc.org  Our program-and-services model will be achieved, in part, through the creation of a robust, accessible website with in-depth information on all topics related to Down syndrome. The MDSC Management Team is currently working with the MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program staff to develop some of the content for a comprehensive, easily-accessible repository of best practices, resources and information on all things Down syndrome. Once completed, the clearinghouse of information will be searchable by topic, age range, or programmatic area that will call up the relevant, in-depth resources they are looking for. In addition, the new mdsc.org will bring the Parents First Call Program online, creating a new type of online support for new and expectant families to complement our First Call in-person 1-1 support program that connects new parents with experienced parents. The site will include four Centers of Excellence -- the Center on Inclusive Education, National Parents First Call Training Center, Legislative Action Center, and our Your Next Star Employment Center.

National Parent First Call Center Funded in part by a grant from the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN), MDSC is proud to collaborate on the creation of a first-of-its-kind call in center for expectant parents who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis. A brochure is being developed for the purpose of medical professionals to pass into the hands of parents expecting a child with Down syndrome. While the First Call support is ultimately meant for parents, we hope that medical professionals themselves will be able to take comfort and take advantage of the fact that a reputable, professional peer support program exists and is available to them.

MDSC Center on Inclusive Education We are launching a comprehensive Center on Inclusive Education to provide educators with the full breadth of resources with the latest best practices for educating individuals with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom. The Center will include fact sheets, webinars and other trainings, conference sessions, and more.

Your Next Star Employment Center & YNS Academy We were proud last year to take our Your Next Star Employment Program to the next level. In June 2019, MDSC piloted a comprehensive Your Next Star Academy, an ambitious attempt to help transform the employment landscape for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities in Massachusetts. Funded with support from PwC Boston and the Liberty Mutual Foundation, the Academy was held at the site of Collettey’s Cookies’ work space in downtown Boston, and the Academy curriculum was created in partnership with Collettey’s Inc. and 70/30 Partners. The pilot served 12 young adults with Down syndrome with a weeklong bootcamp that helped participants sharpen their employment seeking skills, boost their confidence, and strengthen interpersonal and “people” skills to enable them to interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and clients. Upon graduation from the bootcamp, Academy trainees were well prepared for the workforce and leveraging MDSC’s relationship with nearly 200 employers statewide, we partnered with employers to host a qualified individual with Down syndrome for paid internships. Read more about the bootcamp here.

GET INVOLVED IN 2020

MDSC Events  From major events like our Annual Conference, Advocacy Day, Educators Forum and Buddy Walks to our more intimate gatherings like New Family Socials, Grandparents Support Groups, DADS Meetings and Full Life Ahead Transition workshops, we've got something for everyone. See our  Facebook events  for our full listing.    Get Involved  The MDSC has become one of the strongest Down syndrome organizations in the country because so many of our dedicated parents, professionals, self-advocates and others are involved in helping us to achieve our mission. You, too, can get involved in so many ways. It takes all of us working together to make the most impact possible.    Join a Committee Consider joining one of our many Committees or Advisory Councils: Public Awareness Committee AIM Advisory Council First Call Advisory Council Medical & Scientific Advisory Council Buddy Walk Committee Hockey Game Committee Business Advisory Council Go  here   for more information about each of these opportunities to become involved in a meaningful way to drive our mission and promote the acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts and beyond.  Other Ways to Be an Active MDSCer Host a community fundraiser Volunteer at one of our many events Participate in our self advocate internship or SAAC opportunities Nominate someone for our awards Attend one of our many events or programs Engage with us and the greater Down syndrome community on our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or LinkedIn pages

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Thank you for making the MDSC what it is today and trailblazing towards a brighter tomorrow. Without the energy and support you bring to the table, our organization and our loved ones would not have the bright future they now do. That is why we are so excited about our "Trailblazers" theme. We are eager to hear from you! Email us your "Trailblazers" photos to  trailblazers@mdsc.org . We look forward to an exciting journey with you in 2020 with more opportunities than ever before for all people with Down syndrome to lead inclusive, fulfilling lives in the community.    Sincerely,

Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director

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