Events Calendar

Bridgewater State University’s sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, is thrilled to be hosting a fun filled field day for the MDSC! Teens and adults ages 13+ and their families are invited to join us for an afternoon of games, relay races, face painting, snacks, music, and dancing!

Please note this is not a drop off event. Parents and/or caregivers are kindly asked to stay for the duration of the event.

Free to attend!

The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection convene its regular Zoom chat the last Tuesday of every month.  The DSAC invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them. To be added to the invitation list, please contact Jeanne Doherty at jdoherty@mdsc.org.

The MDSC in collaboration with the 3-21 Foundation is pleased to present this timely webinar.

What is working memory? How does short-term and working memory affect the way students with Down syndrome learn? Join us to enhance your understanding, and learn home and classroom intervention strategies and activities that can be used right away to build and support memory.

Alex Lauric- Parent Educator

Alex’s interest in special education, inclusion, and strength-based learning strategies for children with intellectual disabilities started with the birth of her son in 2008. She is trained in special education policies and advocacy, and in inclusive practices for children with special needs and has completed the Parent Consultant Training Institute from the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Family Leadership Series from Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change. Alex received her PhD degree in computer science from Tufts University and is engaged in her other capacity as a research scientist in neurosurgery imaging. She has been involved with the Learning Program Boston, the 3-21 Foundation’s parent-focused educational intervention program, since 2011 and enjoys the opportunity to connect with families as both an educator and parent.

*This event was rescheduled from March 12th due to rain. We look forward to seeing you on April 30th!

Teens and adults ages 13 + are invited to join us for an afternoon of s’more making, music, and lawn games at the beautiful Bradley Estate!

Hot chocolate, cider, and s’mores ingredients will be offered, but feel free to bring your own picnic lunch!

Space is limited for this event. In order to support as many self-advocates as possible, we ask that each registrant bring only one support person with them. To ensure safety, all self-advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) must be accompanied by a caregiver/support person.

Free to Attend!

New moms of children with Down syndrome ages 0-18 months are invited to join us for a virtual group hosted by Mary-Frances Garber, CGC.

Please email Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org to request Zoom registration link.

*Note: Priority will be given to moms who have not participated in a New Moms Group before, but anyone interested is encouraged to email Sarah – space is limited

Does your teen or adult loved one with Down syndrome also have a mental health diagnosis such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder? Often these illnesses bring on a change in daily living skills, mood, or interest in activities once enjoyed. Seeing these changes and regression in your loved one can be very difficult.

Please note that individualized psychiatric treatment will not be provided at this meeting. This meeting is meant to serve as a venue for families with loved ones with Down syndrome and mental health concerns so that they may obtain mutual support with professional supervision.
Please email mentalhealth@mdsc.org to register or for more information.

Join the 21 Shades group, an inclusive support group for all families of African heritage in Massachusetts who love someone with Down Syndrome, for a monthly meetup. The group meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7-8 pm. Monthly support meetings consist of check-ins, topic specific educational workshops, and social activities to engage families.  For more information please email Jessica at javila@mdsc.org.

The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection convene its regular Zoom chat the last Tuesday of every month.  The DSAC invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them. To be added to the invitation list, please contact Jeanne Doherty at jdoherty@mdsc.org.

New moms of children with Down syndrome ages 0-18 months are invited to join us for a virtual group hosted by Mary-Frances Garber, CGC.

Please email Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org to request Zoom registration link.

*Note: Priority will be given to moms who have not participated in a New Moms Group before, but anyone interested is encouraged to email Sarah – space is limited