The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, an affiliate of MDSC, invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them for their regular Zoom chat the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm.
Now, to be able to serve families best, the DSAC is breaking out these monthly chats by age group — Up to 10, 11-17, and Over 18. With monthly meeting cycling through these three age groups, each cohort will now meet quarterly, from September to May. Mark your calendars!
The facts show that businesses can actually boost their competitive edge by making people with disabilities an integral part of their workforce and their customer base. Join us for this free virtual workshop to learn about the benefits of diversifying your workforce by hiring people with disabilities.
For more information and to register, visit https://lnkd.in/eksQ2qxu
Speakers include:
Bob Sweeney, President, Boston Bruins Foundation
Isaiah Lombardo, Team Member, Shake Shack
Stephanie Marks, M. ED, Director, MA Regional Employment Collaboratives, Riverside Community Care
Lara Enein MA, CESP, Program Manager/Training Associate, Institute for Community Inclusion
John Dunleavy, Operations, Boston Bruins
Bob Kilroy, Co-Managing Partner, Mirick O’Connell
Special thanks to our collaborating partners, Greater Boston Employment Collaborative, a service of Riverside Community Care, and Institute for Community Inclusion (UCEDD), UMass Boston.
Open to family members of little ones ages 0–4. These are an informal way to meet other families, learn about resources and connect. Light refreshments served. For RSVP or any questions, please reach out to MDSC Family Support Director Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org
PLEASE PRE-REGISTER!
If you or anyone in your family is not feeling well, we ask that you stay home to ensure a safe, healthy environment for our families!
Last month, MDSC was proud to recognize National Family Caregivers Month and the incredible dedication, fortitude and compassion of all those who provide critical support for their family members with disabilities. (It is estimated that 53 million people in the U.S. support a loved one with disabilities.)
Now, we are pleased to launch next month a new MDSC Caregiver Support Group. This virtual support group is specifically for parents and caregivers of aging loved ones with Down syndrome who are experiencing cognitive changes, including dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. This group provides information, resources, emotional support, and a space for connection with others navigating similar challenges.
We understand just how much caregivers give to ensure that their loved one can be safe, happy and thriving at home and in their communities. Being a caregiver can be a 24-hour job, and while nothing can be more rewarding, we know that caregiving can be challenging — physically, emotionally and financially.
The group will be held virtually on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm, starting January 7th. For more information, see our flier here or contact Brooke Harvey at bharvey@mdsc.org or 781-221-0024 x207.
Individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, along with their families and friends, are invited to join us for our 4th Annual Ice Skating event at MarketStreet Lynnfield!
This special occasion allows us to come together as a community, as we have reserved the entire ice skating rink exclusively for MDSC families, creating a warm and welcoming environment to try something new.
We will have snacks, beverages, and hot chocolate available in the warming tent for those who want a cozy break from the cold.
A limited number of staff and volunteers will be on hand to support skaters, and we will also have some skate assists available for beginners. While helmets are not provided, we highly recommend that all skaters bring one from home to wear for safety—whether it’s a bike helmet, motorcycle helmet, or equestrian helmet, the goal is to protect that precious noggin!
*Please remember, this is not a drop off event and parents or caregivers are required to stay with their loved ones throughout the duration of the skating experience.
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.
Aspiring employees with Down syndrome or other ID/DD are invited to participate in MDSC’s Your Next Star Career Exploration Academy, a three-day training for students ages 17-21 seeking to develop or sharpen their employment skills, boost their confidence, and strengthen interpersonal and “people” skills to enable them to interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and clients.
The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, an affiliate of MDSC, invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them for their regular Zoom chat the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm.
Now, to be able to serve families best, the DSAC is breaking out these monthly chats by age group — Up to 10, 11-17, and Over 18. With monthly meeting cycling through these three age groups, each cohort will now meet quarterly, from September to May. Mark your calendars!
Join us for a baby sign language workshop for newer parents! This workshop will provide an introduction to using American Sign Language vocabulary in order to facilitate communication with your little one. You’ll learn when and how to start, what signs to start with, and strategies for incorporating sign language into your daily routine. We’ll have fun learning how to add signs to songs you and your baby already know and love to sing! This workshop is geared for parents of infants and toddlers.
This is an interactive workshop, so it would be great if you have your child with you, but if he/she is napping no worries…join us anyway for lots of fun learning!
Lane Rebelo, LCSW, is the author of including Baby Sign Language Made Easy, The Complete Guide to Baby Sign Language, My First Book of Baby Signs, and Baby Sign Language Songs and Games. She is the founder of Tiny Signs®, an award-winning baby sign language program. As a licensed social worker, Lane worked for many years with families in the Boston area. Lane began studying American Sign Language in 2006 after her first baby was born and was amazed by all she had to say. She lives with her husband and two children in MetroWest Boston.
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Any questions, please reach out to Sarah Cullen (scullen@mdsc.org) or Angela Lombardo (ANGELA.LOMBARDO@childrens.harvard.edu)
This is a wonderful workshop – we hope to see you!
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Taller de Lenguage de Señas
Pequenas señales, grandes conneciones
Sábado, Marzo 8, 2025 de 10 – 11 por Zoom
Unete a nosotros en el taller para lenguaje de senas para nuevas familias! Este taller ofrecerá una introducción al vocabulario de Lenguage Americano de Senas para facilitar la comunicación con su pequenito. Aprendera cuando y como comenzar, con que señales comenzar, estrategias para incorporar el lenguage de señas en su rutina diaria. Nos divertiremos adicionando señas en canciones que su bebe ya conoce y sabe cantar. Este taller esta dirigido a infantes y pequeñitos.
Es un taller interactivo, así que si puede traer a su hijito/a seria muy bueno, pero si está tomando su siesta no se preocupe…igual únete mientras aprendemos amenamente!
Lane Rebelo, LCSW, es autora de Baby Sign Language Made Easy, The Complete Guide to Baby Sign Language, My First Book of Baby Signs, and Baby Sign Language Songs and Games. Ella es fundadora de Tiny Signs®, un programa de baby sign language que recibió premios y reocnocimientos. Como asistente social certificada, Lane ha trabajado por muchos años en el área de Boston. Lane empezó a estudiar American Sign Language en 2006 despues de que nació su primogenitor y estaba asombrada con todo lo que hablaba. Junto a sus 2 hijos y esposo vive en MetroWest Boston.
Para registrarse comunicarse con: Tatiana Salinas: tsalinas@mdsc.org
Whatsapp: 347-836-0900
The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, an affiliate of MDSC, invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them for their regular Zoom chat the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm.
Now, to be able to serve families best, the DSAC is breaking out these monthly chats by age group — Up to 10, 11-17, and Over 18. With monthly meeting cycling through these three age groups, each cohort will now meet quarterly, from September to May. Mark your calendars!
