Join the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and the Insurance Resource Center at UMass Chan Medical School for a collaborative webinar explaining An Act Relative to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – a landmark Massachusetts law that expands access to in-home ABA services for individuals with Down syndrome.
After six years of dedicated advocacy, this groundbreaking legislation – MDSC’s top statewide policy priority since 2019 – was signed into law by Governor Healey in January 2025. For the first time, fully-funded insurance health plans and MassHealth (up to age 21) will be required to cover the cost of in-home ABA therapy for children with a single diagnosis of Down syndrome.
The law takes effect in January 2026. This webinar will cover the purpose and impact of the new law, effective dates, and practical strategies for families and caregivers. Presenters will also discuss how ABA can support skill development and quality of life for people with Down syndrome, and share resources for accessing coverage and qualified providers.
Presenters:
Brian Skotko, MD, MPP – Geneticist & Director, MGH Down Syndrome Program; MDSC Honorary Board
Terri Farrell, MBA – Sr. Project Director, Insurance Resource Center
Debra Moffit, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA – Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Easter Seals Massachusetts
You’ll Learn:
* This webinar will be recorded. All registrants will received a recording of the webinar.
Teens and young adults ages 13-22 are invited to join us for a morning of movement and music with Drums Alive!
Drums Alive combines stability balls, drum sticks, and powerful and motivating music that will get feet stomping and bodies moving. This whole brain and body workout allows ALL individuals to participate without ever having picked up drum sticks before! For those who prefer to simply hangout with friends, there will be board games and music to enjoy! A gluten free snack and drink will be served.
Cost: $20 per Meetup (Scholarships available!) 
Parents & Caregivers – Stay and Connect During AIM!
Parents and caregivers are invited to stay for the Parent & Caregiver Session which will take place in a conference room at the Brookline Teen Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to get to know one another and share resources. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
*Please note this IS a drop off event. Parents and caregivers are not obligated to stay for the Parent & Caregiver Session.
We are thrilled to invite individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, along with their families and friends, to join us for our 5th 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 note, 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.
