MDSC Virtual Support Group for Moms of Tween Boys

Tuesday, January 20th | 6:30pm - 8pm
Zoom

MDSC Grandparents Virtual Share & Connect Group

Thursday, January 22nd | 1pm - 2pm
Zoom

5th Annual Ice Skating at MarketStreet Lynnfield (all ages, families, and friends!)

Sunday, January 25th | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MarketStreet Lynnfield 600 Market Street Lynnfield, MA 01940

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.

Webinar: ABA for Providers

Wednesday, January 28th | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Zoom

Join the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and the Insurance Resource Center at UMass Chan Medical School for a collaborative webinar designed for ABA Service Providers This webinar will provide an overview of 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 insured health plans and MassHealth (up to age 21) will be required to cover in-home ABA services for children with a single diagnosis of Down syndrome. The law takes effect in January 2026.

This session will cover:
-The purpose, scope, and implementation timeline of the new law -What the legislation means for ABA providers and service delivery
-Key considerations when working with individuals with Down syndrome
-How ABA can support skill development, independence, and quality of life
-Insurance coverage details and practical guidance for accessing reimbursement
-Resources to support providers new to this population

Presented by:
Brian Skotko, MD, MPP
Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome, Massachusetts General Hospital & Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
Terri Farrell, MBA
Senior Project Director·Insurance Resource Center
Amy Weinstock, MArc
Program Founder & Director·Insurance Resource Center