Each March, just after World Down Syndrome Day, MDSC brings together hundreds of people with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across New England for our Annual Conference. Participants gather to hear the latest research findings and important information from national and local experts on a range of topics related to Down syndrome.
We were thrilled to celebrate MDSC’s 41st Annual Conference on March 29, 2025 (read below for details) with participants — self-advocates, parents and caretakers, grandparents and siblings, health care professionals, educators and others — from across New England.
Personalized Tracks
General Session Workshops
Parents, family members and professionals learned from expert speakers about how to help individuals with Down syndrome acquire the necessary skills to lead fuller, healthier, more independent lives.
Self Advocate Workshops
Teens and adults with Down syndrome age 13 and older gathered virtually and had an opportunity to network and share experiences, strengthen their self-advocacy skills, and learn about the importance of leading a healthy life and building meaningful relationships.
Specialty Workshops
Workshops led by and designed for unique groups, including grandparents, new parents, siblings, caregivers, and more. Created a forum for sharing stories and learning the importance of advocacy.
Education Workshops
Educators and parents learned best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom, as well as the benefits of inclusion for all learners.
2026 Brighter Futures Adult Conference
In 2026, MDSC partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to host a special conference focused exclusively on adults with Down syndrome and aging.
Brighter Futures: A National Conference on Adults with Down Syndrome and Aging brought together more than 500 individuals with Down syndrome, families, healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates from 24 states and 3 countries for two transformative days at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.
The conference featured:
- Keynote address by Dr. Julie Moran on aging, dementia care, and supporting adults with Down syndrome
- Dozens of workshops on healthcare navigation, housing, employment, financial planning, and caregiver support
- The unveiling of MDSC’s fifth Center of Excellence — the Center on Down Syndrome and Aging
- Self advocate performances, including keynote address by Matthew Schwab; Sujeet Desai playing four different instruments and Graham Campbell on piano
- Annual Awards presentations
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this historic event, and to our partners at NDSS for their collaboration in making it possible. Read more about our Brighter Futures Conference here.
In 2027, MDSC will return to our traditional Annual Conference format, welcoming families and individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Details to come!
