Recognizing that supporting students with complex learning profiles requires training and professional support for teachers and administrators MDSC holds an Annual Educators Forum for Supporting Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The conference is designed to provide general and special educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, support professionals, and parents with practical workshops that will support them as they work hard each day to meet the educational needs of students.
This full-day conference has historically taken place at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and is typically attended by over 200 general and special educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, support professionals, and family members from across New England. (Educators in attendance earn 6 hours of professional development).
2024 Breakout Sessions included:
- Building Bridges: Providing Access to General Education Curriculum for Learners with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Friends Matter: Meaningful Collaboration for Inclusion and Belonging
- Language and Literacy-Access and Opportunities
- Scaling Up the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs Across the State
- Strategies for Developing an Inclusive IEP through Goal Writing, Accommodations, and the Disability Statement
- Teaching Self-Regulation Skills to Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- The Meaningful Evaluation of Individuals with Unique and Complex Learning Profiles
- Unlocking Potential Through Assistive Technology
- Yes, They Can! Leveraging Best Practices for Literacy Instruction in Schools
MDSC Outstanding Educator Award
Each year MDSC honors individuals or organizations who have celebrated the rich accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. The MDSC Outstanding Educator Award is presented to an educator in Massachusetts who has significantly contributed to ensuring that students with Down syndrome are given every opportunity to maximize their full potential. When nominations are open in advance of the Ed Forum, we invite members of our community or general public to submit their nomination for an educator deserving of the Outstanding Educator Award.
Nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Educator Award are not yet open, but you can learn more about all our awards on our Awards page. If you have any questions, please email awards@mdsc.org.
