Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC)

09/08/2026

🌟 Meet the captains leading our MDSC self-advocate teams at the 2026 Buddy Walk & Family Festival!

Meet Matt Seigel, Mariana Martinez-A, and Brian Petkewich — the incredible co-captains of Team AIM and captain of Team SAAC who will be leading their teams around Lake Quannapowitt on October 11th in Wakefield!

Want to walk alongside them? Join Team AIM or Team SAAC today — or start your own Buddy Walk team!

👉 mdsc.org/buddywalk

09/04/2026

💙💛 Save the date! Saturday, March 20, 2027 — join us at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA for the 42nd MDSC Annual Conference, featuring a World Down Syndrome Day celebration. Mark your calendars — more details to come 💙💛

09/04/2026

This year the MDSC is excited to bring together two of our teen and young adult programs - AIM (Advocates and Motion) and YNS (Your Next Star) to host a career readiness program - Farm to Future!

Combining core features of both AIM and YNS, Farm to Future will provide self-advocates with an opportunity to develop friendships, build confidence and explore career paths through animal care, cooking, gardening and more!

To allow for increased participation, registrants will choose from one of two four-month sessions (Oct-Jan OR Feb-May). In June, we will invite all participants and their families together to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments!

Every month, participants will split up into two groups and work with experienced staff at Land’s Sake Farm, alongside the MDSC team, to participate in animal care or cooking/gardening. Time will also be spent each month on an employment curriculum. At the end of each group, participants will come together to enjoy the snack prepared by the cooking group! Upon completion of the four-month session, participants will leave with four farm to table recipes, career development skills, and personalized business cards!

Farm to Future is an opportunity to train for the future, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun! Join us for career exploration, growth, and skills that shine beyond the barn!
Please see below for additional information.


ENROLLMENT
Registration opens Thursday, September 10th at 7:00pm.

*Space for Farm to the Future is limited. We encourage participants to sign up as early as possible.

Click Here to Register on 9/10 at 7:00pm: https://mdsc.donordrive.com/farmtofuture


PARTICIPANTS
Farm to Future is for teens and young adults with Down syndrome ages 13-22.


TUITION
Tuition is $125.00 for one four-month session (4 career readiness groups and one family celebration in June).
*If tuition is cost prohibitive, please email [email protected] as scholarships are available. Tuition may be reimbursable by your local area support agency (i.e. DDS, etc.)!


LOCATION
All groups will meet in-person at Land’s Sake Farm in Weston, MA.


SCHEDULE
Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Session 1 Dates: 10/4, 11/1, 12/6, 1/10
Session Two Dates: 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2


We look forward to growing and connecting with you!

09/02/2026

Research Opportunity - Brain Health and Down Syndrome!

The MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program is recruiting adults with Down syndrome for a study examining whether a study drug, given at different doses, may help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Participants must be 18 or older, have a caregiver who has at least 10 hours of weekly contact with them, and have English as their primary language.

Participants can receive up to $1,150 for participating in the study, plus parking and meal vouchers. Recruitment is through the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, with visits at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

For more information and to see if you or someone you know may be eligible, please email the research team at [email protected].

09/02/2026

🎉 It's back — and better than ever!

The MDSC Buddy Walk & Family Festival returns on Sunday, October 11 in Wakefield — a full day of community, celebration, and fun for the whole family!

Here's a taste of what's in store:

🎤 Emcee Ray Villeda Boston 25, Boston25 News
🎵 Music at the Blissful — Evan Haller & Ashley DeNoble
💃 The Awakened Winners — Loida Love & Nicholis King Joy (pictured)
🕺 Buddy Walk Dance Team
🎧 DJ Dan McLean & DJ Matt Seigel
🎈 Balloon artists, magician & costumed characters
🎮 Field games by Knucklebones
🌮 La Qchara food truck
🛍️ Your Next Star Shop & MDSC merchandise

…and more announcements to come!

Can't make it to Wakefield? Buddy Walk In Your Community anytime throughout October!

Register today at the link in bio 👇
mdsc.org/buddywalk

08/30/2026

📚 Looking for more support navigating your child’s school year?

From understanding your child’s IEP to supporting literacy, math, and communication skills, families play such an important role in helping their child learn and grow both at home and at school.

Beyond the Classroom is a NEW MDSC education program designed to provide families with practical tools, resources, and connections to support their child throughout the school year!

The program is recommended for families with children in grades Pre-K through 5th.

Throughout the year, parents will come together for four IN-PERSON Parent Learning & Connection Days focused on:

✨ IEP Support
📚 Literacy
➕ Math
💬 Communication & Technology

Parents will explore adaptive materials, learn practical strategies, and take home resources from experts, while also having the opportunity to connect with other MDSC families navigating similar experiences in their child’s education.

The program also includes a Student Social Learning Day and an End-of-Year Family Social for the whole family!

Our first in-person session is September 19! Space is limited and registration is still open!

👉 Learn more & register: www.mdsc.org/BTC

08/28/2026

TWO Research Opportunities!

Sleep Study:
Researchers at Boston College are recruiting individuals ages 15 and up for a study testing the effects of sleep on memory in individuals with Down syndrome. Participants can earn up to $75 for completing two virtual study sessions with Boston College researchers and for wearing a Muse headband while sleeping at in their own home.

For more information and to sign up, please complete the information form below or email Dr. Jaclyn Ford at [email protected]
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Hippocamera Memory Study:
Researchers at Boston College are recruiting individuals with Down syndrome ages 15 and up for a 100% virtual study testing memory enhancing benefits of a novel smartphone application. Participants can earn up to $650 for completing 4-5 online zoom sessions with a Boston College researcher and engaging with the app for 3-5 minutes daily during a 3-month intervention.

For more information and to sign up, please complete the information form or email Dr. Jaclyn Ford at [email protected]

SIGN UP: https://www.bclearningmemory.com/contact-us
VIEW BROCHURE:https://files.constantcontact.com/d4b65ba9001/0471c9d2-4f96-479f-b679-05099ded926f.pdf
_______________________________________________

The MDSC is dedicated to ensuring that all members have information about and access to the latest research opportunities. The MDSC respects each individual’s right to determine for himself or herself whether or not to participate in any research opportunity. At no time does the MDSC sell or share your contact information with researchers. Only if you choose to contact us will your identity become known to us. The MDSC will not be informed by the researchers on who agrees to participate in this research. Your agreement to participate or not to participate will in no way impact any services, support, or resources that you receive from the MDSC.

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) works daily to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives.

08/24/2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Beyond the Classroom! ✏️

Do you have a child in Pre-K through Grade 5? Join us for a brand-new MDSC Education Program designed to help families feel more confident, more connected, and better equipped to support their child at home and at school. 💙

Four Parent Learning & Connection Days focused on:

📋 IEP Support
📖 Literacy
➕ Math
💬 Communication & Technology

Plus:
🎉 A Student Social Learning Day
💙 An end-of-year Family Social

Registration is open now and space is limited!
Learn more & register: www.mdsc.org/BTC

08/19/2026

NEW EDUCATION PROGRAM!

The MDSC is pleased to launch a brand-new Education Program for families of children in Pre-K through Grade 5: Beyond the Classroom.

Designed to bring families together throughout the school year, this program combines expert guidance, practical strategies, and a supportive community to help parents feel informed, confident, and empowered in their student’s education.

Parents will take part in four in-person Parent Learning & Connection Days, focused on IEP Support, Literacy, Math, and Communication and Technology. Each session will offer a mix of expert-led learning, hands-on “Learning Labs,” and time for families to connect, ask questions, and share experiences. Parents will leave each session with tangible resources, strategies, and tools they can use to support their student both at home and at school.

The program will also include a special Student Social Learning Day, where students can engage in hands-on learning activities and connect with peers, followed by an end-of-year Family Social to bring families together and celebrate the program.

More than a series of workshops, this program is an opportunity to build knowledge, feel supported, and gain practical tools to help every student reach their highest potential.

✏ Learn more or register today at www.mdsc.org/BTC