Why Give

Your help is there when the first decision is made

The MDSC, and you, are there, providing immediate and accurate information, reassurance, and support to expectant families who are facing a difficult decision.

You help the MDSC offer a medical provider education program that reaches over 350 health care professionals each year, sharing best practices on how to deliver a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Your help is there when the baby is born

MDSC Parents First Call is the premier program for new and expectant families in the world. We have trained over 40 parent volunteers who are available 24/7 to connect with new families with comforting stories, good advice, pictures of happy toddlers, and a multitude of resources. Your support allows us to send each new family a New Parent Packet ($150 value) with information and other items that will help new parents on their journey of acceptance, love, and hope.

You help families find “community”

Your support enables us to host our statewide Annual Conference every spring, which is the largest of its kind in the nation. Parents, self-advocates, educators, grandparents, siblings, and health care professionals will learn from the experts on every imaginable topic on Down syndrome.

 The MDSC connects families to one of 25 wonderful Down Syndrome Support Groups close to their home. We also have two affiliate programs, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (DADS), that supports fathers of children with Down syndrome, and the Down Syndrome Autism Connection (DSAC) that assists families of children with the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.

You help young adults become advocates

Empowering teens, young adults, and adults with Down syndrome is a major component of all our programs. You help subsidize the cost of the MDSC’s Advocates in Motion (AIM) program, which provides fun, inclusive, interactive events each month for teens and young adults ages 13 to 22. AIM participants develop leadership and self-advocacy skills, form meaningful relationships with peers, and build their self-confidence in an encouraging environment.

 Your generosity also benefits the Self-Advocate Advisory Council (SAAC), the MDSC’s newest initiative that gives self-advocates ages 22+ a voice within the organization.

You help train educators

The MDSC hosts an Annual Educators Forum every November, which is designed for educators across New England to learn best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom. Our Education Resource Specialist also provides timely support, guidance, and resources to families with questions about their children’s education.

You help change legislation to enhance lives

 With you in our corner, we can continue to advocate for programs and services that will enable people with Down syndrome to lead meaningful lives. We are committed to educating legislators on a continuous basis about how important access to healthcare, education, employment, community living, and transportation services are to people with Down syndrome and their families.