After another wonderful year together, the MDSC team is very much looking forward to seeing all of the AIM members again and to welcoming new faces! 

Advocates in Motion (AIM) seeks to provide fun, inclusive, interactive events each month for young people with Down syndrome (ages 13-22). 

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is thrilled and honored that Rachel Coleman, co-founder of Two Little Hands Productions, which produces and distributes Signing Time DVDs and CDs, will be performing for us on October 10, at the 14^th Annual Buddy Walk.

Signing Time, an Emmy-nominated video and musical CD series, teaches infants, toddlers, school-aged children (and adults) basic American Sign Language (ASL) skills. The company's mission is to enrich the lives of children of all abilities and its series of educational videos and tools have been instrumental in empowering communication with babies, young children, children with special needs such as Down syndrome, speech delays, and Autism, as well as friends or relatives who are hearing impaired.

Thousands of runners waited in anticipation of the start of the 38^th annual Falmouth Road Race. People had come from all over the world to compete. While a few would be running for the purse, most of the others would be aiming for a personal best or perhaps just running for fun. While some would be running for themselves, many others were raising money for a charitable organization.

Twenty-two of those people-wearing red, black and light blue singlets-were running to raise awareness for those with Down syndrome and to support the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, raising more than $23,000 collectively.

It's been quite a year for the MDSC Legislative Task Force. This group of dedicated individuals has been working hard to pass MDSC's priority bill, H. 1780, An Act to Require National Background Checks for Staff Who Work With Individuals Served by the Department of Developmental Services.

Individuals meetings with senators and representatives, phone calls and e-mails from both the Task Force and the MDSC membership yielded the first victory - H. 1780 was voted favorably out of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.  Compelling testimony at the Judiciary Committee hearing, from MDSC Executive Director, Maureen Gallagher, MDSC Self-Advocate, Chuck Maranian, the ARC of Massachusetts,  Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong  (MASS), the Disabled Persons Protection Commission and Representative Tom Sannicandro helped to secure a favorable vote of the bill over to the House Ways and Means Committee for review.

The 2009-2010 AIM year- a myriad of experiences designed to fulfill the program mission, strengthen the AIM program foundation, and enhance and emphasize the role of self-advocates with Down syndrome in all Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress events and programs.

We've climbed tall trees and tackled a ropes course. We've celebrated and danced together. We've tried out a Zumba class, led by AIM member Logan Reckert, and received personal training sessions designed just for AIM. We've stepped outside our comfort zones and tried new improv and theater games, and we've even experienced yoga. We visited Emerson College to see a student-run production of a play featuring a character with Down syndrome, assistant produced by AIM member Kate Bartlett. We've staffed a water station for 42,000 walkers at the Walk for Hunger Boston. Soon we'll try our hands at sailing on the open waters with the PiersPark Adaptive Sailing Program.

What a year it has been!

On Saturday, January 10^th MDSC paired with the Boston Bruins for Down Syndrome Awareness Day at the TD Banknorth Garden. There was a sold out crowd including over 200 people that attended in support of MDSC. It was a great game to watch with the Bruins winning 5-1 over the Carolina Hurricanes.  

MDSC had over 20 volunteers selling 50/50 raffle tickets, and with their efforts Down Syndrome Awareness Day will go down in history as the highest grossing 50/50 raffle in Bruins history. A public service announcement was played over the jumbotron and featured live footage of MDSC member Matthew Cullen and his family. At the start of the third period MDSC members Matthew Shea, James Hintlian and Brendon Whalen had a fan experience and were able to high-five the players as they entered the ice for the final period of the game.

The day was a huge success with great awareness created for the MDSC and Down syndrome and over $7,500 raised for MDSC.