The MDSC believes every individual with Down syndrome can become not just a self-advocate, but a strong self-advocate. We do this by making the empowerment of self-advocates a major component of all our programs for teens, young adults, and adults.

The MDSC’s Advocates in Motion program provides fun, inclusive, interactive events each month for teens and young adults 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.

AIM members meet once a month on Sunday afternoons from September to May. Throughout the year there are additional opportunities for those in the same age group to meet in smaller groups to go to a movie, enjoy dinner out, volunteer or participate in a variety of other activities.

AIM members not only have a good time. The program strives to enhance participants’ social skills, foster leadership and self-advocacy skills, boost self-confidence, promote fitness and healthy living, and improve job and career skills. AIM also provides community service opportunities, and encourages social relationships between youth with and without Down syndrome.

In the past, AIM participants have:

• Practiced the art of meditation in yoga workshops
• Learned to recognize and respond effectively to unsafe situations
• Formed a team to participate in the MDSC’s Buddy Walk & Family Picnic
• Sharpened dribbling, passing, and shooting skills in basketball clinics
• Provided critical support for the MDSC runners in the Boston Marathon and walkers in the Walk for Hunger
• Joined youth from across New England at the MDSC Annual Conference
• Learned movement and expression techniques in theatre workshops
• Danced their hearts out at the AIM Holiday Party

Become an AIM member today!