The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress’ AIM: Teen and Young Adult Program is for 13 to 22 year olds and their families. We get together during the school year to have fun, meet peers, and learn new things!

This year in AIM, we are excited to go on an Adventure! The dictionary says that an Adventure is ‘an unusual or exciting experience or activity’. We think that an Adventure is a new way to try new things and learn more about who we are and what we like, want and need to be the best versions of ourselves!

We welcome new members throughout the year, so it's never too late to join. We hope to see you soon!

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 AIM: Teen and Young Adult 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 throughout the school year. These regular Sunday meetings take place at the Newton YMCA. Additional social opportunities are planned over the course of the year at various locations throughout Greater Boston.

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 provide knowledge of job and career options. 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!