Teens and Adults

Welcome, teens and adults!

The MDSC has several programs for teens and adults with Down syndrome in Massachusetts. All of our programs promise to help you:

• Make connections to peers with and without disabilities
• Learn about your own unique skills, interests, and abilities
• Strengthen your sense of confidence and self-esteem
• Empower yourself to become a strong self-advocate

Whether you have attended MDSC events for years or are planning to attend for the first time, we look forward to seeing you soon at one of the MDSC's programs.

• Advocates in Motion (AIM) provides fun, inclusive, interactive events each month for teens and young adults ages 13 to 22. AIM participants develop leadership and self-advocacy skills; build social relationships with peers; and grow confidence in an encouraging environment.
• The Self-Advocate Advisory Council (SAAC) is open to adults ages 21 and up. Council members help direct the MDSC on how our organization should best serve the teen and adult population. In so doing, members develop key skills for becoming future leaders in the MDSC and the community.
• The Self-Advocate Workshop Track is one of several tracks available to attendees of our Annual Conference in Worcester every March. During a full day of workshops, self-advocates have an opportunity to network and share experiences, strengthen their self-advocacy skills, and learn about the importance of leading a healthy life and building meaningful relationships.

There are dozens of opportunities to volunteer at MDSC events and community partner events throughout the year where you can learn new skills, meet new people, and give back to the community.

For more information about what it means to be a self-advocate and for additional resources, please check out our Self-Advocate section.