Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC)

09/02/2026

Research Opportunity - Brain Health and Down Syndrome!

The MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program is recruiting adults with Down syndrome for a study examining whether a study drug, given at different doses, may help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Participants must be 18 or older, have a caregiver who has at least 10 hours of weekly contact with them, and have English as their primary language.

Participants can receive up to $1,150 for participating in the study, plus parking and meal vouchers. Recruitment is through the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, with visits at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

For more information and to see if you or someone you know may be eligible, please email the research team at [email protected].

09/02/2026

🎉 It's back — and better than ever!

The MDSC Buddy Walk & Family Festival returns on Sunday, October 11 in Wakefield — a full day of community, celebration, and fun for the whole family!

Here's a taste of what's in store:

🎤 Emcee Ray Villeda Boston 25, Boston25 News
🎵 Music at the Blissful — Evan Haller & Ashley DeNoble
💃 The Awakened Winners — Loida Love & Nicholis King Joy (pictured)
🕺 Buddy Walk Dance Team
🎧 DJ Dan McLean & DJ Matt Seigel
🎈 Balloon artists, magician & costumed characters
🎮 Field games by Knucklebones
🌮 La Qchara food truck
🛍️ Your Next Star Shop & MDSC merchandise

…and more announcements to come!

Can't make it to Wakefield? Buddy Walk In Your Community anytime throughout October!

Register today at the link in bio 👇
mdsc.org/buddywalk

08/30/2026

📚 Looking for more support navigating your child’s school year?

From understanding your child’s IEP to supporting literacy, math, and communication skills, families play such an important role in helping their child learn and grow both at home and at school.

Beyond the Classroom is a NEW MDSC education program designed to provide families with practical tools, resources, and connections to support their child throughout the school year!

The program is recommended for families with children in grades Pre-K through 5th.

Throughout the year, parents will come together for four IN-PERSON Parent Learning & Connection Days focused on:

✨ IEP Support
📚 Literacy
➕ Math
💬 Communication & Technology

Parents will explore adaptive materials, learn practical strategies, and take home resources from experts, while also having the opportunity to connect with other MDSC families navigating similar experiences in their child’s education.

The program also includes a Student Social Learning Day and an End-of-Year Family Social for the whole family!

Our first in-person session is September 19! Space is limited and registration is still open!

👉 Learn more & register: www.mdsc.org/BTC

08/28/2026

TWO Research Opportunities!

Sleep Study:
Researchers at Boston College are recruiting individuals ages 15 and up for a study testing the effects of sleep on memory in individuals with Down syndrome. Participants can earn up to $75 for completing two virtual study sessions with Boston College researchers and for wearing a Muse headband while sleeping at in their own home.

For more information and to sign up, please complete the information form below or email Dr. Jaclyn Ford at [email protected]
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Hippocamera Memory Study:
Researchers at Boston College are recruiting individuals with Down syndrome ages 15 and up for a 100% virtual study testing memory enhancing benefits of a novel smartphone application. Participants can earn up to $650 for completing 4-5 online zoom sessions with a Boston College researcher and engaging with the app for 3-5 minutes daily during a 3-month intervention.

For more information and to sign up, please complete the information form or email Dr. Jaclyn Ford at [email protected]

SIGN UP: https://www.bclearningmemory.com/contact-us
VIEW BROCHURE:https://files.constantcontact.com/d4b65ba9001/0471c9d2-4f96-479f-b679-05099ded926f.pdf
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The MDSC is dedicated to ensuring that all members have information about and access to the latest research opportunities. The MDSC respects each individual’s right to determine for himself or herself whether or not to participate in any research opportunity. At no time does the MDSC sell or share your contact information with researchers. Only if you choose to contact us will your identity become known to us. The MDSC will not be informed by the researchers on who agrees to participate in this research. Your agreement to participate or not to participate will in no way impact any services, support, or resources that you receive from the MDSC.

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) works daily to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives.

08/24/2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Beyond the Classroom! ✏️

Do you have a child in Pre-K through Grade 5? Join us for a brand-new MDSC Education Program designed to help families feel more confident, more connected, and better equipped to support their child at home and at school. 💙

Four Parent Learning & Connection Days focused on:

📋 IEP Support
📖 Literacy
➕ Math
💬 Communication & Technology

Plus:
🎉 A Student Social Learning Day
💙 An end-of-year Family Social

Registration is open now and space is limited!
Learn more & register: www.mdsc.org/BTC

08/19/2026

NEW EDUCATION PROGRAM!

The MDSC is pleased to launch a brand-new Education Program for families of children in Pre-K through Grade 5: Beyond the Classroom.

Designed to bring families together throughout the school year, this program combines expert guidance, practical strategies, and a supportive community to help parents feel informed, confident, and empowered in their student’s education.

Parents will take part in four in-person Parent Learning & Connection Days, focused on IEP Support, Literacy, Math, and Communication and Technology. Each session will offer a mix of expert-led learning, hands-on “Learning Labs,” and time for families to connect, ask questions, and share experiences. Parents will leave each session with tangible resources, strategies, and tools they can use to support their student both at home and at school.

The program will also include a special Student Social Learning Day, where students can engage in hands-on learning activities and connect with peers, followed by an end-of-year Family Social to bring families together and celebrate the program.

More than a series of workshops, this program is an opportunity to build knowledge, feel supported, and gain practical tools to help every student reach their highest potential.

✏ Learn more or register today at www.mdsc.org/BTC

08/17/2026

💙💛 While 39 Team MDSC runners took on Falmouth yesterday, Cheryl Lecesse Richardson ran her own 7.1 miles in Beverly — and she brought some very special company!

Cheryl ran the At Home Edition of the Falmouth Road Race for the third year fundraising for Team MDSC, in honor of her son Gus, age 8. She ran to Hospital Point lighthouse and back — and Gus and the kids ran her to the finish line!

Together, Cheryl and her supporters raised more than $3,000 for MDSC. We are so grateful for her dedication and can't wait to see her back in Falmouth in 2027!

It's not too late to support Cheryl of any of our runners at: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112177/the-2026-asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/team/926898

💙💛

08/17/2026

💫 UPCOMING WEBINAR

Aging with Grace: Strategies to Maximize Nutrition and Hydration for Adults with Down Syndrome

Thursday, September 3
12:00-1:30pm ET

Dominica Nichols, PhD, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Down Syndrome Program, Massachusetts General Hospital

Part of the MDSC Center on Down Syndrome & Aging
2026 Webinar Series

🔗 to learn more and register, visit mdsc.org/center-on-down-syndrome-and-aging

08/15/2026

Today we gathered with Team MDSC and their friends and family to celebrate their hard work and dedication leading up to tomorrow’s race 💙💛

Cheering on all 39 of our runners as they prepare to take on the Falmouth Road Race in the morning 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️

Special thanks to our Team MDSC sponsor JAMBAR Certified Organic Energy Bar 👏🏼

If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our runners as they work toward their collective goal — https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112177/the-2026-asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/team/926898