About the MDSC

Brief History:

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC), established in 1983, began as a non-profit organization made up of parents, professionals and anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of Down syndrome. Its roots trace back to a group of parents, in a living room in 1983, chatting about their children with Down syndrome and how they could connect and educate families, schools and communities. Twenty-five years later, with over 1,600 members, the MDSC has an energetic Board of Directors, a dynamic management team, and a vision to ensure that every person with Down syndrome has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Mission Statement

To ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.

Our Purposes

• To provide new parents with information, resources, and support.
• To promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome into all aspects of the community, with particular consideration for schools and the workplace.
• To gather and disseminate accurate, up-to-date information about Down syndrome.
• To better educate the public about Down syndrome through the celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month and through an annual conference in order to advance the understanding of Down syndrome.
• To encourage research related to Down syndrome and quality human services.
• To address social policy issues with state and local human service agencies.
• To solicit and distribute funding for these accomplishments.

Our Vision

The MDSC wants to be recognized by people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large as the preeminent organization in Massachusetts for information, networking, and advocacy for and about Down syndrome.