Worcester, MA, March 27th & 28th, 2025, with Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. A transformative gathering featuring the latest research findings and timely information from national experts on a range of topics related to adulthood and aging for individuals with Down syndrome.
Keynote Speakers:
- Matthew Schwab is a 28-year-old North Carolina native whos graduated from High School in June 2017 with an Occupational Course of Study diploma and in May 2019, he completed Project Search, an internship-based educational program. He is an actor, a public speaker, and a dedicated host at Townhall Grill in Chapel Hill. Matthew serves on the Board of Directors for GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center, and First in Families of NC, championing inclusion and empowerment for individuals with Down syndrome. Matthew delivered a TEDx talk in 2019 on the importance of inclusive employment.
- Julie Moran, DO, Geriatrician, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Consultant, Tewksbury Hospital, Clinical Instructor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Julie Moran is a board-certified geriatrician/internist specializing in older adults with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD). Dr. Moran is an attending physician for the specialty inpatient unit at Tewksbury Hospital serving adults with I/DD and also runs a statewide outpatient consultation service for older adults with I/DD through the support of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Dr. Moran is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and participates in the teaching and training of geriatric medicine fellows, residents, and students.
Workshop topics – please see below for a partial list or visit the registration page link provided.
Fees apply, registration is required to https://brighterfuturesconference.com/or contact (401) 463-0202 or techaccess@techaccess-ri.org
- What You Should Know about Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease: Information for and from Families – Hampus Hillerstrom
- Diagnosing Dementia and Subsequent Medical Options – Nicolas Oreskovic, MD, MPH; Margaret Pulsifer, PhD; Stephanie Santoro, MD
- Navigating Housing Options for Adults with Down Syndrome – Taise Bingham-Hickman, M.S., Ph.D.; Andria Entsminger; Kelly Meyers, MA, CCC-SLP; Michael Richard; Jo Ann Simons
- Practical Advice for Career Development from a Career Coach, Employer, and Parent – Paula Collins; Elyse Forbush; Jeff Gentry
- Health Conditions of Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome – Brian Chicoine, MD
- The Improvaneers! — The World’s First All Down Syndrome Improv Troupe – Self Advocate Workshop
- “What If?” & “Now What?”: Navigating Aging and Dementia Care Needs for Adults with Down Syndrome – Clorinda “Clo” Cottrell, LICSW, CDCP; Julie Moran, DO
- Financial Planning for the Family System: Aging with Down Syndrome – Alexandria Nadworny, CFP®, CTFA
- From Awareness to Access: Supporting the Transition to College for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
- Susanna Miller-Raines, MSW; Maria Paiewonsky, Ed.D. – Healthy Habits Made Simple: Fitness and Nutrition for Adults with Down Syndrome
- Dominica Nichols, PhD, RD, LDN; Nicolas Oreskovic, MD, MPH – Navigating Challenging Times: Tips from Psychology and OT- Brown, PhD; Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L
- Skills for the Hill: Empowering Self-Advocates to Use Their Voices for Change – Self Advocate Workshop
