Tess Keijser couldn’t have been more excited when in high school, she signed up for a culinary class. She knew right away what kind of career she wanted to pursue – something that involved cooking. But there was one complication – she became very ill with celiac disease, and while she got well in due time, she had to quit class and began pursuing some of her other interests.
After a story about her venture on CBS went viral, MDSC member Collette Divitto’s cookie business is thriving.
Long-time McDonald’s employee, Freia David, celebrates 32 years of being in the workplace. Freia, who has Down syndrome, started working at the Needham McDonald’s in 1984. Freia was the first of many success stories that show how adults with disabilities can thrive in the workplace. Freia was one of the first to benefit from the Charles […]
For the first time, Carey Daly, a young man with Down syndrome, will be offering his services as a Bike Tech at the 6th Annual Buddy Walk by the Sea on Sunday July 31, 2016. Bring your bike for a tune-up and join hundreds of champions in the Down syndrome community at the Hyannis Village Green […]
At the MDSC/CMEC Diversify Your Workforce forum in Milford that showcased why employers should hire people with disabilities, the most enthusiastic speaker was was the one wearing the bright orange apron. Pedro Figueroa, Store Manager at the Worcester Home Depot, explained his experience hiring people with disabilities. “Every single individual that I’ve ever employed with […]
On June 12th 2016, this article and photo story joined Buzzfeed’s Community posts. It features Brian Heffernon, an MDSC self-advocate who not only has done amazing work himself, but has also spoke on behalf of people with disabilities at different events. The Buzzfeed article showcases Brain’s achievements such as writing screenplays, speaking as a disability advocate, […]
The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and Riverside Community Care’s Central Massachusetts Employment Collaborative (CMEC) co-hosted a free workshop to educate employers on ways to expand their workforce by hiring people with disabilities. Representative Jeffrey Roy talked about the connection between members of the MDSC and government work. “I know one thing that’s […]
Partnering with the Massachusetts Regional Employment Collaboratives, the MDSC this June took our Your Next Star employment campaign on the road. In the early June, we launched our “Diversify Your Workforce” forums to introduce employers to the benefits of hiring qualified candidates with disabilities. And, with experts speakers from a range of fields, we showed them how to do […]
Employers, HR professionals and others are invited to TWO FREE FORUMS to educate EMPLOYERS on ways to expand their workforce by hiring people with disabilities. Join us Thursday June 2, Noon to 2 p.m. at 20 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01803. REGISTER AT www.mdsc.kintera.org/ynsnorth Speakers include: Disability attorney Kevin M. Sibbernsen of Jackson Lewis […]
Sam is a Starbucks barista who happens to have autism. To help him focus, he dances his way through the workday. After a video of his dance moves went viral, Ellen invited Sam and his awesome friend and boss to her stage. Sam’s story is a perfect example of how employers, like Starbucks, who have […]
Our dear friend and filmmaker Melanie Perkins McLaughlin is working on a new film project with Dan Habib (creator of Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey? and many other disability and education-related films) with the working title “Intelligent Lives.” (Watch the incredible 14-minute preview,featuring a personal perspective and narration from Academy Award winning actor Chris […]
The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress’ Board of Directors recently approved a new award to recognize an Employer of the Year. The Employer Award will be given annually to a person or company who recognizes the inherent value that people with Down syndrome can bring to the workforce and act as role models for other employers […]
