BCL Family Support Center

12/22/2025

📣 WEBINAR SERIES! Foundations for Families

This series will take place in the new year and will include four webinars, each focused on a key topic for young families and presented by an expert in the field.

$10 per webinar
Live, simultaneous Spanish interpretation available

💛 Behavioral Supports in Down Syndrome
Lina Patel, PsyDm Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Monday, January 12
7:00pm-8:30pm ET
To learn more and register, visit https://mdsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YeN8J0pXTQqX7B0BWV6WTw

📲 Everyday Assistive Technology Solutions: Practical Tools for Children with Down Syndrome
Karen Janowski, President and Owner of Inclusive and Assistive Technology Facilitator
Tuesday, February 10
7:00pm-8:30pm ET
To learn more and register, visit https://mdsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8wWsv3-2R0yGOIVG8mpuwg

👍🏼 Potty Time for Children with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers Not Your Patience
Lina Patel, PsyDm Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Monday, March 9
7:00pm-8:30pm ET
To learn more and register, visit https://mdsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UL938S_oRZafsShBa5Qwmw

🩺 Medical Updates for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome
Meredith Close, MD, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician; Director, Down Syndrome Program, Boston Children’s Hospital
Monday, April 13
7:00pm-8:30pm ET
To learn more and register, visit https://mdsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KQASlRuwScadhGzkpC9H0A

12/22/2025

The Lurie Center for Autism invites you to join Kamryn Eddy, PhD, and Sarah Kadzielski, MD, for a virtual presentation and discussion about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in Autism. The discussion will include how to identify eating difficulties that might suggest ARFID, treatment options, and other strategies to optimize nutrition and growth in someone with a very limited diet.

Register for this virtual event online: https://conta.cc/4jjVDNL

12/22/2025

Breaking boards at Taekwondo

12/21/2025

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

12/21/2025

Cupcakes with Santa 🎅🏻 ❤️

12/18/2025

Nutcracker Paint Night at K & A ❤️

12/18/2025

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

"Options for MassHealth Application Assistance

Hi Guru,

I need some help updating my MassHealth application what are my options?

Simple Sue"

Hi Simple Sue,
When it comes to reporting updates, such as a change in income, birth of a child or address change, there are several ways you can make these changes.
• You can always call MassHealth and make updates over the phone.
(800) 841-2900
• If you have an account set up, you can login at www.mahealthconnector.org and report a change.
o If you need support with your online account, you’ll want to call the Health Connector - 1-877-623-6765
• You can also seek out in-person assistance from a Certified Application Counselor or a Navigator in your area. Certified Application Counselors are typically located in hospitals and health centers. Some may be able to provide support virtually via Zoom or the phone. Updated list: https://my.mahealthconnector.org/enrollment-assisters

Reminder:

I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.

12/18/2025

Holiday Meal Giveaway – Registration Now Open!
Thanks to our generous sponsor, NBPRB is excited to host the 2025 Holiday Meal Giveaway to support New Bedford families this season!
🍽 One meal per household
✅ Registration is REQUIRED
📍 Andrea McCoy Recreation Center
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #8, New Bedford, MA
📅 Saturday, December 20, 2025
❄️ Snow Date: December 21
⏰ 9AM – 1PM
Free holiday meals will be available while supplies last, so be sure to secure your spot early!
👉 Register at NBPRB.com or scan the QR code on the flyer
📞 Questions? Call 508-961-3015
Let’s make the season brighter together! 🌟

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

Early bird registration rates are available through January 9th for Brighter Futures: A National Conference on Adults with Down Syndrome and Aging!

Join the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and the National Down Syndrome Society along with hundreds from across the country as we celebrate our adult and aging loved ones with Down syndrome, their family members and friends as well as the many medical professionals, educators, advocates, and other supporters. Together, we will connect with one another, share best practices, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite at this exclusive conference aimed at building a brighter future as people transition to adulthood and become active members of their communities. This conference will also advance understanding of Down syndrome and aging, and promote the development of beneficial approaches to addressing the medical, mental health, social, and emotional challenges faced by older adults with Down syndrome.

When you register for the 2-day conference, you’re getting —
💛 Access to 5 breakout sessions on timely topics led by local and national experts
💙 Ticket to attend the Awards Dinner on Friday evening featuring keynote speaker, Matthew Schwab
💛 Post-conference Networking Reception
💙 Self Advocate “Brighter Futures” Dance on Friday evening
💛 Saturday morning Plenary Session featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Julie Moran
💙 Boxed lunch on Friday, continental breakfast and boxed lunch on Saturday
💛 ...and much more!

For more information and to register, visit brighterfuturesconference.com

12/15/2025

We're here with popcorn and hot cocoa till 6:30! Come bring a toy to fill our truck at 211 Alden Road in Fairhaven 🚒🎁

12/14/2025

See you tomorrow! 🎁❤️

📢 Fill the Truck Toy Drive – December 15!

On December 15th, Fairhaven Firefighters Local 1555 will be at Better Community Living (211 Alden Rd) from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM for a special Fill the Truck Toy Drive!

We’re teaming up with the BCL Family Support Center to collect toys for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Your donation will help bring joy to local children of all ages this holiday season.

🎁 Requested items include:
✔️ Trucks, planes, cars
✔️ Toys that light up or play music
✔️ Barbies, dolls, accessories
✔️ Sports balls (basketball, football, Nerf)
✔️ Squishmallows, stuffed animals
✔️ Craft sets, bath toys, winter gear
✔️ Disney/Marvel items, Bluey, Paw Patrol, Cocomelon
✔️ Gift cards for teens
✔️ Building sets, Play-Doh, Legos, Kinetic Sand

🎄 Please bring NEW, UNWRAPPED toys!
Thank you for helping us support local families this holiday season.