with Down syndrome
and those who
support them
Join MDSC and NDSS for an evening of celebration in the DCU Grand Ballroom, featuring self-advocate performances, a keynote address, our Brighter Futures Video Montage, MDSC’s Annual Awards presentation, and an after dinner self-advocate dance party.
We will celebrate the promise and potential of our community by highlighting the voices and talents of self-advocates who will take center stage for special performances and our 2026 Self Advocate Keynote address by Matthew Schwab. Plus, we will unveil our Brighter Futures Video Montage, featuring submitted photos that capture the joy, achievement, and connections that define our community.
Of course, our Awards Dinner is also when we present MDSC’s Annual Awards to honor those individuals who have made a significant impact on the Down syndrome community.
We hope you will join us at our national conference Awards Dinner for an evening of celebration and building brighter futures together!
Matthew Schwab
Advocate, Public Speaker, Actor
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Matthew Schwab is a 28-year-old North Carolina native whose life is defined by passion, purpose, and progress. He and his fiancé share a home and are joyfully planning their wedding for September 2026, a milestone on Matthew’s journey toward independent living. He 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, at Wake Technical Community College. His professional path is as dynamic as his personality—he’s an actor, a public speaker, and a dedicated host at Townhall Grill in Chapel Hill.
Matthew’s commitment to advocacy shines through his leadership roles. He 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. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, diving into books, movies, and TV shows. He and his fiancé share a love for Wii gaming and have been taking ballroom dance lessons together for five years. A passionate advocate for Down syndrome, Matthew delivered a TEDx talk in 2019 on the importance of inclusive employment. As a leader in the disability community, he continues to use his voice to challenge perceptions and inspire change, with a mission to reshape how the world sees Down syndrome—one conversation, performance, and interaction at a time.
Sujeet Desai
Musician, Motivational Speaker
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Sujeet Desai is a versatile musician and motivational speaker born with Down Syndrome who plays more than seven musical instruments. He has traveled to fifteen countries and over forty states to perform during disability fundraisers, bringing awareness to neurodiversity and messages about a bright future.
Born in the 80s during a time with little to no community inclusion and acceptance, Sujeet experienced bullying throughout his school years. Now approaching age 45, he has worked hard to become the finest musician he can be while trying to overcome limitations. When he was born, the doctors told his parents that he would not accomplish much. To this day, Sujeet is proving them wrong. His family takes pride in him and shares how he has enriched their lives as well as the lives of millions of individuals and families. Since age 14, Sujeet has paved new roads for the neurodiverse community, becoming a role model.
Here are a few record-breaking achievements after age 35 taken from his lengthy list from 1998:
- Received three Presidential Awards from three different countries by age 25
- Started challenging creativity by recording his own piano accompaniment, adding drums and vocals for his own instrumental solos
- 2025: Provided piano accompaniment with vocals for an original composition “I Play My Music Everyday” written by an exceptional musician, composer, educator – Robert Collister – who was impressed by Sujeet’s story
- 2025: Interview by Yvonne Perrie – an author, journalist, and podcaster (“7 instruments on one song played in 7 Minutes”)
- 2024: Provided piano music to the theme song – “Carry on“ – for the film “47”, which was the winner of Cannes Lion, Clio Health Awards in the 2024 French Film Festival
- 2024 & 2023: Opening revolution fundraiser for Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (BORP)
- 2023: Received award of “Self-Advocacy Leadership” from American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD)
- 2022 The first musician with a disability inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (BMHOF)
- 2022: First musician with a disability to open the Amherst Symphony Orchestra (ASO) with his National Anthem
- 2016: Auditioned and was selected by Blink Film Production (London) to be one of thirteen international horn players to make a commercial for the 2016 Rio Paralympics
- 2015: First person with Down syndrome to play in Carnegie Hall, receiving a standing ovation for his ambassador opening speech. Played four instruments accompanied by Carnegie Concert pianist, Elaine Kwon, and ended with a Tae kwon Do demonstration
- 2009: Opened with music at Special Olympic World Games in Boise, Idaho
- 2020: During the pandemic Sujeet started to speak and perform during virtual events, which continues to this day (21TRS International, MDSC Annual Conference, UPS & Down Syndrome, International Dubai DOWNS, DSA of Calgary, Swiss Digital Leaders International Art We Can in Zurich, Charity drive for DSA Ontario, CA, Corona fest for Gig Buddies, London)
- First Ambassador for Down Syndrome International (DSI). Also represents Best Buddies International, NDSS, NDSC, and a few other Down syndrome organizations.
- Since 2010, Sujeet has had an entertainer job in western New York with over fifty senior residential facilities, churches, fundraisers, and events.
Sarah Peterson
Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
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Sarah Peterson, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), is leading the implementation of her department’s mission to provide supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. Commissioner Peterson served as DDS General Counsel from June 2022 to August 2024, when she was named Acting Commissioner before being appointed Commissioner in April 2025. She previously served as Deputy General Counsel from 2017 to 2022. We look forward to hearing Commissioner Peterson’s insights and vision for the future.
Lauren Beckham Falcone
Co-Host, The ROR Morning Show Emcee
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Lauren Beckham Falcone (LBF) is the co-host of the ROR Morning Show with Bob Bronson, LBF and Brian on 1057 FM in Boston. Formerly an award-winning reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald, she credits her current success as a pop culture commentator to watching too much TV as a kid and scouring the internet too much as an adult. LBF has been a regular contributor to NECN and Boston 25, as well as numerous publications in the Boston area. She is a graduate of the MA Families Organizing for Change Family Leadership series and an Honorary Board Member at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Lauren lives in Canton with her husband Dave and her daughter Lucy.
Graham Campbell
Pianist; Member, MDSC Self Advocate Advisory Council
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Since age 10, Graham has dedicated himself to piano lessons and regular practice every week. He never loses patience for this hard work. Graham is now 39 and delights in sharing music programs throughout the year. He combines this with other types of jobs and a love of exercise. Graham enjoys all music, but he particularly loves classical works. A huge fan of classical opera, he listens to broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and has the occasional exciting trip to a live performance. Graham would like to thank his piano teacher, Sayuri Miyamoto. Such a teacher is a lifetime gift.