Local Teen Trained for Youth Ambassador for MA Chapter in April 2012
Harrison G., of Milton, MA, was selected for the Youth Ambassador Training representing the TSA-MA Chapter. He was one of the many
teens from different states that took part in this training. The training was held at the National Tourette Sydrome's Youth Ambassador Training in Arlington, VA from April 17-19, 2012.
For more information on this program, please check out Newspaper articles of our previously trained Youth Ambassadors for Massachusetts or
check out the National Tourette Syndrome Association's Youth Ambassador page.
If you would like to be notified of a future Youth Ambassador training, please email us info@tsa-ma.org
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder (MBSR)
Enrollment was limited and was the third and final class scheduled to begin in late February 2012 MBSR Study Information Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder,
PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
The purpose of this research study is to develop and test a new treatment for individuals age 16 and older with TS or CTD. The treatment
that we are studying is called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a well-established intervention designed to promote nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness of one's
bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Many clinics and health centers nationwide now use it to treat various medical and psychological conditions. In this study, we are
testing a version of MBSR that we have tailored specifically for the treatment of tics (MBSR-tics) to determine whether it will reduce tic frequency.
Eligible participants will attend 8 weekly 2-hour MBSR-tics classes as well as one 4-hour weekend class during the 5th or 6th week of the study. Each class will have
between 4 and 16 participants and 2 instructors. The classes will provide instruction and practice in mindful meditation. Mindful meditation is the practice of focusing one’s
attention on a perception (e.g., sound, taste), bodily sensation, thought, or emotion. The practices are designed to help you develop a nonjudgmental awareness of the present
moment. As we mentioned above, the classes have been specifically tailored to individuals with tics. Accordingly, each class will provide information about tics and
how mindfulness and mindful meditation can be applied to the management of tics in your daily life.
If you would like to get further information, please call or email us at: 1-877-501-TICS or email: tics@partners.org
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group - Breakfast Event
Monday, February 27, 2012
Group is open to parents and adults with OCD/Tourettes
Group will usually be meeting the last Monday of each month
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Bowling Event
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Subway Restaraunts/AMC Framingham 15
Attendees were able to join for another fun event. Some met up at Subway for lunch and then went to see the movie “Big Miracle”
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment. Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
If you weren't able to attend this meeting, but would like to be notified of future meetings, or if you have any uestions, please contact Michael Shaps so that your name can be added to the Support Group mailing list.
Also check out our MA Website for upcoming Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Events. (This is a work in progress and is open to change).
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Bowling Event
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Bowling at King's in Dedham, MA
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment. Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
If you weren't able to attend this meeting, but would like to be notified of future meetings, or if you have any uestions, please contact Michael Shaps so that your name can be added to the Support Group mailing list.
Also check out our MA Website for upcoming Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Events. (This is a work in progress and is open to change).
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Event
Sunday, December 18, 2011
HOLIDAY PARTY
The group met in Hingham, MA. One of the groups families had offered their house for a gingerbread cookie/gingerbread house
decorating party. All were welcome to join in on the festivities.
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment. Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
If you weren't able to attend this meeting, but would like to be notified of future meetings, or if you have any uestions, please contact Michael Shaps so that your name can be added to the Support Group mailing list.
Also check out our MA Website for upcoming Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Events. (This is a work in progress and is open to change).
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group - Breakfast Event
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The group met for breakfast at CJ's grill, in Framingham, so the children and adults could all have some time together.
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group
Monday, November 28, 2011
Topic: Sharing Information on Doctors and Medications
Group is now open to parents and adults with OCD/Tourettes
Group will usually be meeting the last Monday of each month
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Event
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Ice Skating Get-Together
Kendall Square Community Skating: 300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge MA 02142
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment. Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
If you weren't able to attend this meeting, but would like to be notified of future meetings, or if you have any uestions, please contact Michael Shaps so that your name can be added to the Support Group mailing list.
Also check out our MA Website for upcoming Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Events. (This is a work in progress and is open to change).
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group
Monday, October 24, 2011
Group will usually be meeting the last Monday of each month
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Event
Sunday, October 16, 2011
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment. Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
If you weren't able to attend this meeting, but would like to be notified of future meetings, or if you have any uestions, please contact Michael Shaps so that your name can be added to the Support Group mailing list.
Also check out our MA Website for upcoming Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Events. (This is a work in progress and is open to change).
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group
Monday, September 26, 2011
Group will usually be meeting the last Monday of each month
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
Adult's with Tourette Syndrome Support Group
Monday, September 26, 2011
Ally McIntyre and Chrissy Joyal are co-leaders for this support group.
We would like to see more adults involved with this group that have Tourette Syndrome, and we would like to hear your thoughts on how we can help you, what topics would you like to discuss, etc...
Our next meeting will be held from 6-7PM on Monday, October 24, 2011 taking a break during November and December. We will be meeting at the Taunton Library located at 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA in the
Auditorium in the lower level near the Children's Area.
This is an opportunity for adults (18+) with TS to get to know other adult's with TS. For more information please contact Chrissy Joyal or Ally McIntyre (508)406-8463.
Adult's with Tourette Syndrome Support Group
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
This is an opportunity for adults (18+) with TS to get to know other adult's with TS. For more information please contact Chrissy Joyal or Ally McIntyre (508)406-8463.
Macy's Shop For A Cause Fundraiser
Saturday, August 27, 2011 - All Day Event
This was our fifth year of doing this fundraiser. This one-day shopping event held at Macy's stores nationwide is one of the many ways Macy's gives back to our community through support of local non-profit organizations!
TSA-CT Chapter Presents - Tourette Syndrome: Building Community Awareness
Saturday, August 20, 2011, Hartford Marriott at Rocky Hill Nutmeg Ballroom 100 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
For questions about this past event please contact: Pete Tavolacci at petertavolacci1@optonline.net or call (203) 499-7789.
Families were welcome to meet with Connecticut Youth Ambassadors during the day.
Family Park Day
Hopewell Park, Taunton, MA
Saturday, July 30, 2011
A few families attended this day out to chat with one another on this beautiful day.
MGH Research Study for Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Enrollment is limited and the first class was scheduled to begin on July 7, 2011 MBSR Study Information Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder,
PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
The purpose of this research study is to develop and test a new treatment for adults with TS or CTD. The treatment that we are studying is called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
MBSR is a well-established intervention designed to promote nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness of one's bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Many clinics and health centers nationwide
now use it to treat various medical and psychological conditions. In this study, we are testing a version of MBSR that we have tailored specifically for the treatment of tics (MBSR-tics). This
treatment has never been tested for the treatment of tics so we do not know if it will be helpful. This is what we hope to discover with this research study.
Eligible participants will attend 8 weekly 2-hour MBSR-tics classes as well as one 4-hour weekend class during the 5th or 6th week of the study. Each class will have between 4 and 16 participants
and 2 instructors. The classes will provide instruction and practice in mindful meditation. Mindful meditation is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a perception (e.g., sound, taste),
bodily sensation, thought, or emotion. The practices are designed to help you develop a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. As we mentioned above, the classes have been specifically
tailored to individuals with tics. Accordingly, each class will provide information about tics and how mindfulness and mindful meditation can be applied to the management of tics in your daily life.
If you are interested in participating or would like to get further information, please call 1-877-501-TICS or email: tics@partners.org Enrollment is limited and the first class is scheduled to begin on
July 7, 2011, so please don’t hesitate to call.
Adult's with Tourette Syndrome Support Group
Wednesday, June 27, 2011
This is an opportunity for adults (18+) with TS to get to know other adult's with TS. For more information please contact Chrissy Joyal or Ally McIntyre (508)406-8463.
MA Chapter Starts New Adult's with Tourette Syndrome Support Group
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Massachusetts Chapter started up an Adult's with Tourette syndrome support group in Taunton, MA. There has been a growing need
for adult support in our local chapter so this support group was created just for adults with TS. Our first meeting was held during our
severe weather night on June 1, 2011 and we had two other adults besides Chrissy Joyal, one of the support group leaders. Her co-leader,
Ally - an adult with TS, was unable to attend. Our next meetings will be held on the last Wednesday of each month - June 29, July 27,
and August 31; at the Taunton Library located at 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA in the Auditorium in the lower level near the Children's Area.
This is an opportunity for adults (18+) with TS to get to know other adult's with TS. For more information please contact Chrissy Joyal.
TSA Youth Ambassador Training
March 29-30,2011
This year we sent Zachary Fink from Shrewsbury, MA to the traning in Washington D.C. for the National TSA's Youth Ambassador program.
"The Youth Ambassador program trains teens to advocate for themselves and for others and to educate their peers and younger children with accurate information by going into
classrooms, schools and clubs to teach understanding, sensitivity and tolerance of TS and its symptoms while displacing the myths and stereotypes that are often attributed to
and associated with this misunderstood and misdiagnosed disorder."
We have added the news article about Zachary to the Youth Ambassadors interviews. For more information
about this program, or if you would like to participate in next years event, please email Chrissy Joyal or Liliane Larsen
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
This month, the group met on the Freedom Trail, Boston Common. A departure from their usual Sunday meeting this was a little different. They had a special guest, Ben, an 11 year old from
Indiana and his father were there visiting Boston. They had heard about the group and do not have anyone in Indiana with
whom to meet to speak about Tourette’s. The group walked the Freedom Trail, starting in Boston Common, walked the trail,
through Faneuil Market and ended up at Mike’s Pastry’s.
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment.
Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
For more information, contact Youth Network Leader, Michael Shaps.
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
This month the group met in Cambridge MA.
"The MIT Museum invites you to explore invention, ideas, and innovation. Through interactive exhibitions, public programs, experimental
projects and its renown collections, the MIT Museum showcases the fascinating world of MIT, and inspires people of all ages about the possibilities
and opportunities offered by science and technology." Location: Building N51, 265 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 (617-253-5927).
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment.
Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
For more information, contact Youth Network Leader, Michael Shaps.
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group
February 28, 2011, 7:30-9:00PM
Guest Speaker: Susan Marakovitz, Ph.D., Project Director, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, spoke about the TS Genetic Study at MGH
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Michael and his support group spent an afternoon out at Kings Bowling Alley in Dedham, MA
This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment.
Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.
For more information, contact Youth Network Leader, Michael Shaps.
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group
Monday, January 31, 2011
Guest Speaker: Dr. Joel Herskowitz, Neurologist, spoke on Tourette’s syndrome and special topics were discussed.
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group
Monday, November 15, 2010
Steve and Barbara Johnson had a very good meeting with their support group members, new people are always welcome.
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
MetroWest TSA and OCD Support/Encouragement Group Kickoff
Monday, October 18, 2010
Steve and Barbara Johnson had a very good meeting. Their son Tim (one of our YA) sat in and it gave the families a great chance to talk about junior high school, high school, etc...
For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson, or by phone 508-309-3072.
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Michael Shaps and his support group had a nice day out walking and talking around Salem, MA
For more information, contact Youth Network Leader, Michael Shaps.
Updates from National TSA - October 2010 * October is dedicated to Bullying Prevention - The National TSA has launched its own bullying
project, which consist of a partnership with PACER and a national letter writing campaign. National
TSA is dedicating the month of October to Bullying Prevention. We are urging our members through a
live action alert posted on the website to write to their federal legislators to ask them to consider
stronger laws to protect children and individuals from bullies. Please visit
National TSA
for more information. * There are important changes to eligibility for 504 Plans. We need to provide our schools
with “Fact Sheet 504 Plan
Eligibility.” We also need to be prepared to provide them with additional information.
For more information please email Chrissy Joyal or
Liliane Larsen
Greater Boston TSA Youth Network (GBTSAYN) Group Kickoff
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Michael Shaps kicked off his new Youth Network in Cambridge, MA. He will be coming up with more ideas for thing to do for youth with TS and their families
For more information, contact Youth Network Leader, Michael Shaps.
Genetics and TS Free Presentation/Member Meeting
This was a free presentation on Genetics and Tourette Syndrome featuring Drs. David L. Pauls, Susan Marakovitz,
and Cornelia Illmann on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.
We also had our member meeting after lunch. We were joined by Dan Rostan, Vice President for Field Services of the National Tourette Syndrome Association, and
Chrissy Joyal, President of the TSA of Massachusetts, as well as other board members of the TSA of MA.
Salem Night Tour Tickets Available
Summer 2010
Those affected by Tourette Syndrome were invited to get a guided tour from Roger Watras. He was providing free tickets to his Night Tour in Salem, MA.
You could go into their shops "Remember Salem Gifts" or "Salem's Ghosts" and mention that you are part of MA TSA and would like to get tickets to his tour and you could get free tickets for you and your family to the Night Tour.
TSA-MA Family Support Group/Park Days
Spring/Summer 2010 ~ Ongoing Events
Over the summer, Chrissy Joyal and some families met at a park in Walpole, MA. There was an ice cream day at Bird Park and then just a family day out for fun at Bird Park in Walpole, MA.
TSA-MA Family Support Group/Taunton Area
May 16, 2010
Chrissy Joyal kicked off TS Awareness month with a support group meeting at her home in Taunton, MA. Lots of topics came up. We had a wonderful turnout for our support group meeting and had 17 people in attendance including adults and kids. We handed out the Inspire bracelets to everyone that came, and gave information to those that needed it as well as came up with great conversations.
Book signing of "It's Not Profanity"
April 30, 2010 at Emerson College
Author Matt DeFaveri, who was diagnosed with TS at age six, was available to sign copies of his book "It's Not Profanity". The proceeds of the sales of his book went to our MA Chapter.
What: TSA-MA Announcement
January 2010
We are pleased to announce some new changes that have taken effect over the past several months. Read our January 2010 Announcement.
(Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.)
We are also looking for people interested in helping plan an Educational Conference here in MA, if you would like to be contacted to help with this please let us know.
Please also let us know if you would like to become a volunteer with our board, help plan an event, start a support group in your area, or want to be listed
as an email support volunteer on our site. If you are doing a fundraiser to benefit our MA Chapter, please let us know.
We would be happy to put that information on our website.
If you haven’t already done so, we strongly urge you to become a member of the National Tourette Syndrome
Association. You will be supporting the services of both the national organization and the Massachusetts chapter, since a portion of your dues
comes back to our chapter. You can find membership information on the National Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. website or by calling the national office at (718) 224-2999
Macy's Shop For A Cause Fundraiser
Saturday, October 17, 2009 - All Day Event
This was our fourth year of doing this fundraiser. This one-day shopping event held at Macy's stores nationwide is one of the many ways Macy's gives back to our community through support of local non-profit organizations!
First Annual OCD Awareness Week
October 12- October 18, 2009
First annual OCD (Obsessive Compulisve Disorder) Awareness Week. To find our more please visit the OCF website or vist their Boston Affiliate site for information
regarding local resources for people with OCD.
"Back-to-School: Making Successful Transitions" Teleconference
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Speaker: Kathy Giordano, BA - TSA Education Specialist
Moderator: Nancy A. Quinn, BA,BS - TSA Project Developer
The National Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) and the TSA Education Committee offered an informative telephone conference aimed at easing back-to-school transitions for students with Tourette Syndrome (TS).
Is your child:
* Attending a new school?
* Joining a new class?
* Going to have a new teacher?
* Parents, families and caregivers with "school transition" questions and needs as they pertain to students attending a new school, new grade or a teacher new to them.
TSA-MA Day long, Family Event - Walking Tour around Salem, MA with Crow Brother Productions and Bewitched in Salem
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Had a nice turnout for our event, we had about 32 people from our Chapter. We were treated to a free tour of the Salem Witch Museum earlier in the day by Roger Watras (Crow Brother Productions)
and Bill Lazdowski (Bewitched in Salem), whom both worked hard to put everything together for us. Roger was
the one who had approached us from the beginning to set something up to show others that you can overcome
difficulties that you are faced with. Later on in the day, we were treated with a free walking tour with Roger as
our guide explaining about the history of Salem. It was a wonderful event and everyone had a nice time.
The National Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. would like to inform you about an upcoming episode of "NOVA,"
entitled "Musical Minds" which will air on Tuesday, June 30 at 8:00 pm EST. Please check your local PBS listings for exact
stations and times.
In this program, Dr. Oliver Sacks, world-renowned neurologist and author, explores how the power of music can
make the brain come alive, how music affects the brain and how it can impact some neurological disorders.
New York State percussionist Matt Giordano, and his mother, Kathy, appear in the show. Matt, who has Tourette Syndrome, talks about the impact
of music on his life. This documentary was filmed in 2008 and originally aired on the BBC in the UK last year.
Dr. Oliver Sacks' long list of books include Awakenings (the film version starred Robin Williams as Dr. Sacks),
The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, Oaxaca Journal and An Anthropologist on Mars. His most recent is Musicophilia Tales of Music and the Brain.
Features Matt Giordano, Tobias Picker and other individuals with Tourette Syndrome.
New Support Group Formed in Millbury, MA
The group met at the Millbury Public Library in Millbury, MA on Thursday, May 28, 2009. If you are intersted in this group, please contact Kristi Cromwell kcromwell11@yahoo.com
"Phoebe in Wonderland" - Features Actress Elle Fanning as a Young Girl with Tourette Syndrome
March 5, 2009 in select cities, now available on DVD
The National Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. would like to inform you of the theatrical release
of Phoebe in Wonderland this Friday, March 6. This fictional, highly creative story features Elle Fanning
as the title character, Phoebe, who has Tourette Syndrome. Although TS is not the main focus of the film,
the disorder plays an important role in the character's development and impacts the people around her. The
movie opened on March 5, 2009 in the following select cities: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston,
Washington, D.C., Seattle, Miami and Dallas.
In addition, here is a "must do" for all movie fans out there who would also like to support the programs of the
Tourette Syndrome Association. As a tie-in to the premiere of Phoebe in Wonderland, an auction of movie costumes,
props and other memorabilia will be held on eBay with 100% of the proceeds going to the Tourette Syndrome Association.
Just go to the Phoebe in Wonderland auction
page and click on the special charity auction box at the top of the page. Not only will you be bidding on unique items for
home, office or gifts, but you'll also be helping TSA provide the necessary services to meet the needs of people with TS.
National TSA Youth Ambassador Leadership Training
March 10-13, 2009 in Alexandria, VA
There were 3 teams from Massachusetts. "The Youth Ambassador program trains teens to advocate for themselves and for others
and to educate their peers and younger children with accurate information by going into classrooms, schools and clubs to teach
understanding, sensitivity and tolerance of TS and its symptoms while displacing the myths and stereotypes that are often attributed
to and associated with this misunderstood and misdiagnosed disorder."
We have added the articles from each of the Youth Ambassadors interviews
Hallmark Hall of Fame - Front of the Class
Front of the Class" DVD Now Available at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores & Accompanying Teacher's Guide Available from TSA
An Inspiring, True Story about a Young Man's Triumph over Tourette Syndrome on CBS.
If you are looking to purchase a DVD of the movie, unfortunately, TSA does not own the rights to the
movie so they cannot offer it for sale to our members. If the store nearest you does not have it in stock, any Hallmark Crown Store will be able to order it for you.
It will not be available for online purchase and only available in Hallmark store.
Macy's Shop For A Cause Fundraiser
September 20, 2008
This was our third year of doing this fundraiser. This one-day shopping event held at Macy's stores nationwide is one of the many ways Macy's gives back to our community through support of local non-profit organizations!
Family Fun Night at the Brockton Rox
August 17, 2008
Families enjoyed an evening of baseball fun at the Brockton Rox game in Brockton. We were able to play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game and get autographs from the players. Approximately 30 people attended, socialized, and enjoyed a triumphant game by the Brockton Rox against the Worcester Tornadoes with a win of 4-2.
National Tourette Syndrome Association 2008 National Conference
Alexandria, VA
April 2008
Massachusetts TSA board members and their families went to Washington, DC for a “Trip to the Hill” to lobby state senators and representatives for TS issues and appropriations. Read President Dawn Erickson's account of the event. View photos from the event.
Family Event at Plimoth Plantation
July 15, 2007
TSA members toured the Plantation to see what life was like for the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. Many families attended, loved socializing with each other, and enjoyed the beautiful warm and sunny day. Approximately 60 people attended this event.
Parent Training Workshop
Worcester Hotel & Conference Center, Worcester, MA
June 2007
Kathy Giordano, National Tourette Syndrome Association Education Advocacy Specialist, discussed how TS affects school performance, advocating for appropriate services, and gave an overview of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act) and its impact on students with TS (positive behavior and interventions instead of reactive punishment) and baggage (what not to take with you during a meeting).
National Tourette Syndrome Association 2007 National Conference
Alexandria, VA
April 2007
Massachusetts TSA board members and their families went to Washington, DC for a “Trip to the Hill” to lobby state senators and representatives for TS issues and appropriations. View photos from the event.
Worcester Sharks Family Night
March 10, 2007 Families attended an ice hockey game at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Approximately 50 people attended, socialized, and enjoyed a triumphant game by the Worcester Sharks for a win of 3-1. View photos from the event.
Informal Parent Training
Attleboro Elks
October 19, 2006
Presented by Susan Conners, National TSA Education Specialist. Approximately 50 people attended this family event filled with valuable information about Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders. Topics covered included the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act) and its implications for students with TS, IEPs, 504 Plans, learning disabilities, and advocacy.
Educators Training
October 18, 2006
With Susan Conners, Education Specialist for the National Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA). Approximately 130 teachers and allied professionals attended this informative seminar.
Massasoit Community College Disability Awareness Day April 19, 2006 Volunteers handed out information and spread awareness about Tourette Syndrome.
National Tourette Syndrome Association 2006 National Conference
Alexandria, VA
April 2006
Massachusetts TSA board members attended leadership training, 3-days of workshops, and went to Washington, DC for a “Trip to the Hill” to lobby state senators and representatives for TS issues and appropriations. View photos from the event.
School Social Work Conference
Park Plaza Boston
March 30-31, 2006
Volunteers manned a booth filled with information about TS, gave away hundreds of National’s Educator’s CDs, curriculum, and the HBO Documentary "I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me." Volunteers answered many questions from professionals who recognized some of the signs of TS with many children they were working with. This was a great outreach opportunity with social workers and allied professionals.
HBO Movie Premier Night at the New England Aquarium
November 12, 2005
Approximately 165 people from families affected by TS attended this event. They previewed the HBO award winning documentary “I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me,” then enjoyed refreshments (including making their own ice cream sundaes) and touring the aquarium. Families mingled all evening, sharing common experiences. View photos from the event.
TSA Bowling Pizza Party July 10, 2005 Families enjoyed an afternoon of bowling and pizza at Alley Cat in Kingston. Six families attended the event, socializing while meeting other families affected by TS. View photos from the event.
TSA Pirate Cruise June 26, 2005 Families enjoyed a relaxing and adventurous cruise in Plymouth Harbor. Twenty five people attended this event, and the children got to go on a treasure hunt in the high seas, learning about marine life, having crab races on deck, and shooting water from on ship cannons as a true pirate! View photos from the event.
Family Fun Night at the Lowell Spinners
July 22, 2005
Families enjoyed an evening of baseball fun at the Lowell Spinners game in Lowell. Forty people socialized at the Gator Pit, while the children enjoyed kids games and rides. This was a fun-filled evening for all.
