Junior Board Member Honored for Commitment to Disabled Community
Lisa Splitlog, posted May 12, 2009.
Music For Autism (M4A) Junior Board member Joshua Stein was the honoree of the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual luncheon on May 12, 2009, at Rockefeller Center. Stein was recognized for his work in non-classroom based inclusion for the Down syndrome community. In 2003, he co-founded Camp PALS, a weeklong, summer, inclusion camp for teenagers and young adults with Down syndrome. Over the past five years, the program has become the leading initiative of its type in the United States.
Camp PALS connects teens with and without Down syndrome through interactive programming. The camp pairs campers and counselors together on a one-to-one basis. Campers and counselors play sports, enjoy performances and take trips together.
“It was a tremendous honor to be recognized by the NDSS,” said Stein. “I have always loved the concept of social entrepreneurship and Camp PALS, like M4A, provides me with a great way to take ideas and put them in practice.”
Added Stein, “M4A Executive Director Robert Accordino is an incredible and capable leader, and I look forward to watching M4A grow.”
“We are extremely proud of Josh’s award,” said Accordino. “He is a young hero in the Down syndrome community, and it is an honor to be able to work with him to enhance the quality of life of those with autism.”
