Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter AUGUST 2022
Massachusetts' disability events in June offer Adaptive Kayaking, Sailing, Sled Hockey & Swimming, plus learning opportunities at the Epilepsy Education Conference.
Transition-to-adult events focus on social programs, such as Acting & Improve and the Young Leaders Rising.
More Events Include:
• Disability Law Center Community Forums
• ADHD Disparities in Black & Brown Communities
• Guidance for SEPACs Summer School
Transition-to-Adult Events Include:
• Problem-Solving Transition-to-Adult Webinars
• Housing Models for People w/ Developmental Disabilities
• Friendship Social for All Abilities
Summer is finally here and the inclusive opportunities for our families are just warming up! Sharon Marie
Disability Law Center Community Forums for Massachusetts' Families
Disability Law Center Virtual Community Forums: June 23rd & July 12th. Free and open to the public. The Disability Law Center in Boston is looking for your expertise on the issues you face as a person or a family member of a person with a disability. They will be using the information you give to make sure they are using their resources in the areas the disability community needs it most....Read more
Beyond Caregiving: Reclaiming Your Energy & Emotions
Beyond Caregiving: Reclaiming Your Energy & Emotions Mattaposiett, June 24th, with the Northeast Family Leadership Program of Massachusetts. A Compassion Fatigue workshop for parents and caregivers of loved ones with disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health challenges. It can lead to burnout, physical and emotional...Read more
Commonwealth Learning Center - Tutoring & Assessment Services for Academic Succsss   1:1 , Virtual and In person for K - Adult  Research Based, MultiSensory Instruction in Reading, Writing & Math, Executive Function Strategies, College Application Support  visit www.commlearn.com
Parent Consultant Training Institute For Massachusetts Families: Summer 2023
Parent Consultant Training Institute For Massachusetts Families: Summer 2023 Online, June 26th - September 1st, with The FCSN PCTI program in Massachusetts. Virtual and in person options. An intensive training program designed to provide families and professionals with a solid foundation in special education laws and procedures. Open all levels and...Read more
ADHD Disparities in Black & Brown Communinities
ADHD Disparities in Black & Brown Communities: Webinar, June 29th, with The Northeast Regional Center of CHADD. Free. Review the inequities and the impact of symptoms that create great challenges if not treated, particularly in marginalized populations. Speaker Shirelle F. Pearson sought resources to support her ADHD-diagnosed son...Read more
Guidance for SEPACs Summer School Workshop
Guidance for SEPACs Summer School Workshops: Webinar, July 28th & Summer 2023 with the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Massachusetts. Free. A topic will be introduced with some learning goals, and there will be questions and comments and sharing best practices. Hear from experts in the field – fellow SEPAC officers...Read more
Do you or someone you know have challenges with Communication and Social Interaction? MassGeneral for Children. In This Research Study,  we are looking to find out whether an investigational drug might improve the symptoms of ASD that often make social interaction challenging. For more information contact the MGH Lurie Center for Autism 781-860-1711 or LurieCenterResearch@partners.org
Operation House Call: Introduction & How to Get Involved
Operation House Call: Introduction & How to Get Involved Webinar, June 28th. The Arc of Massachusetts' Operation House Call program is seeking new self-advocate co-teachers and volunteer host families. This program educates future medical professionals at six major medical and nursing schools, providing invaluable guidance regarding the quality of care for patients with IDD and autism. ...Read more
deas for Promoting Play Autism training
Ideas for Promoting Play Autism training: Webinar, June 28th, with the May Institute in Randolph: Free, for parents and caregivers of young autistic learners. Discuss the importance of play, and how to help your child develop play skills through reciprocal imitation. Young children learn to navigate the world through play. Play helps ...Read more
UMass Epilepsy Education Conference: Worcester
Epilepsy Education Conference: Worcester, June 29th, with Clark University. The UMass Epilepsy Education Conference is an opportunity for patients and families impacted by epilepsy to learn, share, ask and connect.
Speakers: Dr. Pegah Afra is affiliated with UMass Memorial Health and specializes in Neurology. Chris ...Read more

Inclusive Recreation - All Ages

Adaptive Swimming: Brewster
Adaptive Swimming: Brewster, MA, through July 28th, with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. Adaptive Swim sessions focus on basic swim skill development and increasing comfort in the water. The 45-minute sessions are open to all abilities and individuals to meet each person's goals, whether you are new to swimming or looking to improve on skill you already have....Read more
Sensory-Friendly Evenings at the Botanic Gardens
Sensory-Friendly Evenings at the Botanic Gardens: Boylston, June 28th. In partnership with HMEA’s Autism Resource Central, for individuals and families of all ages seeking a low-sensory, less crowded environment. Explore the gardens after hours, enjoy designated quiet spaces, art projects, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities for all ages. Tickets must be reserved in advance....Read more
Berklee ABLE Able Sessions /  Summer Music Program for People with Disabilities Ages 9 - 17. For more information visit https://college.berklee.edu/berklee-institute-arts-education-and-special-needs/day-sessions-able-arts-better-lives-everyone or contact  https://college.berklee.edu/berklee-institute-arts-education-and-special-needs/day-sessions-able-arts-better-lives-everyone
Western Mass Down Syndrome Congress Summer Family Gathering
Western Mass Down Syndrome Congress Summer Family Gathering: Florence, July 1th, with the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Free. For all ages, caregivers, family members & friends. Join a fun afternoon at the park. Families will have access to the picnic tables/mini shelter, the playground and splash pad, so bring your bathing suit if you want to cool...Read more
Sensory-Friendly Open Barnyard in Hingham
Sensory-Friendly Open Barnyard in Hingham: July 1st, 2023. A dedicated hour for families with disabilities, providing a reduced number of guests and quieter sensory friendly environment. Meet goats, sheep, chickens and Galloway cattle. The barnyard will be closed to the general public and headcount is limited. Pre-registration...Read more
Try Out Sled Hockey Skate Event for Disabilities in Western Mass
Try Out Sled Hockey Skate Event for Disabilities in Western Mass: Westfield, July 9th. With The Center for Human Development's All In program and the Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey team. For anyone over the age of 4 up to adults. CHD will have equipment for anyone interested in trying a sled. Open to kids and adults...Read more
Confidence Connection Autism Supports - Summer 2023 for Greater Boston. Ages 3 - 18. For more information visit http://www.confidenceconnection.org/summer-social-skills-program.html or contact 781-433-9890
Adaptive Kayaking for Kids in Massachusetts
Adaptive Kayaking for Kids July 8th - August 24th, Ayer, Boston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Waltham. Free. For youth with disasbilites up to age 21. Waypoint Adventure Summer Nights ....Read more
Adaptive Kayaking for Adults
Adaptive Kayaking for Adults: July 8th - August 24th, Ayer, Boston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Milton, Stoneham, Waltham. Waypoint Adventure makes kayaking programs accessible by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, selecting accessible locations, recruiting & training volunteers, and creating an environment conducive to all styles of learning and socialization. * All programs are based on the...Read more
Inclusive Sailing Programs for Those with Disabilities
Inclusive Sailing Programs for Those with Disabilities: East Boston, Spring & Summer 2023, with Piers Park Sailing. Enrollment for residents & students with disabilities in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop opened April 1st. * All other residents in Massachusetts - Enrollment opens May 1st. Piers Park's Sailing grams are inclusive and about 1/3 of participants have cognitive or physical...Read more
Adult Family Care Support and Tax Free-Payment for Waltham and Surrounding Area Caregivers of Individuals Age 18. Contact Opportunities for Inclusion 781-755-2228
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education BIAAE  Arts Education Programs Graduate Progarms and Courses Professional Developement  Choose your format: In person or on line. Viist berklee.edu/biaae
Bay State Games Para Track & Field Meet
Bay State Games Para Track & Field Meet: Weston, July 15th - Registration deadline July 5th. For all ages. Participants must be age 8 by July 16, 2023. Divisions : Para-track standing and Para-track wheelchair. Participants will be classified by ages. Male and Female Divisions. Athletes must also meet at least one of the criteria: A full time resident of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont, A full time student at a recognized..Read more

    Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts
    Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts: Sand beach wheelchairs and floating beach wheelchairs are provided in Massachusetts state parks with the DCR Universal Access Program. Sand and sun bathing beach wheelchairs can’t enter the water. Bring your own transfer help. Because these chairs have ...Read more

    Transition & Adult Events

    Friendship Social for All Abilities in Dorchester
    Friendship Social for All Abilities in Dorchester: June 25th, with The Friendship Social of Dorchester. "Where everyone can enjoy a night out." This initiative goes out to people of all abilities. An opportunity to get together for an afternoon with food, dancing, entertainment, socializing...Read more
    Housing Models for People with Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts
    Housing Models for People with Developmental Disabilities: Webinar, June 26th, with Autism Housing Pathways in Massachusetts. AHP's Family Action Meetups are monthly opportunities for families to get together, learn about two housing models per month, and chat in depth. Each monthly meeting comprises of an overview..Read more
    Problem-Solving Transition-to-Adult Workshops
    Problem-Solving Transition-to-Adult Webinars: with the Arc of Massachusetts, June - September 2023. Virtual Navigation Help with ARC staff. * Having issues navigating services?
    * Want tips on Turning 22?* Where do you start?
    So far dates for 2023 include: July 19th, August 16,
    September 20th, October 18th, November 15th...
    Read more

      Young Leaders Rising Program for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities
      Young Leaders Rising for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities July 10th - September 1st, with Partners for Youth with Disabilities and the Mass Rehab Commission. Free. For Massachusetts students with any disability ages 14 - 22. Topics include: Let’s Get Ready to Work & Earn Money, Education, Independent Living...Read more
      Acting, Improv & Music/Poetry for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities
      Acting, Improv & Music/Poetry for Teens & Young Adults: Boston, July 10th - August 4th. Open to youth ages 14-22 with or without disabilities. Free. Partners for Youth with Disabilities Access to Theater accepts all levels of experience. Explore: Acting & Improv, Dance & Percussion...Read more
      Leader in Training - Summer 2023: Lexington
      Leader in Training - Summer 2023: With the Lexington, MA, Recreation Department. Session 1: July 10th - July 21st. Session 2: July 24th - August 4th. Session 3: August 7th - August 18th. Create meaningful relationships, learn new skills, participate in leadership opportunities, and gain hands-on experience in a summer camp setting...Read more
      Be Empowered Girl Group for Those with Special Needs 13+
      Be Empowered Girl Group for Those with Special Needs 13+ Hadley / Northampton, July 10th - August 19th, with Whole Children of Western Massachusetts. During the first half of class learn about women in history while also talking about our own experiences. Spend the second half learning verbal and physical self-defense skills...Read more
      Advertise your therapeutic  Recreation ,  School or Disability Supports to our Readers. Contact us today!  info@spedchildmass.com or 508-303-3424
      AD Newsletter Signup Page Website 300 w x 225 JUNE 2022
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      There's just not enough room! Find lots more events and recreation on our category tabs on our website. Below are our pages dedicated to specific disability challenges and needs.

      Assistive Technology/Medically Complex Events in Massachusetts

      Autism & Asperger Workshops & Events in Massachusetts

      Special Needs Financial & Legal Help in Massachusetts

      Down Syndrome & II/ID Events in Massachusetts

      Recreation for Families with Special Needs in Massachusetts

      Family Mental Health Workshops in Massachusetts

      Special Needs Camps & Camp Fairs Massachusetts