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Our 2026 Massachusetts' disability events newsletter continues to offer three different topic sections. Advocacy & informational trainings, recreation/Special Olympics/ sensory events, and a wide variety of transition-to-adult events and resources. Just scroll down to find them.
2026 Winter Disability Events Include:
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• MassHealth Resources/Enrollment in English & Spanish
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Let's get started on an inclusive New Year! Sharon Marie
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ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Autism: Webinar, January 14th, with the Lurie Center in Lexington. Coffee Convo presentations are free and open to the general public. The discussion will include how to identify eating difficulties that might suggest ARFID, treatment options, and strategies to optimize nutrition...Read more
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Let's Get Organized Binder Party: Byfield, January 15th, with the Arc of Greater Haverhill Newburyport. Bring the documents you would like included in your binder, such as medical, educational, future/financial planning and more.
The host will ganizing set you up with the necessary materials (binder, dividers, table of contents etc.)...Read more
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Essential Advocacy Skills Bootcamp: Webinars, January - March, 2026, with the Family Leadership Program of Massachusetts. Join a focused, four-part virtual workshop designed for parents and caregivers of school-aged children with disabilities to equip you with strategic communication methods and a framework for long-term planning. Learn systematic techniques building a compre.... Read more
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Inclusive Recreation for All Ages
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Adaptive Sit-Skiing: Wachusett Mountain in Westmister, January 15th - March 19th, with Spaulding Adaptive Sports. Designed to introduce beginners to adaptive sit ski equipment with Spaulding staff and volunteers. If you are a person with a disability and have never skied or have not skied since your disability, this program ...Read more
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Adaptive Skating : Brockton, East Boston, Fall River Gardner, Holyoke, North Adams, Worcester, with the DCR Universal Access Program. Free admission and equipment use. Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates. There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks Ice grippers for those that don't skate...Read more
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Adaptive Snowshoeing, Kick Sledding & Cross-Country Sit Skiing in Massachusetts: Goshen, Millers Falls & Weston, through March 2026, with the State of Mass DCR Universal Access Program.. Enjoy the winter woods with hiking, outdoor ice skating, cross-country and sit cross-country skiing, ice sled skating, kicksledding, or snowshoeing. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assist....Read more
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Volleyball for All Abilities: Worcester, January 26th - March 28th, with Open Sky Community Services and Worcester Volleyball Blazers. No experience needed to participate - open to all abilities/ youth up to age 24 served by Open Sky and from the community. Participants receive an introduction to volleyball, learn from trained coaches, develop...Read more
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Special Olympics Winter 2026
Braintree - Special Olympics Young Athletes/Level 1
Burlington - Special Olympics Train 4 Life Fitness
Danvers - Special Olympics Train 4 Life Fitness:
East Boston - Special Olympics Basketball Skills Center
Hamilton - Special Olympics Young Athletes/Level 1
Lynn - Special Olympics Basketball Skills Center
Marion - Special Olympics Young Athletes/Level 2
Marlborough -Open House Special Olympics Floorball
Roxbury - Special Olympics Basketball Skills Center
Salisbury - Special Olympics Pickleball
Waltham - Special Olympics Young Athletes/Level 1
Westwood - Special Olympics Basketball Skills Center
...Lots More
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Transition & Adult Events
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Understanding & Supporting Autistic Teens for Caregivers Webinar, January 12th, with the AANE in Watertown. Parents often wonder how to motivate their Autistic teens. This 90-minute workshop with time for Q&A will cover common challenges and support strategies. Topics include: A strengths-based overview of Autism in adolescence, the intersection of stress, anxiety, and behavior, strategies for building connection and reducing tension, Autism at school, and post-high school transition...Read more
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Let’s Talk About Financial Benefits for Disabilities: Webinar, January 13th, with the Charles River Center of Needham. A guide to financial benefits for adults with special needs. Learn: The difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), how to apply for benefits, MassHealth Premium...Read more
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Disability Transition Planning Community Drop In: Lunenburg, January 13th, with the Seven Hills Family Support Center. For caregivers of an individual with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism between the ages of 18-22? What will your loved one’s days look like when school-based services end? ...Read more
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Moving to Young Adult Life: Disability Transition Planning & Post Secondary Options Webinar, January 14th. PPAL workshops are meant for caregivers, family members, individuals, family partners/ peer leaders with experience supporting children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. Learn about: Key Transition Laws, Timelines, Planning Activities and Forms, Assessments, Community Services & Supports, Post-Secondary...Read more
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DDS 101: An Overview with Transition Focus: Webinar, January 28th, with the Arc of Massachusetts. Learn about the Mass Department of Developmental Services , the lead agency supporting people with intellectual and development disabilities and autism. Individuals / families benefit when they understand the system and how to develop strong connections with their DDS Area Office...Read more
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Epic Community Service for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities: Boston & Worcester, 2026-27 Service Warrior Applications deadline: January 30, 2026. EPIC Service Warriors are young people with disabilities between the ages of 16-23, who live or attend school in Massachusetts. Some Warriors enter the program with volunteer, academic, employment, and social experience, while others have had little access to their communities beyond...Read more
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"Navigating Benefits in Uncertain Times" Virtual Conference, February 20th, 2026, with the AANE of Watertown, MA. The Jody Acford Conference - Navigating Benefits in Uncertain Times" will discuss how changing federal policies and budget cuts may impact benefits and services for Autistic adults and their families. Learn from...Read more
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There's just not enough room! The buttons below will take you directly to pages dedicated to lot more disability events for specific diagnoses.
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