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Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter
Massachusetts' Disability Events: Fall 2026
Sensory/Inclusive Fall and Halloween family events are happening across Massachusetts. Find them in the Recreation section of this newsletter. More disability events cover The DDS Children’s Autism Waiver Program, a Berkshire Special Ed. Conference, a Dyslexia Conference in Boston and a Transition Conference in Framingham.
• Dyslexia Conference in Boston
• Learn About the DDS Children’s Autism Waiver Program
• Berkshire County Special Needs Conference
• Dr. Temple Grandin in Norwood
• Free Medical Equipment & Assist. Tech. Event/ Worcester
• The Disability Transition Journey Conference
• Love, Sex & Autism
There's nothing spooky about it - inclusion is for everyone! Sharon Marie
Advocacy, Bully Prevention & Open Discussion Boston Special Education parent Advisory Council
Dyslexia in the Schools -When Dyslexia, ADHD & Anxiety Coexist: Boston University with online Options, October 16th, with The Dyslexia Foundation. This conference explores the complex intersections of dyslexia with ADHD, anxiety, and executive function challenges in the school setting. Topics: Managing Anxiety in Schools...Read more
Dr. Temple Grandin "Autism: The Way I See It"
Dr. Temple Grandin "Autism: The Way I See It": Norwood, October 16th, with the League School. The Autism Empowerment Gala will feature Dr. Temple Grandin, a leading autism advocate and one of the first autistic people to document the insights of her own experience. Born and raised in Boston. Dr. Grandin is a professor at...Read more
Does Your Autistic Child Struggle with Anxiety? Participate in a clincial trial today. Mass General Brigham Lurie Center for Autism. For 7 to 17 years old. Autism + Anxiety. Location: Lexington MA. Contact us 781-860-1711 or LurieCenterResearch@mgb.org or visit https://bit.ly/4w3EZX6?r=qr
Learn More About the DDS Children’s Autism Waiver Program
Learn About the DDS Children’s Autism Waiver Program: Worcester, October 20, with the Worcester SEPAC. Open Interest Request Period - October 16–30, 2026. The Children’s Autism Waiver provides in-home supports for eligible children with autism from birth to age 9, with services tailored to individual needs and goals. Learn about eligibility, services, in-home supports, therapy and skill...Read more
Family Leadership Series for Northeastern Massachusetts Families
Family Leadership Series for Massachusetts Families: Deadline to Apply for 2027 TBA. Are you a parent or caregiver of a family member with a disability who wants to build leadership skills, connect with other families, and create positive change? Learn about systems and resources, build advocacy skills, and join a supportive network...Read more
Assistive Technology Accessibility Bootcamp for High School & College Students
Assistive Technology Lending Library Open House: Danvers, October 21. Free but registration is required. The Northeast Arc's Lending Library will be open for tours, questions about AT, or inventory loans. Discover devices that can help people live fuller, more independent lives. Individuals, families, and caregivers are invited to try out technology....Read more
Tutoring & Assessments Services for Academic Success with Commonwealth Learning Center of Greater Boston. 1:1 Support, Virtual and In Person Options for K - Adult. Contact us today https://www.commlearn.com/
My Kid Is Not Going to School - What Now?
My Kid Is Not Going to School - What Now? Webinar, October 21, with PPal of Massachusetts. PPAL's Statewide meetings are meant only for family members raising children with mental health needs, and family partners. Does your child resist going to school, avoid doing schoolwork, or frequently ask to come home early? If your... Read more
Berkshire County Special Needs Community Conference
Berkshire County Special Needs Community Conference Pittsfield, October 21st, with Families Like Ours. This is your opportunity to ask questions in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment. Find keynote speakers, connection with others, an "Ask Us Anything" panel featuring individuals with lived experience...Read more
Massachusetts Association For the Education of Young Children Conference
Massachusetts Association For the Education of Young Children Conference: Holyoke, October 24th. Keynote Speaker: The Joy in the Journey: Recharging Our Passion for Play and Nurturing Self-Care with author Tom Hobson, recognized as “the voice of play-based learning." This year’s conference is designed to restore, inspire, and reconnect to the heart of their work as early childhood educators...Read more

Inclusive Recreation for All Ages

Sensory Halloween and Inclusive Fall Events for Massachusetts Families
šŸŽƒConfirm times/dates with the hosts of each venue.
Beverly -
Sensory-Friendly Halloween on the Hill
Burlington - Inclusive Trick or Treating for All Ages
Dedham - Sensory Trunk or Treat
Chicopee - Inclusive Halloween Dance
Hingham - Sensory-Friendly “Boo in the Barnyard”
Holyoke - Inclusive Halloween Trunk or Treat:
Medway - Sensory Friendly Hayride
Lexington - Sensory- Friendly Haunted House
Providence - 10/20, Sensory Friendly hours at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Stockbridge - The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show Sensory Hours......Lots More!
Free Durable Medical Equipment & Assistive Technology Event in Worcester
Free Durable Medical Equipment & Assistive Technology Event: Worcester, October 17, with REquipment DME Reuse Program. Get free refurbished equipment.Request in advance - plenty more to choose from onsite. Find gently used, refurbished wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, assistive tech...Read more
"The Nutcracker" Sensory-Friendly Performance - November 27th, Weston MA https://www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker
Sensory-Friendly All Ages Family Photos: Burlington
Sensory-Friendly All Ages Family Photos: Burlington: October 17, with the Burlington Recreation Department Therapeutic Recreation Division. Registration and fees apply. This event is only for families who have a loved one with a disability. A sensory friendly environment for a mini photo session, sensory items/toys and break spaces...Read more
All Aboard Accessible and Adaptive Cycling for Everyone
All Aboard Accessible & Adaptive Cycling for Everyone: Natick, October 17th. The Town of Natick presents All Aboard and All Out Adventures, who will bring adaptive and accessible tricycles and bicycles. This program is for people with mobility concerns, who identify as having a disability, or who are ready to experience accessible cycling on a variety of cycles. Free to riders but registration is required. Staff will ensure a proper fit, and volunteers are available to accompany riders...Read more
Wings for AutismĀ®
Wings for Autism® Boston Logan Airport, November 7, with the Charles River Center of Needham. Free but registration is required. Specifically designed to support families of children with autism. Wings for Autism® events are a "test run" through the airport boarding process. Families are able to practice: Entering the Airport, the Check-in...Read more
Aspire enables children and adults with disabilities to discover their interests and build a life around what matters most. Discover our services for Central and Northern Massachusetts communities today! Call 800-906-5088 or visit https://allinc.org/adult-services/
Sensory Friendly & Autism Acceptance Game with the Worcester Railers
Sensory Friendly & Autism Acceptance Game with the Worcester Railers: November 8. A sensory-friendly game and Autism Acceptance Afternoon with decreased auditory and visual stimulation for those with sensory sensitivities. The Railers often change some aspects of the game operations for sensory accommdations, such a...Read more
Saving Lives Swim Programs: Northshore & MetroNorth
Saving Lives Swim Programs: Northshore & MetroNorth: Fall 2026, with the Northeast Arc, and the YMCAs of the North Shore and Metro North, and JCC of the North Shore. Children can acclimate to the water while parents learn about the importance of supervision for drowning prevention. The Northeast Arc Early...Read more
Adaptive & Para Sports Day in Medford
Adaptive & Para Sports Day in Medford: November 1. For all Ages. Free. Join Adaptive Sports New England and local adaptive sports organizations for a day full of fun, games and new experiences. Designed to introduce Paralympic sports and skills to participants with a mobility or visual impairment. Try curling, tennis, skiing, wheelchair lacrosse, wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, rowing, beep baseball...Read more

Transition & Adult Events

EXCEL at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA, Inclusive Post Secondary and Vocational Programs for Students with Varying Disabilities Ages 18+. Open houses on September 10, October 13, and November 19. For more information visit  https://www.bridgew.edu/academics/EXCEL-program
Love, Sex & Autism
Love, Sex & Autism: Webinar, October 22, with the AANE of Watertown. Love, Sex, and Autism: Practical Guidance for Authentic Intimacy - Exploring love, sex, and intimacy in the lives of Autistic adults. The session will challenge common misconceptions about autism and relationships while offering a more informed and empathetic look at intimacy, communication, sensory differences, and connection...Read more
"Learning About Housing" for Families with Disabilities
"Learning About Housing" for Families with Disabilities: Webinar Series, October 17 - December 19, with Autism Housing Pathways /FCSN. In this series families are guided through options that might be appropriate for their family member. Topics include resources for housing, assessing skills & supports, applying for housing, paying...Read more
Moving to Young Adult Life: Disability Transition Planning & Post Secondary Options
Moving to Young Adult Life: Disability Transition Planning & Post Secondary Options : Webinar, October 19, with PPal of Massachusetts. For those with experience supporting children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. Learn about: Transition Laws, Transition Planning Activities, Transition Assessments, Community Services..Read more
Disability Transition-to-Adult Resource Fair: Townsend
Disability Transition-to-Adult Resource Fair: Townsend, October 20, hosted by the North Middlesex Regional School District and North Middlesex SEPAC. For students in grades 8-12 with an IEP or 504 Plan, caregivers and support staff. Find programs for students who do not want to attend college and college transition programs for students who need additional assistance post HS graduation. ....Read more
TransitionĀ Conference:Ā TheĀ Disability TransitionĀ Journey
Transition Conference: The Disability Transition Journey: Framingham, October 24th, with The Arc of Massachusetts. For families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism .Panel discussions will highlight real‑world experiences and lessons learned from those who have navigated the journey, gain information about eligibility, services, programs offered through government...Read more
Practical Strategies for Home, Community & Transitions
Practical Strategies for Home, Community & Transitions: Webinar, October 27, with the Autism Alliance of Metrowest. Through relatable examples like getting out the door in the morning, grocery store trips, leaving the park, or navigating an unexpected change in plans, participants will gain tools to make routines and transitions smoother....Read more
Caring for the Caregiver: Strategies for Your Own Well-Being
Caring for the Caregiver: Strategies for Your Own Well-Being: Webinar, November 3rd, with The Center on Down Syndrome & Aging at the Mass Down Syndrome Congress. The progressive nature of Alzheimer’s requires caregivers to find sustainable ways to replenish themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. This session helps you recognize the early warning signs of stress and...Read more

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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