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Massachusetts' Sensory & Inclusive Fall Events are featured in this edition's Recreation Section. Informative disability workshops/webinars coming up will cover DDS supports, PCA services, a free durable medical equipment event and more. October Disability Events Include:
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• Understanding & Managing Meltdowns
• Department of Developmental Services Overview for Families & SEPACs
• Intro to PCA (Personal Care Attendant) Services
• Free Durable Medical Equipment & Assistive Technology Event in Worcester
• School Discipline - Know Your Rights
• Disability Financial Benefits -Transition & Beyond
• Symposium: Empowering Neurodivergent Self-Advocacy
Have an inclusive/sensory fall or holiday event coming up? Use our Submit an Event link to send us the info! Sharon Marie
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Understanding & Managing Meltdowns Family Autism Webinar: Danvers, October 15th, with the Northeast Arc's Family Support Center. Meltdowns can leave parents feeling helpless, frustrated, or overwhelmed — but there are simple ways to respond with confidence. Learn how to stay calm, understand what's really going on, and use practical tools that make a difference in the ...Read more
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Behavioral & Medication Approaches to Sleep Challenges in ASD: Webinar, October 22nd, with the Lurie Center for Autism in Lexington. This discussion will cover behavioral strategies that support healthy sleeping patterns, common challenges, and review the biological differences that result in worsening sleep issues. Review various medication approaches to sleep...Read more
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Down Syndrome Special Health Care Needs, Behavioral Needs: Virtual Group, October 25th, The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and the Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program co-host this support group for families to virutally connect with others and feel supported. October Topic: Supports for Dual Diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder...Read more
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Introduction to PCA (Personal Care Attendant) Services Webinar, October 28th, with the Charles River Center in Needham. Part of the Charles River Center's Family Workshop Series. Presented by Sarah Jefferson, Mass Family Voices Coordinator, The Federation for Children with Special Needs. Families will learn: Who qualifies for PCA services, How to get PCA services, How to hire a PCA...Read more
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School Discipline - Know Your Rights: Webinar, October 29th, with the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee in Boston. Has your child been unfairly suspended or expelled from school? Hear from advocates from Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee on the rights you have when your student is disciplined. If you require translation...Read more
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Inclusive Recreation for All Ages
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Inclusive Fall & Halloween Events:
• Beverly: Sensory-Friendly Halloween on the Hill
• Boston: Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival
• Hingham: Sensory-Friendly “Boo in the Barnyard"
• Holyoke: Inclusive Trunk or Treat
• Lexington: Sensory All Ages Harvest Fest
• Lexington: Haunted House Sensory Hours
• Medway: Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat
• Natick Mall: Sensory-Friendly Mall-O-Ween
• New Bedford: Boo at the Zoo
• Old Sturbridge: Phantoms & Fire
• Providence: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular with the Spina Bifida Association of New England
• Providence : Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Sensory-Friendly hours - 10/21 & 22
• Stockbridge: Naumkeag Pumpkin Show Sensory Hours
• Worcester: Boo in the Woods/ Polar Park...Lots More
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Adaptive Sports Day: Andover, October 11th, with Adaptive Sports NE and CP Soccer. For ages 8 - 18 from all cities and towns with a visual and/or mobility impairment. Try adaptive sports in a supportive and welcoming environment -three clinics available: Beep Baseball, Wheelchair Basketball and Adaptive Ambulatory Soccer...Read more
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Sensory Friendly Hours at the Audubon, Bristol, RI: October 12th & 28th. People with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other sensory processing sensitivities are invited to discover nature at the Center with fewer guests and a quieter environment, lower lighting and no screens. There will be a maximum of 12 visitors in the Nature Center...Read more
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Special Olympics (SOMA)
East Boston: SOMA Soccer Skills
Hanover: SOMA Pickleball Program
Haverhill: SOMA Bowling
Lawrence: SOMA Soccer & Young Athletes Level 1
Pittsfield: SOMA Pickleball Program......Read more
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"ACEing Autism" Tennis - Wayland: October 19th - November 23rd. For children with autism aged 5 to 18. To ensure personalized attention and support, each participant is paired up with one or two volunteers based on their needs. Each clinic is led by trained Program Directors and dedicated volunteers. Formal diagnosis not required...Read more
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Sensory-Friendly Days with Mass Audubon: Lincoln, October 20th. For people off all ages with Autism or any sensory sensitivities. Enjoy a peaceful visit during Sensory-Friendly Hours, when the sanctuary is closed to the public and open exclusively for individuals with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Fewer visitors, quieter...Read more
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Wheelchair Basketball for All Ages: Springfield area communities, October 22nd, with All In Barrier Free Recreation and the AIC Women and Mens basketball teams. Learn new skills, shoot hoops, play some games and have fun. Open to anybody 4 years old and older with a disability. Let the host know if you will need a sport chair. Open to stand up and seated...Read more
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Saving Lives Swim Programs: Northshore & MetroNorth: Fall 2025, with the Northeast Arc. Swimming classes are for children enrolled in Early Intervention and will be offered at multiple locations of the YMCA of the North Shore, YMCA of Metro North and JCC of the North Shore. Early Intervention services are offered free....Read more
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Adaptive Swim Lessons for Those with Visual Impairments: Boston & Quincy, through December, with Adaptive Sports New England. Program offers one on one student to teacher ratio, where swimming skills can be developed and improved. Specifically designed for those with visual or mobility impairments. Participats should demonstrate typical cognitive and behavioral...Read more
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Transition & Adult Events
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Disability Financial Benefits -Transition and Beyond: Webinar, October 14th, with the Special Needs Housing and Transition Group of Wakefield. Learn About: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) / Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), MassHealth and Medicaire. Disabled Adult Child, Child in Care Benefits, SNAP Benefits, Housing...Read more
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Be Prepared for the Disability Transition-to-Adult Years: DDS 101: Webinar, October 21st, with the Massachusetts' Department of Developmental Services.IInformation about the Department of Developmental Services as the transition from high school to life after high school approaches. How do I become eligible for DDS Services? What is the role of the DDS? What can Family Support provide...Read more
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Creating a Home : Webinar, October 22nd, with the Arc of Massachusetts. The second in The Arc’s housing series: Creating a Home will build on the previous session by exploring alternative housing models, access to services, technology that support independent living, person-centered planning for housing that meets your needs...Read more
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Planning The Future For Young Adults With Complex Support Needs: Watertown, October 23rd, with Perkins School for the Blind. Hear how to Plan for Adult Services and Supports, have an interactive panel discussion with representatives from the Department of Developmental Services, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and community-based day program agencies...Read more
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Preparing Students with Intellectual Disability: Creating Meaningful College Visits:Webinar, October 29th, with the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass. Explore the value of college visits and learn strategies to make them more meaningful and inclusive. The host will share how to highlight key locations, prioritize community events, and the impact these experiences can have on students’ motivation and confidence. Discuss how inclusive higher education programs can support these visits by sharing information about upcoming events, guiding students and families...Read more
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Guardianship is Not the Only Option: Supporting Decisions in Adulthood: Webinar, October 30th, with the Parent Professional Advocacy League of Massachusetts. Parents of youth with disabilities are often incorrectly told that the only way to remain involved in their child’s adult life is to go to court and become a legal guardian. But there are other options—including Supported Decision-Making...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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