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Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter
Newsleter April 2025
Finally - its April. Spring into Massachusetts disability and Autism Acceptance month events such as sensory "Bunny Cares", Arc of Mass Federal Advocacy Updates, a Disability Legislative Breakast, and Transiton-to-Adult resource fairs.
April Events Include:

Temple Grandin to Speak in Randolph
• Parenting Children w/ Extensive Support/Medical Needs
• Sensory-Friendly Viewing at the Boston Marathon
• Profound Autism Conference: Boston
Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Recreation

Arts Better the Lives of Everyone Conference
• Adult Resource Events in Danvers, Lexington & Beverly
• Social Security & Social Security Disability
Have an inclusive fair or Autism Awareness month event? Send the details to info@spedchildmass.com! Sharon Marie
Temple Grandin to Speak in Randolph
Temple Grandin to Speak in Randolph: April 22nd. Autism, the Way I See It - Open to the Public. Dr. Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures, Emergence -Labled Autistic, and more, is a world-renowned autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor, serving as an inspiration and role model to families and persons with autism. Temple will candidly describe her challenges, glimpses into her childhood, and offer ideas on how others dealing with autism can meet obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. Temple will share her insights on all types of thinkers..Read more
Perspectives on Parenting Children with Extensive Support & Medical Needs Campus School at Boston College
Perspectives on Parenting Children with Extensive Support & Medical Needs: Boston, April 4th, with Campus School at Boston College. Speakers: Nancy Frates - Nancy's son Peter was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 27 and inspired the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Dr. Katie Huth is a pediatrician in the Complex Care Service Outpatient Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Maura Sullivan is Chief ...Read more
Can wearable devices detect anxiety? Lurie Center for Autism and Mass General Brigham Anxiety & ASD Research Study. Study for ages 7 - 17 years old. Paid up to $50. Find out more by contacting 781-860-1711 or visit  https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/anxiety_asd_youth
Bureau of Special Education Appeals "Mediation & Facilitation"
Bureau of Special Education Appeals "Mediation & Facilitation": Webinar, April 7th, with the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals. To ensure that they are meeting the needs of families and school districts, the Mediators at the Massachusetts' BSEA are offering informational Zoom sessions on BSEA Mediation and Facilitation. Families, Students, Educators...Read more
Autism Advocacy Day in Massachusetts
Autism Advocacy Day: Boston, April 8th, with Advocates for Autism. Advocating for Rights & Opportunities across the Spectrum of Need. Join self-advocates, family members, caregivers, professionals, and state officials as they honor legislative champions of the autism community: Representative Christine Barber and Senator...Read more
Profound Autism Conference in Boston
Profound Autism Conference: Boston, April 9th - 11th. This conference brings together leaders in research, medicine, treatment, advocacy, and education to discuss the needs and support of those with Profound Autism. Speakers: Dilshad D. Ali, Shanna Bahry, Dr. James Bath, Cathy Boyle of Autism Housing Pathways in Massachusetts, Dr. Timothy Buie Co-Director GI-Autism Clinic, Boston Childrens ..Read more
Early Connections Conference with Perkins School for the Blind.  Learn, connect, and ask questions for your child, student and family in a supportive environment made up of experts and families like yours—with children from birth to age 7 who are blind, deafblind, or low-vision, including those who have multiple complex disabilities https://www.perkins.org/event/early-connections-conference/  s.
Legislative Breakfast with the Metrowest DDS Citizens Advisory Board
Disability Legislative Breakfast: Framingham, April 11th. The Mass Department of Developmental Services Middlesex West area office Citizens Advisory Board is hosting a Legislative Breakfast to dialog with state legislators on how to improve and enhance community supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)...Read more
ABLE Assembly: Arts Better the Lives of Everyone Conference
ABLE Assembly: Arts Better the Lives of Everyone Conference: Boston, with Virtual option, April 11th - 13th, with the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs. A professional development opportunity in the field of arts education and for individuals with disabilities. Speakers: Conductor, violinist, and musicologist. Dr. Christopher T. F. Hanson; author of Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's, John Elder Robison; Tony Memmel, born with...Read more
Arc of Massachusetts Federal Advocacy Updates
Arc of Massachusetts Federal Advocacy Updates: Webinar, April 17th. Join The Arc of Massachusetts' Government Affairs team for a webinar focused on the federal landscape and their advocacy efforts. This session will recap The Arc's work at the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. and will outline the upcoming advocacy needed in these uncertain times...Read more
The UMass Epilepsy Education Conference
The UMass Epilepsy Education Conference: Worcester, April 24th. The UMass Epilepsy Education Conference at WorcLab in Worcester allows patients and families impacted by epilepsy to learn, share, ask and connect. Topics: Epilepsy & Memory, What your provider wants to know from you and why. About the speakers, Felicia Chu, UMass...Read more

Inclusive Recreation for All Ages

Camp and Disability Resource Fairs in Massachusetts
Community Camp Fairs & Disability Expos:
4/8: Dedham Public Schools Disability Resources Fair
4/19: Great Barrington - Autism Awareness & Special Needs Resource Fair
4/26: Franklin - Family “Disability Expo”
4/30: Danvers - Assistive Technology Fair
5/3: Athol -Inclusive Community Fair...Read more
Autism Acceptance Events in Massachusetts
Autism Acceptance Months Events in April:
* 4/5: Lynn - Autism Acceptance Day with the Lynn Disability Network
* 4/5 - Norfolk: Autism Awareness Event
* 4/19: Great Barrington: Autism Awareness & Special Needs Resource Fair...Read more
Adaptive Sailing the ACCESSail in Duxbury. FREE 90 minute sails for participants with physical and/or cognitive disabilities! Contact 781-934-7555 or peter@dbms.org
Sensory Friendly Curious George and the Golden Meatball 4059719_1_l-1428995296
Sensory-Friendly Performance of "Curious George and the Golden Meatball." Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, April 12th. Performance is specially catered to children and adults with sensory input disorders, autism, or other developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities and their families and caretakers. A judgment-free, experience for the entire family....Read more
Wheelchair Track Clinic: Boston
Wheelchair Track Clinic: Roxbury, April 16th - August 9th, with Adaptive Sports New England. Adaptive Sports New England’s 2025 Wheelchair Track Clinic is for youth athletes with a lower-body mobility impairment with good use of both arms. Learn how to use a racing chair or tune up your skills for the upcoming track season. RSVPs are required...Read more
Inclusive Passover Celebration for Families with Disabilities in Massachusetts
* Bunny Cares - MA, CT & NH & RI: April 6th . Bunny Cares events in malls across New England allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Bunny Magic photo experiences in an inclusive environment for children with sensory sensitivities. Free but advance registration required.
* Passover Celebration For Adults With Disabilities and/or Mental Health Conditions: Waltham, April 6th, with JF&CS. Free. This event helps foster social connection and community engagement for people with disabilities and mental health challenges.
* Sense-Ational Sensory Egg Hunt: Easton. April 12th, with the Easton Recreation Department. Designed to provide a welcoming & supportive environment for children with disabilities and their families ages: 2yrs-8yrs old.

Berklee ABLE Music Program Summer 2025 Block_Newsletter-
Sensory Friendly Museum Events in with the Springfield Museums
Sensory-Friendly Museum Events in Western Mass. Springfield, April 13th. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Springfield Science Museum Sensory Friendly Saturdays provide less noise, less bright light, and cool-down spaces for those who have sensory sensitivity. The museums will open early, with some exhibits modified to provide an opportunity for...Read more
Sensory-Friendly Viewing Zone at the 2025 Boston Marathon®
Sensory-Friendly Viewing Zone at the 2025 Boston Marathon® Wellesley, with the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism. The Sensory-Friendly Viewing Zone at mile 13.5 is a dedicated space for individuals who prefer a quieter, less crowded environment to experience the race. This inclusive area welcomes those with autism, disabilities, or sensory needs—because everyone deserves to enjoy...Read more
Special Olympics Spring
Special Olympics & Massachusetts Sports:
Ashburnham: Special Olympics – Level 2
Brookline: Inclusive Walking & Hiking Clubs
Concord: Inclusive Bowling for Teens & Young Adults
Wakefield:- Special Olympics Track & Field
West Springfield: Adaptive Fishing...Read more
Other Inclusive Team Sports
Other Inclusive Team Sports
Andover:
IncYOUsion Sports Soccer & Baseball
Arlington: IncYOUsion Football and Track & Field
Beverly: IncYOUsion Soccer & Baseball Sports
Canton: IncYOUsion Football & Track and Field Sports
Easton: IncYOUsion Flag Football and Track & Field
Foxboro/Norwood: Inclusive Challenger Baseball
Millis: Inclusive Teen Basketball
North Reading: TOPSoccer
Swampscott: Flag Football/Track & Field....
Read more

Transition & Adult Events

Life Launch. Build Independence.  Residential Transition Program, teaching life skills to young adults with disabilities. With Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. For more information visithttps://www.perkins.org/transition-center/life-launch/ or contact   +1 617 924 3434
Moving to Young Adulthood: Social Security & Social Security Disability
Social Security & Social Security Disability: Webinar, April 6th, with PPAL of Massachusetts. Hear about: best practices for age 18 +, initial adult claims, disability reviews, disabled adult child, new in-kind and support rules that impact claimants living w/ family or public assistance...Read more
Recruit People with Disabilities with the UMass Ability Jobs Board
Recruit People with Disabilities with Ability Jobs Board: Webinar, April 7th, with Work Without Limits at UMass Chan in Shrewsbury. The CEO of Jobs Ability will overview and demonstrate the Our Ability Jobs Board for existing and prospective subscribing organizations seeking to create a more inclusive workforce...Read more
Disability Transition-to-Adult Services Fair: Lexington
Disability Transition-to-Adult Services Fair: Lexington, April 10th, with LABBB Educational Collaborative. Free. Find local options for ages 22+ for living, recreation, financial management, legal custodial issues, and college and employment programs. There will be a panel with parents who have students 22+. All disabilities... Read more

    Inclusive College & Post-Secondary Opportunities in Massachusetts
    Inclusive College & Post-Secondary Opportunities in Massachusetts: Webinar, April 14th, the Northeast Arc in Danvers. A collaborative space for everyone involved in the person-centered transition process for individuals with disabilities from school to adult services. Topics: Getting students ready for College Success, College & Mental Health, Alternate path to success transitioning from...Read more
    Post Secondary Resource Fair For Students Who Learn Differently
    Post Secondary Resource Fair For Students Who Learn Differently: Beverly/Prides Crossing, (North Shore) April 10th. Free and open to the public. Meet representatives from college and university admissions and student support services, gap year programs, technical schools, and other non-traditional options. No RSVPs needed...Read more
    ABA Therapy   Transportation Needs   Staffing   Adult Foster Care  Home Care Services   Contact Divine Community Resources  +1 508 375 8333  or visit
    Using Technology and AI to Support Transition Outcomes
    Using Technology and AI to Support Transition Outcomes Webinar, April 15th, with Perkins School for the Blind of Watertown. Explore how assistive technology and AI can make a real difference in the transition to adulthood. Discover practical tools and strategies to support education, work, and independent living, along with creative...Read more
    Discover New Pathways to College in Massachusetts for Students with Disabilities
    Discover New Pathways to College in Massachusetts for Students with Disabilities: Haverhill, April 16th, with the Institute for Community Inclusion. Hear how the ICI at UMass Boston sponsors secondary transition services initiatives such as: Think College college-based transition services/dual enrollment activities for students with intellectual disability and/or autism; the National Coordinating Center for Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disability....Read more
    Guardianship Workshop
    Guardianship Workshop: North Attleboro, April 16th. Hear about financial management and planning issues unique to the families of individuals with special needs. Speakers will be from Albert Dolan, LUTCF & John Orthman of the Moody Street Group. Keynote speaker: Paul Bella, Esquire. Hosted by the Hockomock YMCA Integration Initiative....Read more
    Getting Started with Self Direction
    Getting Started with Self Direction: Webinar, April 25th, with the The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport. This group is for anyone who wants to learn about Self Directing their own Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services funds. Those interested in Self Direction will learn about the different options....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.

    Advertise your therapeutic  Recreation ,  School or Disability Supports to our Readers. Contact us today!  info@spedchildmass.com or 508-303-3424
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