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Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter AUGUST 2022
Beach & Floating Wheelchairs, Accessible Pools and Spray Decks in State Parks are again featured in this week's newsletter, along with more summer disability workshops.
Transition-to-adult events feature an Adult DDS Services workshop in Spanish and the Leader-in-Training program. More Events Include:
Lots of Inclusive Summer Recreation
• SEPAC Summer School Workshop
• Grant for New England Therapeutic Programs
• Housing Models for People with Dev. Disabilities
• Problem-Solving Transition-to-Adult Webinars
• Young Leaders Rising Program
We hope that you are staying cool and taking time to enjoy an inclusive summer whenever possible! Sharon Marie
SEPAC Workshop Ideas, Publicity & Zoom Summer School Workshop
SEPAC Summer School Workshop: English Learners & IEPs, Involving Youth in Your SEPAC. Webinar, July 26th, with the FCSN in Massachusetts. Free. Hear from experts in the field – fellow SEPAC officers. A new topic will be introduced bi-weekly. Get information on new meeting ideas, SEPAC socials, working with cable TV, Social media...Read more
Creating Your Child’s Unique Profile: Sensory-Motor Profile Autism Workshop
Creating Your Child’s Unique Sensory-Motor Profile Autism Webinar: July 25th, with the Autism Alliance of Framingham. All age groups and all levels are welcome. Look at the 8 senses and work to understand how each child processes them. Does your child seek out or avoid certain inputs? Are they overreactive or under reactive? Discuss ...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
Positive Behavior Support & Community Resources
Positive Behavior Support & Community Resources: Springfield, July 25th, with Kehillah at the Springfield JCC. Free. Kehillah families, parents, and caregivers are invited to discuss Positive Behavior Supports and Community Resources, break down information to support families and caregivers in the home, in school, and in the...Read more
Parent Consultant Training Institute For Massachusetts Families: Summer 2023
Parent Consultant Training Institute For Massachusetts Families: Summer 2023 Online, through 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...Read more
The IEP: Strategies to Help You Better Advocate for Your Child
The IEP: Strategies to Help You Better Advocate for Your Child: Webinar, August 3rd, with the North Reading SEPAC. Navigating IEPs can be challenging. If you know what to ask for, and how to ask for it, this can help a lot. Join Joann Lebherz, a special education advocate, and Dr. Eileen Crehan, licensed clinical psychologist and researcher at...Read more
Seeking Volunteers for Down Syndrome Research! Massachusetts General Hospital is pioneering a study using natural light therapy to improve language in 16 - 35 year olds with Down Syndrome.  The treatment used in this research is investigational and participants receive compensation.  Complete our easy online survey! http://redcap.link/transphomds  Contact us to learn more!  Phone 617-724-4539  Email pbm@mgh.harvard.edu
Grant for Special Needs Families in Massachusetts
Grant for New England Area Therapeutic Programs. Applications accepted through September 30th, with the Genesis Foundation of MA. A limited number of grants available to fund clinical, educational, and therapy programs for children and young adults with genetic disorders, rare diseases, and intellectual and physical disabilities...Read more
Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Spray Decks
Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Spray Decks & Wading Pools in State Parks. Find accessible swimming pools, wading pools, and spray decks with the Massachusetts' Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) Universal Access Program.
* All DCR swimming pools have outdoor chair lifts to provide access to the water.
* Several pools also have ramps into the water or offer zero-depth entry.
* Select pools and spray decks also have beach wheelchairs for use.
* All of DCR pools have self-latching security...Read more
Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts
Accessible 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

Cape Cod - Accessible Beaches List
Cape Cod - Accessible Beaches List . Different beaches offer a different accommodations, such as handicapped accessible restrooms, Mobi-Chairs, wheelchair accessl deck to the beach and more. Always call ahead to confirm availability. Cape towns that offer accommodations include: Craigsville, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Orleans Provincetown, West ...Read more

Inclusive Recreation & More Swimming Opportunites!

Easterseals Ma Adaptive Swim: Worcester
Easterseals Ma Adaptive Swim: Worcester, through August 15th. Free. For ages 5 -12, and 13+. In partnership with the Massachusetts' Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Universal Access Program. Pool is fully accessible. These are not swim lessons. Led by aquatics instructors and a lifeguard. Join fun safety activities and water games that maximize independence..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.. Piers Park's Sailing grams are inclusive and about 1/3 of participants have cognitive or physical...Read more
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
Inclusive Pickleball: Andover
Inclusive Pickleball: Andover. July 22nd, with Special Olympics Massachusetts and Andover Recreation for ages 16+. A fully inclusive pickleball tournament that brings pickleball enthusiasts and the greater North Shore community together in support of Special Olympics Massachusetts. * The community event will offer...Read more
Sensory-Friendly Picnic: Douglas
Sensory-Friendly Picnic: Douglas, July 22nd, with Picnic at the Park in Douglas, MA. The 1st annual Sensory Friendly Picnic at the Park. Community Event. Come meet your neighbors. This event will feature Quiet Music, Becky's Ballon Animals, Face Painting, Water Balloon Toss, Mr. Ice Guys Treats, Bubbles, Plushy corner - bring your favorite plushy or blankie, Yard Games...Read more
Adaptive Horseback Riding
Adaptive Horseback Riding: East Longmeadow, through August 24th, weekly four day sessions that you can sign up for separately. The Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center inclusive summer program offers children ages 4 the chance to: Learn and actively participate in bathing, grooming and feeding of horses, their body language, habit...Read more
Sensory Friendly Events at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem
Sensory-Friendly Summer Mornings at the Museum: Peabody, July 26th, 10 a.m. - Noon. Free to families that belong to the Northeast Arc. For all others, please inquire about the fees. The museum is typically closed during those times, so it will be quiet for visitors. The museum will have Sensory Bags, Groups Entrance and Space open...Read more
Adaptive Kayaking for Kids in Massachusetts
Adaptive Kayaking for Kids Through August 24th, Ayer, Boston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Waltham. Free. For youth with disasbilites up to age 21. Waypoint Adventure Summer Nights offers and opportunity to strengthen your kayaking skills with adaptive equipment...Read more
Adaptive Kayaking for Adults
Adaptive Kayaking for Adults: Through 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
Try Out Sled Hockey Skate Event for Disabilities in Western Mass
Try Out Sled Hockey Skate Event for Disabilities in Western Mass: Westfield, August 5th. 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
Summer Sled Hockey in Everett
Summer Sled Hockey: Everett & Wilmington, now and through August. Sled hockey enables youth and adults to play hockey seated position with blades beneath them. Sessions are open to able-bodied friends and family member as well. Coaching and equipment are provided to...Read more
Wheelchair Tennis Lessons for Youth
Wheelchair Tennis Lessons for Youth: Hanover, July 30th. Free. With Southcoast Wheelchair Tennis. For beginner to Intermediate Player Levels ages 18 and under. Learn fun games, drills, skills and mobility. Coaches and volunteers are welcomed. Sports wheelchairs available but must be reserved in advance. All tennis equipment provided....Read more

Transition & Adult Events

August 18th Info Session! Career  & Living Skills in an Inclusive College Environment for Students with Varying Disabilities for Ages 18+.  Available Opporuntity for Vocational Training!  Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA. https://www.bridgew.edu/academics/EXCEL-program
DDS Self-Directed Adult Disability Services in Massachusetts in Spanish
Self-Directed Adult Disability Services in Massachusetts - in Spanish: Webinar, July 21st, with the Massachusetts' Department of Developmental Services. Hear how participants and their families can design individualized services to meet their needs though the Participant Directed Program or Agency with Choice services. The individual and family have authority and responsibility over a budget and can decide...Read more
Housing options for people with disabilities in Massachusetts
Housing Models for People with Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts: Webinar, July 24th, with Autism Housing Pathways in Massachusetts. These 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: An overview...Read more
Leader in Training – Summer 2023: Lexington
Leader in Training – Summer 2023: With the Lexington, MA, Recreation Department. Session 2, July 24th – August 4th. Session 3, August 7th – 18th. Participants will create meaningful relationships, learn new skills, participate in leadership opportunities, and gain hands-on experience in a summer camp setting. Applicants of all abilities...Read more
Young Leaders Rising Program for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities
Young Leaders Rising for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities: Through 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
Problem-Solving Transition-to-Adult Workshops
Problem-Solving Transition-to-Adult Webinars: with the Arc of Massachusetts, through 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: August 16, September 20th, October 18th, November 15th...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