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Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter
Spring, Sunshine & Supports are in disability events across Massachusetts. April features an Arc of Mass Federal Advocacy Update, Autism Acceptance Month events, an AT Fair in Danvers, the Planning a Life Conference, and a Transiton-to-Adult resource fair in the Worcester communities. April Events Include:
Arc of Massachusetts Federal Advocacy Update
Temple Grandin to Speak in Randolph
Sensory-Friendly Viewing at the Boston Marathon
Epilepsy Education Conference at UMass
Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Recreation

ADA Grant with the Mass Office on Disability
"Planning a Life" Conference: Worcester & Virtual
Adult Resources Fair in Whitensville/Worcester
Send your inclusive fair or Autism Awareness month event info to us at info@spedchildmass.com. Sharon Marie
Arc of Massachusetts Federal Advocacy Updates
Arc of Massachusetts Federal Advocacy Update: 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
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
Tutoring & Assessment Services for Academic Success with Commonwealth Learning Center of Greater Boston. 1:1, Virtual & In Person, K - Adult. Research based, multsensory instruction in reading, writing and math. Executive Function Strategies. Visit https://www.commlearn.com or contact 781-444-5193
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
Massachusetts Office on Disability ADA Grant Info Sessions
Massachusetts Office on Disability ADA Grant Info Sessions. Virtual Session, April 23rd. The Municipal ADA Improvement Grant provides funding to Massachusetts cities and towns to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The FY25 application is now closed. The FY26 application will open on May 1, 2025...Read more
 4th annual Northeast Region Assistive Technology Fair Danvers MA with the Massachusetts DDS and the Northeast Arc
Assistive Technology Fair with the Department of Developmental Services: Danvers, April 30th, in partnership with the Northeast Arc. Free. Learn about a range of assistive technology products and see how assistive technology such as medication management devices, communication devices or software, mobility aids, adaptive recreation...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
Spina Bifida Association of New England Jean Driscoll Award
Spina Bifida Association of New England Jean Driscoll Award: Deadline, April 30th. The Annual Jean Driscoll Award offers up to $1,000 as a tribute to Jean Driscoll, an eight-time Boston Marathon Champion and adult with Spina Bifida. The award may be used for educational, developmental or assistive programs and needs and will be awarded to a SBAGNE constituent, age 14+... Read more
DEAF, Inc. Virtual Community Forum
DEAF, Inc. Virtual Community Forum Virtual Event, May 1 & 22nd, with Deaf Inc of Boston. DEAF, Inc is starting to plan for agency’s future – figuring the next strategic plan for 2026-2028. But first, DEAF, Inc. wants to hear from you. DEAF, Inc. community forums will ask: "What would you like to see from us? What do you feel we should continue doing? What do you feel we need to improve on?" Your comments, thoughts, ideas will help shape DEAF, Inc.’s future...Read more
Massachusetts Early Intervention Consortium 2025
Massachusetts Early Intervention Consortium : Marlborough, May 5th, Virtual Session, May 6th. Open to caregivers, and all support and education professionals working with Early Childhood and Intervention. Keynote Speaker ‘Quirky Kid’ Amy Nelson, is an autistic professional and the author of Every Bunny Can Learn: A Tail of Inclusion. Amy is Play Therapist, ECSE Clinical Social...Read more

Inclusive Recreation for All Ages

Sensory-Friendly Viewing Zone at the 2025 Boston Marathon®
Sensory-Friendly Viewing Zone at the Boston Marathon® Wellesley, with the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism. The Sensory-Friendly Viewing Zone 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 need...Read more
Camp and Disability Resource Fairs in Massachusetts
Community Camp Fairs & Disability Expos:
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
6/7: Brighton - Adaptive Recreation 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
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
Adaptive Bike Clinic: Lynn
Adaptive Bike Clinic: Lynn, April 24th, with the Northeast Arc. A hands-on clinic is for children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities and their siblings ages 5 & up. Please bring a bike and helmut - the center will not provide them. Helmets are mandatory - Parents must accompany their children. Registration required....Read more
Autism Acceptance Events in Massachusetts
Autism Acceptance Months Events in April:
* Great Barrington
- Autism Awareness & Special Needs Resource Fair: 4/19
* Boston Medical Center Virtual Autism Resource Fair: 4/24
* Beverly - Autism Touch-A-Truck Event: 4./27...Read more
Inclusive Bunny Events & Egg Hunts
* Hingham-
Inclusive Easter Bunny Bash: 4/18
* Dennis - Inclusive Easter Bunny Visit: 4/19
* Pittsfield - Sensory Friendly Egg Hunt and Bunny Event: 4/26...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.
Tanglewood Marrionttes at the JFK Library in Boston 20250510_The Dragon King_Grandmother&Crab
Tanglewood Marionettes "The Dragon King" at the JFK Library: Boston, May 10th. Appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5+. People with and without disabilities are welcome. A Quiet Space is available for anyone who needs a break from the program. Limited seats are available for people with disabilities, seniors, and others unable to sit on the floor. Children must be accompanied by an adult...Read more
Other Inclusive Team Sports
Other Inclusive Team Sports
Andover & Haverhill :
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

Swampscott: Flag Football/Track & Field....
Read more
Special Olympics Spring
Special Olympics (SOMA) Sports:
Ashburnham: SOMAl Olympics – Level 2
Burlington, Dorchester, Mendon & Worcester: SOMA Train 4 Life Fitness
Marlborough: SOMA Pickleball Clinics
Roxbury & Williamstown: SOMA Track & Field
Worcester: SOMA Young Athletes.....Read more
Adaptive Fishing for Kids & Adults in W.Springfiel
Adaptive Fishing for Kids & Adults in W.Springfield: April 23, – May 14, with CHD Disability Resources and Adapt Outdoors fishing program. Geared towards kids and adults with different ability levels. * Fishing poles, tackle and bait will be supplied but feel free to bring your own.* Bring your chairs and find a relaxing spot along ...Read more

Transition & Adult Events

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 different options....Read more
ABA Therapy   Transportation Needs   Staffing   Adult Foster Care  Home Care Services   Contact Divine Community Resources  +1 508 375 8333  or visit
"Planning a Life" - Disability Conference (College and Beyond)
"Planning a Life" - Disability Conference (College and Beyond) Worcester & Virtual Options, May 2nd & 3rd, with the FCSN in Massachusetts. For families of students on IEPs between the ages of 14 and 22 (and the students themselves) who are curious about college or would like to know more about the difference between high school and college. Find information around transition planning, with a focus on postsecondary education, independent living....Read more
Life Launch Transtion Program - designed to help young adults with disabilities gain the skills they need for a more independent future. Visit https://www.perkins.org/transition-center/life-launch/ at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA for more information
Life Launch Transition Program. Sponsored content. Is your student ready for life after high school? The Life Launch transition program is designed to help young adults with disabilities gain the skills they need for a more independent future. Students get to experience dorm-style living and work experiences that focus on real-world skills like independent living, self-advocacy, and problem-solving... Learn More.
Applying for Housing for People with disabilities in Massachusetts
Applying for Housing for People with disabilities in Massachusetts: Webinar, April 29th, with the Autism Alliance of Natick. Free. The presenter will be Catherine Boyle from Autism Housing Pathways, who will walk families through the range of affordable and subsidized housing options available to people with disabilities...Read more
Career & Living Skills in an Inclusive Environment for Students with Varying Disabilities. With the Excel Program at Bridgewater State University, for ages 18+.
Career & Living Skills in an Inclusive Environment for Students with Varying Disabilities. Sponsored content. With the Excel Program at Bridgewater State University, for ages 18+. Students in the EXCEL program share the same experiences as their college peers in the areas of academics, socialization, professional development, and independent living. In person and virtual information...More information
Berklee ABLE Music Program Summer 2025 Block_Newsletter-
Project Search Transition-to-Work Internship
Project Search Transition-to-Work Internship: Lawrence. Application must be submitted by April 25. Project SEARCH serves adults with intellectual, developmental, physical and mental health disabilities that need a year of career development, internship experience, and support to reach their goals. The program embraces interns that have other challenges such as: poverty, homelessness....Read more
Disability Transition-to-Adult Services Fair: Whitensville
Disability Transition-to-Adult Services Fair: Whitensville: April 30th, Whitensville, hosted by the Department of Developmental Services and Open Sky Community Services. Connect with local disability vendors and service providers to explore resources for transitioning into adulthood. Learn about MassHealth, Social Security, Legal Assistance, Supported Technology, Housing, Open Sky, DDS...Read more
Basic Rights in Special Education: Transition Planning.
Basic Rights in Special Education: Transition Planning. Webinar, May 5th, with the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. For families of students ages 14 & up. This presentation addresses the importance of planning, the roles of both parent/guardian and student and the student’s post-secondary vision. Discuss how to prepare for the transition planning meeting, the age of majority, and procedural due process rights for resolving disputes...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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