Newton, through Spring, 2019. Advocates in Motion is a Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Teen and Young Adult Program that provides inclusive, interactive events each month for teens and young adults 13 to 22 and their families. This year’s theme -Together we CAN! Get out into the community, working as a team, and learning about the many ways to contribute and make the world a better place.
* Through June 3rd, 2018, one Sunday each month from 12:30-3:30 at the West Suburban YMCA in Newton. Each month includes a youth session with engaging activities related to our theme and a parent session with networking and a guest speaker covering a different transition-related topic.
Fees apply, registration is required to http://mdsc.kintera.org/AIM1718.
Scholarships are available; contact Colleen Endres at cendres@mdsc.orgto
Families that are unable to commit to the full program but would still like to join in on socials from time to time can sign up as an AIM Friend for $25.
Cambridge, April 3rd, 2019. Young adults with diverse learning differences will learn about a program geared their specific needs for dorm living, student activities, and a curriculum focused on career training and independent living. Hear how students get support from faculty and staff during the two-year core program and after graduation through two programs that guide transition into the working world. Lean about their extensive network of internship providers and employers to assist students pursue their career goals.
Lexington, MA, April 3rd, 2019. Open to the public. Building a Vision Through Transition is an evening of information sharing and discussion about the Transition process for special-needs ages 14 – 22 in Massachusetts.
Worcester Family Support Center, April 3rd & 17th, 2019. The goal of this group is to empower individuals to make decisions and choices that can affect their lives in a positive manner, while having the opportunity to develop healthy relationships. Participants become more independent and learn to advocate for themselves and support each other in gaining confidence that will allow them to exercise their human rights.
Leominster, April 4th & 18th, 2019. The Parent Professional Advocacy Network (PPAL) has Transition Age Youth parent-support group for those wanting to support their young adult ages 14 – 26 with a variety of mental health challenges.
Concord-Carlisle High School Cafeteria, April 4th, 2019, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. This is an opportunity for students ages 12-22, family members, and professionals to connect with community organizations and agencies to learn more about the transition process. Representatives from state agencies and vendors will be available to discuss a range of topics, including vocational development/job preparation programs, community living options, and social/recreational programs. Over 25 Vendors will attend, including:
Hadley, April – June 1st, 2019. For adults who need help navigating the world of relationships. Part of having a healthy relationship is learning how to respect boundaries of the other people in your life. That awareness begins with knowing what your own boundaries are.
State Transportation Building in Boston, April 5th, 2019. The 2019 State Employment Career Fair is a chance for jobseekers with disabilities to learn about jobs within the Massachusetts state government. Please bring several copies of your updated resume and questions to ensure you get the most out of this experience.
Watertown, April 7th, 2019. Are you the parent of a teen who is considering college? Are you or your teen wondering what are the best and most challenging parts of college for someone on the autism spectrum (ASD)?
Worcester, MA, April 9th & 10th, 2019. The conference is combined with the MassDOT Transportation Innovation Conference to forward the conversation to collaborate in addressing transportation barriers for pedestrians, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Algonquin Regional High School Library, Northboro, MA, April 10th, 2019. Featuring local and regional special needs and disability resources in the areas of: State Agencies, Recreational, Transportation, Independent Living, Post Secondary Education, Employment, and Community Resources.
Brookline, April 10th, 2019. New England Yachad’s Young Adult Social Group offers one Wednesday each month where those with special-needs ages 16 – 25 can participate in activities in a fun, inclusive environment. Hang out with your friends and make new friends while enjoying activities like game shows, scavenger hunts, art projects and more.
Framingham, MA, April 11th, 2019. To achieve a successful transition to adulthood, an individual with special need’s transition plan must include many elements of adult living, including employment, vocational and post-secondary education, living/housing, independent living skills, recreation, leisure activities, social relationships, self-advocacy, health and safety, financial benefits and income planning.
East Bridgewater, April 12th, 2019. At the regional Easter Seal office. Through the support of Mass Rehab Commission, YLN promotes self-advocacy and self-awareness for teens and young adults with disabilities ages 16 to 21, plus opportunities for youth 14 to 26. This state-wide initiative has meetings and events in Boston, Springfield, Worcester, and East Bridgewater, and is an opportunity to make friends in local communities and within the larger Network group.
Bridgewater State University, Application Deadline is April 15th, 2019. The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an overnight conference, June 25th – 27th ,2019, for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Massachusetts and other states across the country. YLF participants build leadership skills and leave better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living.
Boston Public Library, April 17th, 2019. Free. A job-hunting workshop for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome or autism. Presented by Barbara Bissonnette, author of The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome (and similar autism spectrum profiles). The workshop features specific, step-by-step instruction on how to:
Family Support Center in Sturbridge, CHANGED to April 24th, 2019. Learn how Person Centered Planning is an effective tool to help your loved one identify and create a full and rich life. Speakers will give examples of how this process has worked for them.
Parker School, Billerica MA, April 25th, 2019. Presented by a representative from Federation for Children with Special Needs. This workshop is for caregivers and families with a special needs child looking to plan the next steps for education, day habs, training and more.
Boston, April 27th, 2018. The Massachusetts Sibling Support Network is hosting a get together for adult siblings of people with disabilities in Boston. MSSN hopes adult siblings will come to learn a bit about current sibling-related research and policy trends and to share a relaxing evening with other adult siblings.
Easton, Camp PALS at Stonehill College, June 30th -July 6th, 2019. The PALS Programs is an organization that offers immersive experiences for young adults ages 14 – 21 with Down syndrome and their peers. It consists of a week-long, sleepaway camp at college campuses across the country.
Brookline,
Worcester, April 30th, 2019. Monthly conversations with parents/caregivers around the planning steps needed to support “Steps to Independence.” These sessions will allow time for parents to network, ask questions, and make connections with other parents who have similar needs. Guest speakers will be invited to discuss various topics including different housing models such as group homes, Shared Living, Section 8, purchasing own home, etc.
JCC in Springfield, MA, through May 2019. For teens and young adults with special needs, ages 14 – 26. Participants will work on social pragmatics and friendship skills while participating in community outings. Learn independence and self advocacy while having fun doing teen activities, such as Bowling, Dinner Out, Art and Cooking Community Classes and more.
Danvers, MA, May 6th, 2019. Support groups for parents of adults/young adults ages 18 – 28 with ASD disorders. Participants share their unique concerns and insights. The target audience for this group is parents of adults (18+) who have an Aspergers profile.
Waltham, May 10th, 2018. Free. This workshop is aimed at caregivers of teens with congenital or chronic conditions as they consider how to navigate moving on from high school into the work force or college while maintaining good health.*Separate workshop for caregivers of those with Developmental Disabilities in on May 3rd.
Worcester, May 17th, 2019. The 25th Silver Anniversary Shared Living and AFC (Adult Family Care) Special-Needs Adult Living Conference will feature a variety of Key Note speakers and workshop presenters.
Enlace de Familias, Holyoke, MA, May 21st, 2019. Free. Preparing students with special needs and SHCN for life after high school. A community workshop offering tools to help parents, caregivers, and professionals navigate the IEP process.
Fitchburg, Seven Hills Family Support Center, May 28th, 2019. The presenter will be Patricia Carney, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central & West Training Department will discuss definitions of sexuality, stigmas and stereotypes, and share how to build a positive, healthy approach to support a loved one’s sense of their whole self.
Waltham, MA, March 23rd, 2019. This Landmark College conferences features networking opportunities, presentations from researchers, conversations with neurodiverse young adults, and companies with neurodiversity hiring initiatives, such as
Winchester High School, March 4th, 2019, 7 – 8:30, p.m. Free and open to high school and college-age families in Middlesex County and surrounding areas. Mental health issues are becoming more prevalent in the college setting. Students and concerned family members must become proactive and be better prepared before the student goes to college. Panelists will address what some colleges are doing to intervene and support students who have mental health difficulties.
Lexington Community Center, Lexington, MA, March 8th, 2019. Participants will discuss the important benefits of friendships between people with and without disabilities. A variety of approaches and strategies will be shared that staff andfamily members can use that connect people in deep and meaningful ways.
DDS Regional Office, Middleboro MA, March 8th, 2019. This event is now at capacity and no longer accepting RSVPs. “I” is for INDIVIDUAL is a training is geared towards persons served, their support staff, and families who want to support their loved one to have a voice in
Turner Free Library, Randolph, March 26th, 2019. For those than have a child over 19 with Autism, a Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability. Learn about The Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities.
Framingham State University, March 8th, 2019. Open to the public. The Citizens Advisory Board to the DDS MetroWest Area Office and Framingham State University co-host this event to dialog with state legislators on how to improve and enhance community supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).
Minute Man Arc, Concord, MA, March 27th, 2019. Free Parent/Guardian Training on understanding the aging and family caregiver supports that are available to you and your family utilizing the aging network. Learn how these services may work together with your social services agency and the Development Disability network. There will be time for questions.
Marlborough, MA, June 11th, 2019. 
March 20th, 2019, 6 – 8 p.m., Medford High School. Free and open to the public. The Medford & Winchester Public Schools Offices of Special Education will host a fair for students and their families. Meet over 25 organizations and 
Winchester, MA, March 6th, 2018. Tailoring Supports Based Upon an Individuals Wants, Needs, and Circumstances will be presented by Bev McGovern, Regional Self-Directed Supports Manager, DDS Northeast Region. Here is an opportunity to learn about self-determination and the self-directed models offered by DDS.
Winchendon SEPAC, March 27th, 2019. Free. Hosted by PPal and the Winchendon SEPA. For parents and caregivers of teens and adults with disabilities. Hear about important areas of transition including financial and estate planning, public housing, day programs, Masshealth, and more.
Tahanto Regional Middle/High School, Boylston, March 27th, 2019. A workshop for parents to learn about a collaborative, holistic planning approach that creates transition plans based on a person’s preferences, needs, and the positive gifts he or she has to contribute to the community, rather than focusing only on systems and services already available.
Burlington, MA, March 28th, 2019. Whether you are supporting a loved one who is transition-age or well into adulthood, there are opportunities to acquire a job in the community. This workshop will outline the many resources that exist for job-seekers, including skill development, support on job, as well as ways to customize a job.
Rochester, (Southeast NH), March 28th, 2019, 4 – 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Designed to connect individuals with disabilities and their families with resources and organizations to prepare for life after graduation.
Watertown Free Public Library, March 30th, 2019. Learn more about how to plan for your child after they turn 22. Hear about the transition process and what it means for most parents and young adults, step by step guidance with specific examples and share with the audience what needs to be done, when, and how.
Watertown, March 19th, 2019. For those that identify as Neurodivergent or Gender Variant and are an adult with Asperger Syndrome or a related Autism Spectrum Profile. Do you identify as Trans, Transgender, Genderqueer, Gender Fluid, Non-binary, Questioning, or any number of other ways that would fit under the transgender umbrella?
Tyngsborough Middle School Library, February 6th, 2019. This work shop goal is to inform parents and students about what they should expect as they move from school to post -school activities. Transition is the process through which a student receiving special education services progresses as they move from high school (age 14) to adult life, whether through graduation or the student has turned 22 years of age. This important part of the special education process can seem complex and overwhelming.
Bridgewater, through March 30, 2019. For ages 18 to 25 with special needs who are interested in increasing their readiness to transition into a college program, establishing independent living skills and strategies to help them succeed in the college setting.
Mansfield, MA, February 7th, 2019. This workshop will focus on helping attendees to understand the elements that are integral to building meaningful conversations in the workplace.
Avon, Beverly, Chicopee, Cotuit, N.Attleboro, Pembroke, Uxbridge, February 8th, 2019. Free. For ages 14 and older. The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine is a prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs. Every guest enters on a red carpet, complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission’s Roxbury Area Office, January 10th, 2019, 3 – 5 p.m. The MRC (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) invites the public to join them for a Transition Fair. For students, families, school staff, and community partners with MRC staff to learn about MRC and recent updates to Transition services for students.
Watertown, February 17th – 23rd, 2019. Application deadline is December 1st, 2018. The Pre-Employment Program (PEP) is an intensive one-week residential workshop that equips young adults with the skills necessary for workplace success. PEP offers specific instruction on how to conduct a job interview, what to wear to work and how to disclose a disability to a potential employer is necessary for people whose blindness prevents incidental learning.
Studley Elementary School Library in Attleboro, January 30th, 2019. The Attleboro Special Education Parent Advisory council will host Transition Specialist Lisa Fournier, EdD to share and discuss transition planning strategies andassessments for ages 14-22.
Wallingford, CT, February 2nd, 2019. A housing, employment and behavioral event focusing on transition aged topics and issues for families and caregivers. Transition Agenda for Forum:
Watertown, January 11, 2019. For ages Ages 13 – 22. To gain independence and navigate the life, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, understand the potential hazards of a given situation, and have the skills to respond effectively when things go wrong.
Westwood District Administration Offices, January 14th, 2019. Led by the HS Guidance Department and Transition Coordinator(s). This is for ALL parents of children on an IEP. It’s never too early to find out what your options are. Hosted by the Westwood SEPAC.
Boston, January 19th, 2019. Thrive community groups through Easter Seals Massachusetts is open to women with disabilities 14 and up. An afternoon of dance and fitness with Embrace Your Rhythm. Embrace your rhythm offers the opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in physical fitness through movement and music.
JCC in Springfield, MA, through March 3rd, 2019. For teens and young adults with special needs, ages 14 – 26. This is a social club that combines following directions and working with others to achieve a healthy snack for the entire group. Participants make the snack, help serve each other, and do the clean up together.
Worcester, November 15th, 2018. The speaker will be Commissioner Jane Ryder of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Metro Region. She will review the turning 22 transition process and opportunity for feedback from families and individuals to improve the transition process for young adults eligible for DDS services.
Amesbury, December 19th, 2018. Free. Attend this open house to learn about a startup incubator/career lab/creative work space that offers cognitively diverse, inspired thinkers the chance to find their career paths, or put their ideas into action.
Watertown, November 16 -November 18, 2018. For ages – 22 . Preparing a tasty, nutritious meal can be assited with several tricks that blind and visually impaired young adults can use in the kitchen. This is an opportunity to receive hands-on training from experienced staff, meet with professional chefs, learn to move confidently in your home kitchen, and get a glimpse into the world of food services.
Sharon, MA, October 15th, 2018. Free. The Next Steps: Navigating Life Changes – Calling all parents and caregivers of teens and adults with disabilities: Join Yachad and Temple Sinai of Sharon for an informative and supportive resource night. Special Needs Attorney Ken Shulman and Financial Planner Leo Rotman, together with Yachad staff, will share expertise about important areas of transition including financial and estate planning, public housing, day programs, and Masshealth.