Massachusetts Special-Needs Event Calendar
This page lists all Events. Visit Tabs at the top of this page for events on a Specific Disability.
Oct 4 – Dec 6 all-day 
12:00 am Worcester, October 4th – December 6th, 2018. The Federation for Children with Special Needs PCTI program is an intensive training program designed to give parents and professionals a solid foundation in special education laws, procedures, and[...] Oct 23 all-day 
12:00 am Turner Free Library in Randolph, October 23rd, 2018. The Disability Law Center is the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy Agency for Massachusetts. The Protection and Advocacy system is a national network of disability rights agencies investigating[...] Oct 24 – Oct 27 all-day 
12:00 am Mashantucket, CT, October 24th – 27th, 2018. The Reading, Literacy & Learning Conference is for professionals and families, plus teachers, educators, and administrators, reading specialists, researchers, university faculty, psychologists, physicians, tutors, and more. The four-day conference[...] Oct 24 all-day 
12:00 am Boston University, October 24th, 2018. Join the MAB Community Services Annual Meeting – Brain Injury Services in Massachusetts: A Life Worth Living. On June 2, 2008, a landmark class-action settlement (Hutchinson v. Patrick) was reached that qualified thousands[...] Oct 25 – Oct 26 all-day 
12:00 am Brockton Area Arc, October 25th & 26th, 2018. Transition planning information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22. Middle school and high school is the time when students with disabilities and[...] Oct 25 all-day 
12:00 am Richard J. Murphy School in Dorchester, October 25th, 2018. Hosted by the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPEDPAC). This workshop will focused on supporting your unique child. It will include social and emotional skill[...] Oct 25 all-day 
12:00 am Franklin, October 25th, 2018. Statewide ALEC (Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition) Coordinator from The Arc of South Norfolk Family Autism Center and Captain in the Westwood Fire Dept. Bill Cannata will present Public Safety and Individuals[...] Oct 25 all-day 
12:00 am Providence, RI, October 25th, 2018. Temple Grandin, is the author of “Thinking in Pictures”, “The Autistic Brain”, and an adult with autism who is also a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and[...] Oct 26 all-day 
12:00 am Worcester, October 26th, 2018. Open to caregivers and professionals such as Early Interventionists, Early Childhood Educators, Nurses, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors and Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. This[...] 
12:00 am East Providence, RI, October 27th, 2018. Children with learning, sensory and attention difficulties struggle to follow directions and focus. This intermediate level presentation will provide the foundation for using exercise, mindfulness, movement and sensory strategies, to help children[...] Oct 28 all-day 
12:00 am Dartmouth High School, Dartmouth, October 28th, 2018, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. The Dartmouth Special Education Parent Advisory Council Southeastern MA Community Resource & Craft Fair brings together a wide-range of Local Community Resources, artists and[...] Oct 29 all-day 
12:00 am Natick High School Auditorium, October 29th, 2018. Dan Habib’s film, Intelligent Lives film explores the possibilities of transforming the label of intellectual disability from lives of isolation into lives of possibilities. * Some content not appropriate for[...] Nov 1 all-day 
12:00 am Carlisle Town Hall, November 1st, 2018. Do you notice the more you try to force an issue, the harder a child fights back? Discuss that fine line between necessary adult authority and allowing a child to[...] Nov 2 – Nov 4 all-day 
12:00 am Portland, ME, November 2nd, 2018. High-stakes testing, zero tolerance policies, time-outs, stickers, suspensions, detentions, and cookie-cutter interventions got you down? Ready to come up for air, recharge your CPS batteries, and connect with parents and[...] Nov 3 all-day 
12:00 am Emerson College in Boston, November 10th, 2018. These performances will be modified slightly to ensure a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals on the Autism spectrum, or with other developmental differences or sensory needs. Modifications may include:[...] Nov 3 all-day 
12:00 am UConn Health Center, Farmington, CT, November 3rd, 2018. Teaching Pro-Social Behaviors, Motivating Learning and Exploring Future Independence Strategies for all Ages is for families, educators, therapists, and providers who care for children and adults with fragile x-associated disorders[...] 
12:00 am Kennedy Day School in Brighton, November 3rd, 2018. For parents and caregivers of Medically Complex Children between the ages of 3-22. Come share with other families like yours and learn how to best support the[...] Nov 5 all-day 
12:00 am Framingham, November 5th, 2018. Finding the Deep and Simple in Serving Children and Families will be the Key Note Address by Junlei Li, PhD, Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. *[...] Nov 5 all-day 
12:00 am Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s offices, Malden, MA, November 5th, 2018. The Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals will hold a a public comment period to solicit input on proposed changes to BSEA Hearing[...] Nov 5 all-day 
12:00 am Fowler Library in Concord, MA, November 5th, 2018. Is it a challenge to cook a meal that your whole family will eat? Is dinnertime a battleground? Is your picky eater refusing to eat anything but her[...] Nov 6 all-day 
12:00 am Westwood High School, November 6th, 2018. “Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law”, will feature Joanne Pino from Mass Advocates for Children. Hear about significant changes in special education practice that are result of state’s anti-bullying prevention law, focusing[...] Nov 8 all-day 
12:00 am Melrose High School, November 8th, 2018. Hear directly from Special Education Attorney, Katie Meinelt, about how to be an effective advocate for your child. Attorney Meinelt will discuss what parents should and shouldn’t do to obtain[...] Nov 8 all-day 
12:00 am Laliberte Elementary School in Raynham, November 8th, 2018, 6 – 8 p.m. The Bridgewater-Raynham Special Education Parents Advisory Council (BR-SEPAC) Family Special Education Night provides parents/ guardians with a place to gather information from 30+[...] Nov 10 all-day 12:00 am Emerson College in Boston, November 10th, 2018. These performances will be modified slightly to ensure a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals on the Autism spectrum, or with other developmental differences or sensory needs. Modifications may include:[...] Nov 10 all-day 
12:00 am Bridgewater, November 10th, 2018. A Voice at the Table:Understanding & Improving Your Child’s IEP is designed by parents for parents. Includes We’re Special Needs Parents, Too, with Jon Cash, Assistant Professor of Special Education, and Melissa Winchell, Assistant[...] 
12:00 am Burlington, VT, November 10th, 2018. Rare New England and the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital will host “Improving Health Care Experiences in the Rare Disease Community with Information and Support”, and is for patients and families to[...] Nov 13 all-day 
12:00 am Framingham, November 13th, 2018. Elaine Gabovitch, Director, Division of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, will be the Key Note speaker. The Joining Voices conference is for families[...] Nov 13 all-day 
12:00 am Plymouth, November 13th, 2018. Free. Parent forum in conjunction with Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC), that will focus on issues such as wandering, internet safety, disclosure to local first responder agencies and tools available to[...] Nov 14 all-day 
12:00 am Boston. These are 90-minute tours, given in American Sign Language (ASL) by Museum-trained guides. Topic of tour to be announced. An assistive listening system is available for gallery tours and talks from the Sharf Visitor Center[...] Nov 14 all-day 
12:00 am Cambridge, November 14th, 2018. Private screening and panel discussion for those affected with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism is hosting this screening and discussion of Extraordinary People, which tells the[...] 
12:00 am Dartmouth, MA, November 15th, 2018. Anne Tucker Roberts is a teacher and writer, who taught adolecents with developmental disabilities. After 12 years in this position, she was recognized as a Master Teacher and awarded a “Golden[...] Nov 16 all-day 
12:00 am Marlborough, MA, November 16th, 2018. This event provides professional development and dissemination of research to practice innovations. Supporting Students with Mental Health Issues in Schools will be the keynote address presented by Alex Truesdell, founder of Adaptive Design,[...] Nov 17 all-day 
12:00 am Lexington, November 18th, 2018. For parents and caregivers of students with disabilities and interested professionals. The speaker will be Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity. * Hear[...] Nov 24 all-day 
12:00 am Regis College, Weston, November 24th, 2018. This family and sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker holiday classic will be a relaxed and welcoming setting. Theatre lights will be left on a little, the music volume will be[...] Nov 27 all-day 
12:00 am Turner Free Library, Randolph, November 27th, 2018. Free. Speaker Amy Weinstock was a former chair of the Insurance Committee of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM), and played a key role in the passing of An Act[...] 
12:00 am Marlborough, November 27th, 2018. An opportunity for Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), Foster / Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers, Educators, Child Welfare Providers, Community Partners and Others to experience education and networking. Attendees will come away[...] Nov 29 – Nov 30 all-day 
12:00 am Warwick, RI, November 29h & 30th, 2018. State-of-the-art workshops, information and exhibits on the technologies that enhance and change the lives of persons with disabilities of all ages. The conference focuses on uses of technology in[...] Dec 1 all-day 
12:00 am Gardner, December 1st, 2018, 2 p.m. performance. For children and adults with sensory input disorders, autism, or other developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities and their families and caretakers. A judgment-free, fun experience for the entire family. *[...] Dec 10 all-day 
12:00 am Boston, December 10th, 2018. Free and open to the public. The Commission is charged with investigating the range of services necessary for individuals with ASD to achieve full potential across their lifespan, including issues related to:[...] 
12:00 am Forbes Library in Northampton, December 14th, 2018, 1 p.m. Have you ever watched a movie or TV and wished you could see more? This class will give a brief overview of Audio Description, what it is[...] Dec 19 all-day 
12:00 am Tyngsborough High School, December 19th, 2018. Free and open to the Public. A speaker from the Federation for Children with Special Needs, will introduce and discusses the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and how children with disabilities[...] Jan 8 – Mar 19 all-day 12:00 am Boston, January 8th – March 19th, 2018. The Federation for Children with Special Needs PCTI program is an intensive training program designed to give parents and professionals a solid foundation in special education laws, procedures, and[...] Jan 12 all-day 12:00 am Boston. These are 90-minute tours, given in American Sign Language (ASL) by Museum-trained guides. Topic of tour to be announced. An assistive listening system is available for gallery tours and talks from the Sharf Visitor Center[...] Jan 24 all-day 
12:00 am Leahy-Halloran Community Center, Dorchester/Boston, January 24th, 2019. Free and open to the public. Hosted by he Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SPEDPac) and the Office of Special Education at Boston Public Schools. An[...] Feb 21 all-day 
12:00 am Plymouth, February 21st, 201. A person’s ability to communicate has been a defining characteristic of autism. Many correlate a person’s degree of autism severity with their level of speech impairment. When an “Autistic” is articulate, the assumptions,[...] Mar 23 all-day 
12:00 am Worcester, March 23rd, 2019. Information about the 2019 conference to be announced in Winter 2019. For the 2018 conference “Extraordinary Stories”was the theme. People with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across[...] 
12:00 am April 9th, 2019. The Georgetown SEPAC hosts Attorney Tim Sindelar, who will discuss the Basics Extended Year Services over the summer for a special-needs child. An extended year program may be identified if the student has demonstrated or is likely[...] Apr 12 – Apr 13 all-day 
12:00 am Boston, April 12th, 2019. Free to the public, fees required for those working on credits. The Bridging the Divide: Mental Health and Cancer Care symposium is designed to raise awareness about disparities in cancer care for[...]
Oct 4 – Dec 6 all-day
12:00 am
Worcester, October 4th – December 6th, 2018. The Federation for Children with Special Needs PCTI program is an intensive training program designed to give parents and professionals a solid foundation in special education laws, procedures, and[...]
Oct 23 all-day
12:00 am
Turner Free Library in Randolph, October 23rd, 2018. The Disability Law Center is the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy Agency for Massachusetts. The Protection and Advocacy system is a national network of disability rights agencies investigating[...]
Oct 24 – Oct 27 all-day
12:00 am
Mashantucket, CT, October 24th – 27th, 2018. The Reading, Literacy & Learning Conference is for professionals and families, plus teachers, educators, and administrators, reading specialists, researchers, university faculty, psychologists, physicians, tutors, and more. The four-day conference[...]
Oct 24 all-day
12:00 am
Boston University, October 24th, 2018. Join the MAB Community Services Annual Meeting – Brain Injury Services in Massachusetts: A Life Worth Living. On June 2, 2008, a landmark class-action settlement (Hutchinson v. Patrick) was reached that qualified thousands[...]
Oct 25 – Oct 26 all-day
12:00 am
Brockton Area Arc, October 25th & 26th, 2018. Transition planning information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22. Middle school and high school is the time when students with disabilities and[...]
Oct 25 all-day
12:00 am
Richard J. Murphy School in Dorchester, October 25th, 2018. Hosted by the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPEDPAC). This workshop will focused on supporting your unique child. It will include social and emotional skill[...]
Oct 25 all-day
12:00 am
Franklin, October 25th, 2018. Statewide ALEC (Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition) Coordinator from The Arc of South Norfolk Family Autism Center and Captain in the Westwood Fire Dept. Bill Cannata will present Public Safety and Individuals[...]
Oct 25 all-day
12:00 am
Providence, RI, October 25th, 2018. Temple Grandin, is the author of “Thinking in Pictures”, “The Autistic Brain”, and an adult with autism who is also a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and[...]
Oct 26 all-day
12:00 am
Worcester, October 26th, 2018. Open to caregivers and professionals such as Early Interventionists, Early Childhood Educators, Nurses, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors and Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. This[...]
12:00 am
East Providence, RI, October 27th, 2018. Children with learning, sensory and attention difficulties struggle to follow directions and focus. This intermediate level presentation will provide the foundation for using exercise, mindfulness, movement and sensory strategies, to help children[...]
Oct 28 all-day
12:00 am
Dartmouth High School, Dartmouth, October 28th, 2018, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. The Dartmouth Special Education Parent Advisory Council Southeastern MA Community Resource & Craft Fair brings together a wide-range of Local Community Resources, artists and[...]
Oct 29 all-day
12:00 am
Natick High School Auditorium, October 29th, 2018. Dan Habib’s film, Intelligent Lives film explores the possibilities of transforming the label of intellectual disability from lives of isolation into lives of possibilities. * Some content not appropriate for[...]
Nov 1 all-day
12:00 am
Carlisle Town Hall, November 1st, 2018. Do you notice the more you try to force an issue, the harder a child fights back? Discuss that fine line between necessary adult authority and allowing a child to[...]
Nov 2 – Nov 4 all-day
12:00 am
Portland, ME, November 2nd, 2018. High-stakes testing, zero tolerance policies, time-outs, stickers, suspensions, detentions, and cookie-cutter interventions got you down? Ready to come up for air, recharge your CPS batteries, and connect with parents and[...]
Nov 3 all-day
12:00 am
Emerson College in Boston, November 10th, 2018. These performances will be modified slightly to ensure a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals on the Autism spectrum, or with other developmental differences or sensory needs. Modifications may include:[...]
Nov 3 all-day
12:00 am
UConn Health Center, Farmington, CT, November 3rd, 2018. Teaching Pro-Social Behaviors, Motivating Learning and Exploring Future Independence Strategies for all Ages is for families, educators, therapists, and providers who care for children and adults with fragile x-associated disorders[...]
12:00 am
Kennedy Day School in Brighton, November 3rd, 2018. For parents and caregivers of Medically Complex Children between the ages of 3-22. Come share with other families like yours and learn how to best support the[...]
Nov 5 all-day
12:00 am
Framingham, November 5th, 2018. Finding the Deep and Simple in Serving Children and Families will be the Key Note Address by Junlei Li, PhD, Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. *[...]
Nov 5 all-day
12:00 am
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s offices, Malden, MA, November 5th, 2018. The Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals will hold a a public comment period to solicit input on proposed changes to BSEA Hearing[...]
Nov 5 all-day
12:00 am
Fowler Library in Concord, MA, November 5th, 2018. Is it a challenge to cook a meal that your whole family will eat? Is dinnertime a battleground? Is your picky eater refusing to eat anything but her[...]
Nov 6 all-day
12:00 am
Westwood High School, November 6th, 2018. “Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law”, will feature Joanne Pino from Mass Advocates for Children. Hear about significant changes in special education practice that are result of state’s anti-bullying prevention law, focusing[...]
Nov 8 all-day
12:00 am
Melrose High School, November 8th, 2018. Hear directly from Special Education Attorney, Katie Meinelt, about how to be an effective advocate for your child. Attorney Meinelt will discuss what parents should and shouldn’t do to obtain[...]
Nov 8 all-day
12:00 am
Laliberte Elementary School in Raynham, November 8th, 2018, 6 – 8 p.m. The Bridgewater-Raynham Special Education Parents Advisory Council (BR-SEPAC) Family Special Education Night provides parents/ guardians with a place to gather information from 30+[...]
Nov 10 all-day
12:00 am
Emerson College in Boston, November 10th, 2018. These performances will be modified slightly to ensure a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals on the Autism spectrum, or with other developmental differences or sensory needs. Modifications may include:[...]
Nov 10 all-day
12:00 am
Bridgewater, November 10th, 2018. A Voice at the Table:Understanding & Improving Your Child’s IEP is designed by parents for parents. Includes We’re Special Needs Parents, Too, with Jon Cash, Assistant Professor of Special Education, and Melissa Winchell, Assistant[...]
12:00 am
Burlington, VT, November 10th, 2018. Rare New England and the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital will host “Improving Health Care Experiences in the Rare Disease Community with Information and Support”, and is for patients and families to[...]
Nov 13 all-day
12:00 am
Framingham, November 13th, 2018. Elaine Gabovitch, Director, Division of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, will be the Key Note speaker. The Joining Voices conference is for families[...]
Nov 13 all-day
12:00 am
Plymouth, November 13th, 2018. Free. Parent forum in conjunction with Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC), that will focus on issues such as wandering, internet safety, disclosure to local first responder agencies and tools available to[...]
Nov 14 all-day
12:00 am
Boston. These are 90-minute tours, given in American Sign Language (ASL) by Museum-trained guides. Topic of tour to be announced. An assistive listening system is available for gallery tours and talks from the Sharf Visitor Center[...]
Nov 14 all-day
12:00 am
Cambridge, November 14th, 2018. Private screening and panel discussion for those affected with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism is hosting this screening and discussion of Extraordinary People, which tells the[...]
12:00 am
Dartmouth, MA, November 15th, 2018. Anne Tucker Roberts is a teacher and writer, who taught adolecents with developmental disabilities. After 12 years in this position, she was recognized as a Master Teacher and awarded a “Golden[...]
Nov 16 all-day
12:00 am
Marlborough, MA, November 16th, 2018. This event provides professional development and dissemination of research to practice innovations. Supporting Students with Mental Health Issues in Schools will be the keynote address presented by Alex Truesdell, founder of Adaptive Design,[...]
Nov 17 all-day
12:00 am
Lexington, November 18th, 2018. For parents and caregivers of students with disabilities and interested professionals. The speaker will be Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity. * Hear[...]
Nov 24 all-day
12:00 am
Regis College, Weston, November 24th, 2018. This family and sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker holiday classic will be a relaxed and welcoming setting. Theatre lights will be left on a little, the music volume will be[...]
Nov 27 all-day
12:00 am
Turner Free Library, Randolph, November 27th, 2018. Free. Speaker Amy Weinstock was a former chair of the Insurance Committee of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM), and played a key role in the passing of An Act[...]
12:00 am
Marlborough, November 27th, 2018. An opportunity for Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), Foster / Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers, Educators, Child Welfare Providers, Community Partners and Others to experience education and networking. Attendees will come away[...]
Nov 29 – Nov 30 all-day
12:00 am
Warwick, RI, November 29h & 30th, 2018. State-of-the-art workshops, information and exhibits on the technologies that enhance and change the lives of persons with disabilities of all ages. The conference focuses on uses of technology in[...]
Dec 1 all-day
12:00 am
Gardner, December 1st, 2018, 2 p.m. performance. For children and adults with sensory input disorders, autism, or other developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities and their families and caretakers. A judgment-free, fun experience for the entire family. *[...]
Dec 10 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, December 10th, 2018. Free and open to the public. The Commission is charged with investigating the range of services necessary for individuals with ASD to achieve full potential across their lifespan, including issues related to:[...]
12:00 am
Forbes Library in Northampton, December 14th, 2018, 1 p.m. Have you ever watched a movie or TV and wished you could see more? This class will give a brief overview of Audio Description, what it is[...]
Dec 19 all-day
12:00 am
Tyngsborough High School, December 19th, 2018. Free and open to the Public. A speaker from the Federation for Children with Special Needs, will introduce and discusses the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and how children with disabilities[...]
Jan 8 – Mar 19 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, January 8th – March 19th, 2018. The Federation for Children with Special Needs PCTI program is an intensive training program designed to give parents and professionals a solid foundation in special education laws, procedures, and[...]
Jan 12 all-day
12:00 am
Boston. These are 90-minute tours, given in American Sign Language (ASL) by Museum-trained guides. Topic of tour to be announced. An assistive listening system is available for gallery tours and talks from the Sharf Visitor Center[...]
Jan 24 all-day
12:00 am
Leahy-Halloran Community Center, Dorchester/Boston, January 24th, 2019. Free and open to the public. Hosted by he Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SPEDPac) and the Office of Special Education at Boston Public Schools. An[...]
Feb 21 all-day
12:00 am
Plymouth, February 21st, 201. A person’s ability to communicate has been a defining characteristic of autism. Many correlate a person’s degree of autism severity with their level of speech impairment. When an “Autistic” is articulate, the assumptions,[...]
Mar 23 all-day
12:00 am
Worcester, March 23rd, 2019. Information about the 2019 conference to be announced in Winter 2019. For the 2018 conference “Extraordinary Stories”was the theme. People with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across[...]
12:00 am
April 9th, 2019. The Georgetown SEPAC hosts Attorney Tim Sindelar, who will discuss the Basics Extended Year Services over the summer for a special-needs child. An extended year program may be identified if the student has demonstrated or is likely[...]
Apr 12 – Apr 13 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, April 12th, 2019. Free to the public, fees required for those working on credits. The Bridging the Divide: Mental Health and Cancer Care symposium is designed to raise awareness about disparities in cancer care for[...]
