Massachusetts Special-Needs Event Calendar
This page lists all Events. For a SPECIFIC DISABILITY, visit the TABS at the top of this page.
Feb 23 all-day 
12:00 am Newton, MA, February 23rd, 2019. Asperger Syndrome and Adult Life: Navigating Massachusetts Public and Private Supports and Services Systems is geared towards adults and parents of older teens and adults with AS or related Autism profiles. Hear[...] 
12:00 am Franklin, MA, February 28th, 2019. Journalist, public speaker and special-needs parent Susan Senator is also the locally-based author of Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life. This is a memoir-style account of her adult son’s early[...] Feb 28 all-day 
12:00 am HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in Worcester, February 28th, 2019. Free. Open to all families with a child diagnosed with a developmental delay. Learn about special education law, accessing public supports and more. * When a family[...] Mar 2 all-day 
12:00 am Lexington Community Center Room, Lexington, MA, March 2nd, 2019. Speaker Lexington Special Education Parents – LexSEPTA and LexSEPAC, will present their 2nd annual Lexington SEPAC/SEPTA Resource Fair. Come meet therapists, recreational organizations, nonprofits, support groups, and[...] 
12:00 am Stow, MA, March 3rd, 2019. Deb Vlock, author of Parenting Children With Mental Health Challenges: A Guide To Life With Emotionally Complex Kids, will bring her personal experience as the mother of two children with mental health[...] Mar 5 all-day 
12:00 am Springfield, March 5th, 2019. Free. Autism Uncensored: Pulling Back the Curtain is the true story of the successful inclusion of an “unrecovered” child with autism in his community. This is real-life, real-time portal into the mind[...] Mar 6 all-day 
12:00 am The State House in Boston, March 6th, 2019. Join The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council for their 41st Annual Legislative Reception. Persons with disabilities, family members, advocates, state agency heads and their[...] Mar 7 all-day 
12:00 am Worcester, March 7th, 2019. Awareness of what entitlements your child is eligible for is important. Learn about Social Security programs; who is eligible, how and when to apply and general rules. Jeanne Clapper, HMEA Director of[...] Mar 9 all-day 
12:00 am Boston, March 9th, 2019. The Federation for Children with Special Needs annual statewide conference “Visions of Community, a Conference for Parents of Children with Special Needs and the Professionals Who Serve Them”. * Keynote speakers[...] Mar 12 – Mar 13 all-day 
12:00 am Hudson, MA, March 12 & 13, 2019. A workshop for families and professionals that looks at fetal alcohol spectrum disorders from the brain-based approach. Hear facts and statistics about FASDs, diagnosis, its neurobehavioral profile, and[...] 
12:00 am Westwood High School, March 12th, 2018. Parents and guardians will hear how they may increase their understanding of accommodations, modifications and their role on the IEP Team. Presented by Tracey Stoll, an Educational Consultant licensed in Special[...] 
12:00 am Boston, March 14th, 2019. This free event is for those that are a RTSC Special Education Surrogate Parent, PCTI trained Parent Consultant or a SEPAC Officer for your school’s special-education parent advisory council. * Network Series brought[...] 
12:00 am West Bridgewater Middle/Senior School, March 20th, 2019. Cathy Hickey of the Brockton Arc and the Federation of Children with Special Needs, will discuss the ins and outs of special education rights, law, and advocacy. Join in[...] Mar 21 all-day 
12:00 am Franklin, MA, March 21st, 2019. When Friends Don’t Come Easy…Supporting Children Who Struggle Socially, will be presented by Alison Ratner Mayer. She is a Boston-based Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing therapy for children, adolescents,[...] Mar 22 all-day 12:00 am Watertown, MA, March 22nd, 2019. This workshop covers the considerations beyond the wills and trusts: the details of living. This workshop outlines how to build a team of legal, medical, social services and financial professionals, plus family and[...] Mar 23 all-day 
12:00 am Worcester, March 23rd, 2019. The Shaping the Future Conference will feature a special research-based focus, and delve deep into the promising developments in Down syndrome research and the exciting potential it has for the future. 2019 Conference[...] Mar 29 all-day 
12:00 am Pittsfield, MA, March 29th, 2019. The Legislative Breakfast Committee Presents the The 19th Annual Berkshire Disabilities Legislative Breakfast – a legislative breakfast forum for people with disabilities, their families, and support organization staff. Legislators Invited to Appear[...] Mar 29 – May 31 all-day 
12:00 am Holyoke, March 29th – May 31st, 2019. 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[...] Mar 31 all-day 
12:00 am Springfield, March 31st & April 1st, 2019. Project RIDE stands for Recreation, Independence, Development and Equipment. Project RIDE provides special needs children and young adults with modified tricycles and information about adaptive sports programs in Western[...] 
12:00 am Fall River, April 1st, 2019. 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 can[...] 
12:00 am Westwood, MA, April 2nd, 2019. Free and open to any parent or guardian of a children with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder. The ALEC (Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition) Program helps foster a[...] Apr 2 all-day 
12:00 am UMass Medical School, Worcester, April 2nd, 2019. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. The Ninth Annual Autism Awareness and Acceptance Celebration will coincide with Autism Speaks’ signature campaign, Light It Up Blue, which[...] Apr 6 all-day 
12:00 am Watertown, April 6th, 2019. 11 a.m. or 1 p.m – registration required. Free for all families, everyone is welcome, and the hunt is accessible for children in strollers and wheelchairs. Perkins’ Beeping Egg Hunt is a specialized[...] Apr 6 all-day 12:00 am Peabody, April 6th, 2019. Autism-Friendly Big Apple Circus Show provides sensory adaptations to welcome ASD patrons and their families. There will be modifications to sound and lighting, a professionally staffed calming area in the lobby, extra signage, volunteers with[...] Apr 8 all-day 
12:00 am Lexington, April 8th, 2019. Johanne Pino of Massachusetts Advocates for Children will discuss the major components of the new Autism Omnibus Law, which significantly expands services and opportunities for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)[...] Apr 8 all-day 12:00 am Boston, State House, April 2nd, 2019, Times TBA. Free event for all people with disabilities and their support teams, families members and professionals. Hear from NAMI representatives about their Mental Health Massachusetts Legislative Priorities. To register or[...] 
12:00 am April 9th, 2019. Attorney Tim Sindelar will discuss summer Basics Extended Year Services for a special-needs child. An extended year program may be identified if the student has demonstrated or is likely to demonstrate substantial regression in his[...] 12:00 am Worcester, MA, April 11th, 2019. Hear an overview of statewide training programs for parents and families including SESP, PCTI, PPAL, Advocacy Bootcamp, Family Leadership Series, etc. Eligibility, program specifics, and funding sources to cover or[...] Apr 11 all-day 
12:00 am Boston, Great Hall of the State House, April 11th, 2019, 9:00 a.m.- 1 p.m. The annual “Autism Spectrum Awareness and Acceptance Day” at the Boston State House invites the community to hear speakers, legislators, self[...] Apr 11 all-day 12:00 am Peabody, April 11th, 2019. Full show with live Audio Description and ASL interpretation. Circus of the Senses is an enhanced version of the Circus’ annual Big Top production. * Circus of the Senses provides audience members who[...] Apr 11 all-day 
12:00 am Greater Worcester Seven Hills, April 11th, 2019. An overview of statewide training programs for parents and families including SESP, PCTI, PPAL, Advocacy Bootcamp, Family Leadership Series, etc. Eligibility, program specifics, and funding sources to cover or[...] Apr 11 all-day 
12:00 am Braintree, April 11th, 2019. Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education is a workshop that identifies the shift in student discipline from zero tolerance to safe and supportive schools, summarizes district’s behavioral expectations, identifies legal protections for[...] Apr 12 – Apr 14 all-day 12:00 am West Greenwich, RI, April 13th & 14th, 2019. The goal of this retreat is to provide a relaxing and supportive environment for parents or caregivers to reflect on, explore, and share the rewards and challenges of[...] Apr 12 – Apr 13 all-day 
12:00 am Boston, April 12th, 2019. Free to the public, all are welcome, including researchers, clinicians, psychologists, social workers, caregivers, patients, policy-makers, advocates, and community members. fees required for those working on credits. * The Bridging the[...] Apr 13 all-day 
12:00 am Cambridge, MA, April 13th, 2019. Keynote Speaker Dr. Thema Bryan-Davis will discuss Embodied Healing. Dr. Thema is a professor at Pepperdine University, past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women, a licensed psychologist and an[...] Apr 23 all-day 
12:00 am Springfield, MA, April 23rd, 2019. For professionals, educators, and families. The keynote speakers will be Gina Gallagher and Patty Terrasi, authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children.[...] Apr 24 all-day 
12:00 am Worcester, April 24th, 2019. Free. Every person deserves to live with as much independence and confidence as possible. Learn more about assistive technology, meet companies and organizations from around Massachusetts and explore a world of[...] Apr 24 all-day 
12:00 am Log Cabin, Holyoke, April 24th, 2019. A training and educational event dedicated to the memory of Stephanie Moulton who spent her life in the service of others. For DMH and Provider Staff, individuals who receive services, and[...] Apr 25 all-day 
12:00 am West Bridgewater Middle/Senior School, April 25th, 2019. Dr. Adam Ulenski, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education and Coordinator of Graduate Literacy Programs at Bridgewater State University, will teach parents and guardians how to better support your child’s[...] Apr 25 all-day 12:00 am JFK Middle School in Northampton, April 25th, 2019. Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education is a workshop identifies the shift in student discipline from zero tolerance to safe and supportive schools, summarizes district’s behavioral expectations, identifies legal[...] Apr 27 all-day 
12:00 am Fenway Park, Boston, April 27th, 2019. The Red Sox Autism Awareness Day extends a special welcome to individuals and families affected by autism across New England. Select members of the Autism Community will be included[...] Apr 27 all-day 
12:00 am Leicester MA, Becker College, April 27th, 2019. Calmer Con is an authentic Comic Book & Pop Culture convention modified to be more Sensory Friendly for neurodiverse individuals, like those with Autism or ADHD, and anyone else[...] Apr 27 all-day 
12:00 am Watertown, April 27th, 2019. For parents and professionals in to network, share ideas and strategies for helping children with visual impairments from birth to age 7. There will be a Resource Fair throughout the day. *[...] 
12:00 am Attleboro Public Library, May 8th, 2019. Special education mediation is a process available at no cost through the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). When the school personnel and parents disagree about the educational needs of[...] May 14 all-day 12:00 am CENTRO, Fitchburg Massachusetts, May 14th, 2019. Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education is a workshop that identifies the shift in student discipline from zero tolerance to safe and supportive schools, summarizes district’s behavioral expectations, identifies legal[...] May 15 all-day 
12:00 am West Bridgewater Middle/Senior School, March 20th, 2019. Cathy Hickey of the Brockton Arc and the Federation of Children with Special Needs, will discuss the ins and outs of special education rights, law, and advocacy. Join in[...] Jun 1 all-day 
12:00 am Artesani Park/Herter Park, Brighton, MA, June 1st, 2019, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. Join DCR’s Universal Access Program and many other regional adaptive recreation organizations that offer hiking, cycling, power soccer, sport[...]
Feb 23 all-day
12:00 am
Newton, MA, February 23rd, 2019. Asperger Syndrome and Adult Life: Navigating Massachusetts Public and Private Supports and Services Systems is geared towards adults and parents of older teens and adults with AS or related Autism profiles. Hear[...]
12:00 am
Franklin, MA, February 28th, 2019. Journalist, public speaker and special-needs parent Susan Senator is also the locally-based author of Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life. This is a memoir-style account of her adult son’s early[...]
Feb 28 all-day
12:00 am
HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in Worcester, February 28th, 2019. Free. Open to all families with a child diagnosed with a developmental delay. Learn about special education law, accessing public supports and more. * When a family[...]
Mar 2 all-day
12:00 am
Lexington Community Center Room, Lexington, MA, March 2nd, 2019. Speaker Lexington Special Education Parents – LexSEPTA and LexSEPAC, will present their 2nd annual Lexington SEPAC/SEPTA Resource Fair. Come meet therapists, recreational organizations, nonprofits, support groups, and[...]
12:00 am
Stow, MA, March 3rd, 2019. Deb Vlock, author of Parenting Children With Mental Health Challenges: A Guide To Life With Emotionally Complex Kids, will bring her personal experience as the mother of two children with mental health[...]
Mar 5 all-day
12:00 am
Springfield, March 5th, 2019. Free. Autism Uncensored: Pulling Back the Curtain is the true story of the successful inclusion of an “unrecovered” child with autism in his community. This is real-life, real-time portal into the mind[...]
Mar 6 all-day
12:00 am
The State House in Boston, March 6th, 2019. Join The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council for their 41st Annual Legislative Reception. Persons with disabilities, family members, advocates, state agency heads and their[...]
Mar 7 all-day
12:00 am
Worcester, March 7th, 2019. Awareness of what entitlements your child is eligible for is important. Learn about Social Security programs; who is eligible, how and when to apply and general rules. Jeanne Clapper, HMEA Director of[...]
Mar 9 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, March 9th, 2019. The Federation for Children with Special Needs annual statewide conference “Visions of Community, a Conference for Parents of Children with Special Needs and the Professionals Who Serve Them”. * Keynote speakers[...]
Mar 12 – Mar 13 all-day
12:00 am
Hudson, MA, March 12 & 13, 2019. A workshop for families and professionals that looks at fetal alcohol spectrum disorders from the brain-based approach. Hear facts and statistics about FASDs, diagnosis, its neurobehavioral profile, and[...]
12:00 am
Westwood High School, March 12th, 2018. Parents and guardians will hear how they may increase their understanding of accommodations, modifications and their role on the IEP Team. Presented by Tracey Stoll, an Educational Consultant licensed in Special[...]
12:00 am
Boston, March 14th, 2019. This free event is for those that are a RTSC Special Education Surrogate Parent, PCTI trained Parent Consultant or a SEPAC Officer for your school’s special-education parent advisory council. * Network Series brought[...]
12:00 am
West Bridgewater Middle/Senior School, March 20th, 2019. Cathy Hickey of the Brockton Arc and the Federation of Children with Special Needs, will discuss the ins and outs of special education rights, law, and advocacy. Join in[...]
Mar 21 all-day
12:00 am
Franklin, MA, March 21st, 2019. When Friends Don’t Come Easy…Supporting Children Who Struggle Socially, will be presented by Alison Ratner Mayer. She is a Boston-based Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing therapy for children, adolescents,[...]
Mar 22 all-day
12:00 am
Watertown, MA, March 22nd, 2019. This workshop covers the considerations beyond the wills and trusts: the details of living. This workshop outlines how to build a team of legal, medical, social services and financial professionals, plus family and[...]
Mar 23 all-day
12:00 am
Worcester, March 23rd, 2019. The Shaping the Future Conference will feature a special research-based focus, and delve deep into the promising developments in Down syndrome research and the exciting potential it has for the future. 2019 Conference[...]
Mar 29 all-day
12:00 am
Pittsfield, MA, March 29th, 2019. The Legislative Breakfast Committee Presents the The 19th Annual Berkshire Disabilities Legislative Breakfast – a legislative breakfast forum for people with disabilities, their families, and support organization staff. Legislators Invited to Appear[...]
Mar 29 – May 31 all-day
12:00 am
Holyoke, March 29th – May 31st, 2019. 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[...]
Mar 31 all-day
12:00 am
Springfield, March 31st & April 1st, 2019. Project RIDE stands for Recreation, Independence, Development and Equipment. Project RIDE provides special needs children and young adults with modified tricycles and information about adaptive sports programs in Western[...]
12:00 am
Fall River, April 1st, 2019. 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 can[...]
12:00 am
Westwood, MA, April 2nd, 2019. Free and open to any parent or guardian of a children with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder. The ALEC (Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition) Program helps foster a[...]
Apr 2 all-day
12:00 am
UMass Medical School, Worcester, April 2nd, 2019. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. The Ninth Annual Autism Awareness and Acceptance Celebration will coincide with Autism Speaks’ signature campaign, Light It Up Blue, which[...]
Apr 6 all-day
12:00 am
Watertown, April 6th, 2019. 11 a.m. or 1 p.m – registration required. Free for all families, everyone is welcome, and the hunt is accessible for children in strollers and wheelchairs. Perkins’ Beeping Egg Hunt is a specialized[...]
Apr 6 all-day
12:00 am
Peabody, April 6th, 2019. Autism-Friendly Big Apple Circus Show provides sensory adaptations to welcome ASD patrons and their families. There will be modifications to sound and lighting, a professionally staffed calming area in the lobby, extra signage, volunteers with[...]
Apr 8 all-day
12:00 am
Lexington, April 8th, 2019. Johanne Pino of Massachusetts Advocates for Children will discuss the major components of the new Autism Omnibus Law, which significantly expands services and opportunities for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)[...]
Apr 8 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, State House, April 2nd, 2019, Times TBA. Free event for all people with disabilities and their support teams, families members and professionals. Hear from NAMI representatives about their Mental Health Massachusetts Legislative Priorities. To register or[...]
12:00 am
April 9th, 2019. Attorney Tim Sindelar will discuss summer Basics Extended Year Services for a special-needs child. An extended year program may be identified if the student has demonstrated or is likely to demonstrate substantial regression in his[...]
12:00 am
Worcester, MA, April 11th, 2019. Hear an overview of statewide training programs for parents and families including SESP, PCTI, PPAL, Advocacy Bootcamp, Family Leadership Series, etc. Eligibility, program specifics, and funding sources to cover or[...]
Apr 11 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, Great Hall of the State House, April 11th, 2019, 9:00 a.m.- 1 p.m. The annual “Autism Spectrum Awareness and Acceptance Day” at the Boston State House invites the community to hear speakers, legislators, self[...]
Apr 11 all-day
12:00 am
Peabody, April 11th, 2019. Full show with live Audio Description and ASL interpretation. Circus of the Senses is an enhanced version of the Circus’ annual Big Top production. * Circus of the Senses provides audience members who[...]
Apr 11 all-day
12:00 am
Greater Worcester Seven Hills, April 11th, 2019. An overview of statewide training programs for parents and families including SESP, PCTI, PPAL, Advocacy Bootcamp, Family Leadership Series, etc. Eligibility, program specifics, and funding sources to cover or[...]
Apr 11 all-day
12:00 am
Braintree, April 11th, 2019. Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education is a workshop that identifies the shift in student discipline from zero tolerance to safe and supportive schools, summarizes district’s behavioral expectations, identifies legal protections for[...]
Apr 12 – Apr 14 all-day
12:00 am
West Greenwich, RI, April 13th & 14th, 2019. The goal of this retreat is to provide a relaxing and supportive environment for parents or caregivers to reflect on, explore, and share the rewards and challenges of[...]
Apr 12 – Apr 13 all-day
12:00 am
Boston, April 12th, 2019. Free to the public, all are welcome, including researchers, clinicians, psychologists, social workers, caregivers, patients, policy-makers, advocates, and community members. fees required for those working on credits. * The Bridging the[...]
Apr 13 all-day
12:00 am
Cambridge, MA, April 13th, 2019. Keynote Speaker Dr. Thema Bryan-Davis will discuss Embodied Healing. Dr. Thema is a professor at Pepperdine University, past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women, a licensed psychologist and an[...]
Apr 23 all-day
12:00 am
Springfield, MA, April 23rd, 2019. For professionals, educators, and families. The keynote speakers will be Gina Gallagher and Patty Terrasi, authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children.[...]
Apr 24 all-day
12:00 am
Worcester, April 24th, 2019. Free. Every person deserves to live with as much independence and confidence as possible. Learn more about assistive technology, meet companies and organizations from around Massachusetts and explore a world of[...]
Apr 24 all-day
12:00 am
Log Cabin, Holyoke, April 24th, 2019. A training and educational event dedicated to the memory of Stephanie Moulton who spent her life in the service of others. For DMH and Provider Staff, individuals who receive services, and[...]
Apr 25 all-day
12:00 am
West Bridgewater Middle/Senior School, April 25th, 2019. Dr. Adam Ulenski, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education and Coordinator of Graduate Literacy Programs at Bridgewater State University, will teach parents and guardians how to better support your child’s[...]
Apr 25 all-day
12:00 am
JFK Middle School in Northampton, April 25th, 2019. Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education is a workshop identifies the shift in student discipline from zero tolerance to safe and supportive schools, summarizes district’s behavioral expectations, identifies legal[...]
Apr 27 all-day
12:00 am
Fenway Park, Boston, April 27th, 2019. The Red Sox Autism Awareness Day extends a special welcome to individuals and families affected by autism across New England. Select members of the Autism Community will be included[...]
Apr 27 all-day
12:00 am
Leicester MA, Becker College, April 27th, 2019. Calmer Con is an authentic Comic Book & Pop Culture convention modified to be more Sensory Friendly for neurodiverse individuals, like those with Autism or ADHD, and anyone else[...]
Apr 27 all-day
12:00 am
Watertown, April 27th, 2019. For parents and professionals in to network, share ideas and strategies for helping children with visual impairments from birth to age 7. There will be a Resource Fair throughout the day. *[...]
12:00 am
Attleboro Public Library, May 8th, 2019. Special education mediation is a process available at no cost through the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). When the school personnel and parents disagree about the educational needs of[...]
May 14 all-day
12:00 am
CENTRO, Fitchburg Massachusetts, May 14th, 2019. Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education is a workshop that identifies the shift in student discipline from zero tolerance to safe and supportive schools, summarizes district’s behavioral expectations, identifies legal[...]
May 15 all-day
12:00 am
West Bridgewater Middle/Senior School, March 20th, 2019. Cathy Hickey of the Brockton Arc and the Federation of Children with Special Needs, will discuss the ins and outs of special education rights, law, and advocacy. Join in[...]
Jun 1 all-day
12:00 am
Artesani Park/Herter Park, Brighton, MA, June 1st, 2019, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. Join DCR’s Universal Access Program and many other regional adaptive recreation organizations that offer hiking, cycling, power soccer, sport[...]
