Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter for February & March 2021
Newsletter Massachusetts' Special-Needs Events MayJune 2021 9G
Massachusetts offers a variety of Accessible Spray Pools, Beaches, and/or Beach or Floating Wheelchairs for all abilities to enjoy. We are listing the info here as:
A) Accessible Pools & Spray Decks at State Parks
B) Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs at State Parks
C) Floating Beach Chairs in local communities
For May & June Events, Find:
• Northeast Region Virtual Family Support Conference
• Campamento de Abogacia Special-Needs Advocacy
• Local Special Olympics & Inclusive Recreation
• Adaptive Cycling & Trike Programs
• Self-Advocacy Disability Leadership Series with the Mass Developmental Disabilities Council
• Resources & Support for Transitioning to Adult Services
The masks are coming off and an accessible summer is coming on. Have a very safe Memorial Day! Sharon Marie.
Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Spray Decks:
Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Spray Decks: Outdoor Swimming Pool Lifts are at all of the State Parks and Recreation's pools 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. Contact the pool or spray deck to reserve a beach wheelchair or for...Read more
Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts
Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts: Find sand and sunbathing beach wheelchairs in Massachusetts state parks with the DCR Universal Access Program. You will need to bring your own Coast Guard certified personal flotation device to use a floating beach wheelchair. It is best to call in advance to make a reservation to use a chair, especially... Read more
Floating Beach Chairs Available at Massachusetts & New England Beaches
Floating Beach Chairs Available at Massachusetts & New England Beaches: SMILE Mass has donated Floating Beach Wheelchairs to public beaches in Massachusetts. These wheelchairs can roll from the parking lot, across the sand, and right into the water, allowing those with special needs to access the beach...Read more
Does your child struggle with reading comprehension? * Join our Boston Area study. Our cognitive neuroscience research lab is recruiting children ages 8-12 for a  study on learning and language development.   Children with language difficulties AND  typically developing children welcome   This study is currently not recruiting  children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD or ASD  4 visits (on-site/remote)  $150, prizes, free parking, language &  cognitive testing and score report .  Interested? cnglead@mghihp.edu (617) 724-7363  OR Click the Link to  learn More & sign up! https://rally.partners.org/study/learning_differences?fbclid=IwAR0gIDZl-oWRFTzxBnITfR6CcdZGtjFSqu3uHqvHY9n8X20BzF6HBcQABwU
DDS Northeast Region Virtual Family Support Conference
Northeast Region Virtual Family Support Conference: May 27th, with the Mass Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Free. Find a variety of information about programs and support services for individuals with Developmental Disabilities or those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder living throughout the DDS Northeast Region. DDS Commissioner...Read more
Massachusetts' Family Mental-Health Conference
Massachusetts' Family Mental-Health Conference: Virtual Event, June 4th, with PPal Massachusetts. Holding Hands in Hard Times - A Children's Mental Health Conference will feature speaker Andrea Berryman Childreth, with Navigating Mental Illness: Embracing Imperfection, Shame & Courage to Find Hope & Balance. Also find workshops, an Exhibitor Expo...Read more
All About Guardianship for Special-Needs Planning
All About Guardianship for Special-Needs Planning: Webinar, June 2nd, with the Massachusetts' Sibling Support Network. Part of the MSSN’s Future Planning Speaker Series. It is for adult siblings, parents, and providers, and hosts expert speakers to address....Read more
PLAN for the Future...Now! PLAN of Massachusetts & Rhode Island is a Special-Needs Trust Started by Parents of Children with Special Needs. Contact us today to plan the future of your child. VISIT https://www.planofma-ri.org/request-a-consultation/
Epilepsy Support: Seizure First Aid & Recognition
Epilepsy Support: Seizure First Aid & Recognition: Webinar, May 27th, with the Epilepsy Foundation New England. Do you know someone with epilepsy? Would you know what to do if they had a seizure with you? Learn about different types of seizures and what to do to...Read more
Campamento de Abogacia Special-Needs Advocacy for Spanish Speaking Caregivers
Campamento de Abogacia Special-Needs Advocacy for Spanish Speaking Caregivers: On-line, June 5th, with Mass Families Organizing for Change. La Región Central está encantada de invitar a las familias que hablan español y que cuidan de niños que son elegibles y probablemente elegibles para los servicios de Massachusetts Department de Developmental Services a participar en...Read more
Sensory-Friendly Hours at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Sensory-Friendly Hours at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: South Wellfleet, June 8th, 2:00-4:00 pm. Free. Take advantage of the quieter hours to experience the sanctuary at your own pace. Explore the all-persons accessible trail, the sensory trail, or a trail of your choosing. Visitors are required to follow social distancing guidelines and to wear a face covering unless unable...Read more

Special-Needs Recreation

Despicable Me Pop Out Drive in Movie at Patriots Place
Showcase Pop-Up Drive-In in Foxboro: Despicable Me: Patriots Place in Foxboro, May 28th. The whole family can enjoy an outdoor movie while staying safely in your cars and social distancing at the Showcase Pop Up Drive In. Hosted with Showcase Cinemas. Showcase Cinema's Safety Protocols will be in place, such as...Read more
Bounce Out the Stigma Basketball Event
Bounce Out The Stigma Basketball Event: Danvers, June 5th. This Special-Needs Youth Basketball Clinic is for youth, ages 8-21 who are faced with the challenges of Autism, ADD, ADHD, Epilepsy, Learning Disabilities, Motor Difficulties, and other childhood developmental issues. All campers must be self-mobile. Kids will experience in a single day "Basketball, Fun & Empowerment...Read more
Adaptive Recumbent Trike Rentals in Western Mass
Adaptive Recumbent Trike Rentals in Western Mass Northhampton, Spring & Summer. Trikes will be available for rent to use on the nearby Manhan Rail Trail. Appointments only - no walks ins. Accessible cycles available include hand cycles, tandems, adult tricycles, and cycles offering more significant seating support...Read more
Teen Social Group for Special Needs in Greater Boston Massachusetts
Inclusive "Move to the Beat" in Springfield: Through June 22nd, with Kehillah /JCC Springfield, MA. For ages up to 8+ with special needs. Accommodating all abilities. Move to the beat, then cool-down mindfulness and yoga. Kehillah provides recreational, social, and enrichment programs for children, teens, and adults with special needs....Read more
ABLE Day Sessions Summer Programs for Musicians with Disabilities with Berklee College of Music in Boston. Offered remotely for Summer 2021. Students ages 9 - 17 may attend one or both sessions on July 19 - 23 or July 26 - 30th. For more information visit https://college.berklee.edu/berklee-institute-arts-education-and-special-needs/day-sessions-able-arts-better-lives-everyone
Young Athletes Special Olympics Programs Across Massachusetts
Young Athletes Special Olympics: Spring 2021. Beverly, Milford, Pittsfield, Salem, Sandwich, Weston, Weymouth. The Young Athletes program is an early introduction to sports and the world of Special Olympics for children ages 2 - 7 and 6-12 with intellectual disabilities. It is a sports & play program that focuses on fun activities important to...Read more (Scroll down the page to find these programs.)
Baseball for Students with Special Needs
Baseball for Students with Special Needs: Hingham, June 5th. The South Shore Special Needs Athletic Partnership will host a baseball program for students ages 4 – 22 who receive special education services. For those participants who require it, 1:1 support will be provided. Have fun, socialize and learn basic baseball...Read more
Adaptive Cycling in Massachusetts
Adaptive Cycling in Massachusetts: Charlestown, Peabody and Brewster, MA, June 1st, - 29th. All abilities welcome. Depending on the location and availability, you will find 3-wheeled adaptive cycles, including hand cycles, recumbent leg-cycles, tandem cycles and youth leg or hand-powered cycles. An array of adaptations....Read more
Running and Walking Program with Special Olympics Massachusetts Hingham
Walking & Running & "Extra Mile" Clubs with Special Olympics Massachusetts: Boston, Haverhill, Chelmsford, Marlboro, Newton, Plymouth, Revere, Weymouth, W. Bridgewater, W. Springfield, Wellesley, Enjoy the spring weather, meet new friends and get active. Mask & COVID screening...Read more

Transition to Adult Event Events

Disability Transition-to-Adult Services in Massachusetts
Disability Transition-to-Adult Services in Massachusetts: Webinar, May 27th, with the Boston Public Schools SEPAC. Guest speakers will discuss the transition process and cover topics such as: Inclusive College / University Experience, Work Readiness Training, Counseling on Post-Secondary Education, Transition Options in BPS, Extended School Year (ESY)...Read more
On Campus College Experience for Students with Diverse Learning, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities - in Cambridge, MA, with Threshold Program At Lesley University . Learn more at this link https://lesley.edu/events/threshold-program-virtual-information-session-may
Self-Advocacy Leadership Series with the Mass Developmental Disabilities Council
Self-Advocacy Leadership Series with the Mass Developmental Disabilities Council: Webinars. Summer Series 1: Application Deadline: June 11th. Summer Series 2: Application deadline: July 9th. Free. Designed for people with ID/DD between the ages 17 and up. Students will develop skills that will assist them in pursuing individual goals towards integrated competitive employment and independence....Read more
Resources & Support for Youth Transitioning to Adult Disability Services
Resources & Support for Youth Transitioning to Adult Disability Services: Webinar, June 2nd, with the PPal of Massachusetts P-TAY Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth. Hear about all the great work and resources that have been created to help your child who is in transition. Have you been wondering where to find useful tools to help your youth/young adult?...Read more
Life Training Series for Special-Needs Caregivers in Massachusetts
Life Training Series for Special-Needs Caregivers in Massachusetts: Online, Session 3 is May 26th - June 23rd, with Mass Families and Multicultural Community Services. Creating Your Family Portfolio is a free training to help families organize their ideas, vision, and goals, focusing on building a life of inclusion and productivity...Read more
Inclusive College Experience for Students with Learning Differences with the EXCEL Program at Bridgewater State University. Attend one of their Virtual Open Houses on March 19th, April 16th or May 18th, 2021  https://www.bridgew.edu/academics/EXCEL-program
LEND Advanced Leadership Fellowship Program Fellowship for Disabilities
LEND Advanced Leadership Fellowship Program Fellowship for Disabilities: The deadline for the 2021-2022 academic year is June 1, 2021. The UMass Medical School / Eunice Kennedy Shriver Advanced Leadership Fellowship Program is designed for clinicians, self-advocates, individuals with disabilities, family members, and other professionals working in disability-related fields who wish to develop or further sharpen their leadership skills. .Read more
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs: On Line, through June 12th, 2021, with Whole Children of Hadley, MA. For ages 16+ with special needs. Want to make a friend? Get a date? This class lays the groundwork for a life full of meaningful, healthy and safe relationships. Boundaries and Relationships is learning community that....Read more
Adult Family Care Program for Families with Special Needs
Adult Family Care Program for Families with Special Needs: Webinar, June 16th, with the Autism Alliance of Natick, MA. If you have a loved one age 16 or older who has MassHealth, you may be eligible to receive funds and support through the Adult Family Care Program. The Program Director for the Advocates AFC Program discuss will eligibility...Read more
Sign up for this Newsletter to receive information about Massachusetts special-needs webinars, conferences, recreation and more!
Advertise Your 2021 Special-Needs Camp or Summer Program with us.                                           Contact info@spedchildmass.com or 508-303-3424
facebook twitter linkedin