Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter for February & March 2021
Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter November 4 2021 A
November is a great time for families to explore local disability resource expos, open houses and workshops. Topics this month include State of Massachusetts programs, bullying, transition supports to adulthood, and much more.
November Events Include:
• What Happens To Children With Disabilities?
• Massachusetts Dept. of Developmental Services Information Session
• Bullying: What Parents Need to Know
• Social/Emotional Learning Resources & Exhibitor Showcase for Massachusetts Families
Transition-to-Adult Events Include:
• Developmental Services & College Support for SPED Students Turning 18
• Easter Seals Massachusetts Youth & Transition Services Virtual Open House
• Transition Conference with the Arc of Massachusetts
The next level up in your loved one's supports and winter programs await! Sharon Marie
Arc of Massachusetts COVID-19 Webinar: Dentistry Practices for Children with Autism
Dentistry Practices for Children with Autism : November 5th, with Arc of Massachusetts Director of Government Affairs Maura Sullivan. Maura Sullivan is also a mother of two children with autism. She will host Dr. Andrew Fraser of Bubble Dentistry for a discussion of dentistry...Read more
What Happens To Children With Disabilities?
What Happens To Children With Disabilities? Webinar, November 9th, with a learning disability support school Newton, MA. Neurodevelopmental disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and intellectual disability are common childhood conditions. Hear about the long-term outcomes of these disorders into adulthood, and...Read more
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Information Session
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Information Session: Webinar, November 10th, with Vinfen of West Roxbury. Hear DDS Children’s Services Supervisor Kevin P. Rhode discuss services that are available for individuals up to the age of 22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and...Read more
Worried About Back-to-School Learning Challenges? Commonwealth Learning Center offers 1:1 Virtual AND In-Person Tutoring for Students with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Executive Dysfunction. In Danvers and Needham Massachusetts. Contact us today Danvers 978-774-0094 or Needham 781-444-5193 or visit www.commlearn.com
Bullying: What Parents Need to Know
Bullying: What Parents Need to Know Webinar, November 8th, 2021, with the Bedford SEPAC and Federation for Children with Special Needs in Massachusetts. This presentation addresses: what a bully is, the school’s legal obligation to prevent and address bullying, some strategies and tools for dealing with bullying, how to address bullying in the IEP...Read more
What is a 504 Plan & How Can It Help My Student?
What is a 504 Plan & How Can It Help My Student? Webinar, November 8th, with the Granby SEPAC. A representative from the FCSN in Massachusetts will explain the rights and responsibilities of a 504 Plan, who is eligible, what it contains, and the major differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP. What is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?...Read more
Insurance Coverage for Autism & Behavioral Health
Insurance Coverage for Autism & Behavioral Health: Webinar, November 16th, with MassFamilies. Are you a parent looking for treatment for your child with a behavioral health challenge, but are confused about where to start? Or maybe you are a case manager, family partner, or other professional assisting a family seeking in-home behavioral health care for their child, but aren’t sure if...Read more
Berklee School of Music classes for youth teens and young adults with special needs PAINT RESIZE BLOCK Lighter BIAESN DigitalAd 300X350 2021 (2)
Meeting Making a Difference Conference Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), Foster_Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers Massachusetts (2)
Making a Difference Conference for Special Education Surrogate Parents: Virtual Conference & Exhibitor Fair, November 16th, with the Massachusetts' RTSC for Special Education Surrogate Parents. Hear topics related to the education and support of at risk students, particularly those in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
Learn and network with staff...Read more
No Sibling Left Behind Workshop
No Sibling Left Behind: Webinar, November 16th, with the The Northborough/Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council. No Sibling Left Behind provides an overview of the sibling experience, sibling movement, and research trends, as well as strategies and tips to support siblings of people with disabilities. Presented by Massachusetts Sibling Support Network...Read more
Fundamental Boundaries Clinic for All Ages with Special Needs
Fundamental Boundaries Clinic for All Ages with Special Needs: Online Class, November 15 -19, with Whole Children of Hadley, MA. For all ages. Participants will learn how to stand up for themselves when someone breaks their boundaries, discuss consent and how it is a key part of a healthy relationship, explore talk and touch boundaries with friends and family, boundaries on social media, understanding red flags, what they mean and how to...Read more
Social/Emotional Learning Resources & Exhibitor Showcase for Massachusetts Families
Social/Emotional Learning Resources & Exhibitor Showcase for Massachusetts Families Virtual Event, November 16th, with SEL4MA. Free. Find interactive plenary presentations, live breakout sessions, explore exhibit booths, and network with other participants. Highlights include: Racial and social justice facilitators, adaptations for virtual..Read more
Supporting Students with Down Syndrome in the Classroom
Supporting Students with Down Syndrome in the Classroom Webinar, November 16th, with the Mass Down Syndrome Congress. For Family Members and all educators and service providers. Attachment, Separation and Loss During the Pandemic, and Their Complications: Supporting Students with Down Syndrome in the Classroom. Loss of a...Read more
Bureau of Special Education Appeals "Mediation & Facilitation" for North Shore Families
Mediation & Facilitation: for North Shore Families Webinar, November 17th, with the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals. Often families and school districts are able to work collaboratively and develop IEPs and 504s to meet the needs of their students; however when they reach an impasse, it can be frustrating, upsetting, and may leave the parties wondering how to move forward...Read more

Special-Needs Recreation

"Sensory-Friendly" Hour at Apex/Marlborough
Sensory-Friendly Hour at Apex/Marlborough: November 6th. Registration is required. The Autism Alliance, Advocates, and Apex Center present Sensory Friendly Saturdays which offer special accommodations such as: reduced lighting and sound, sunglasses, sensory toys, quiet rooms, and attractions such as Bumper Cars, Arcade, Bowling...Read more
Swim Lessons for Special Needs: Dorchester
Swim Lessons for Special Needs: Dorchester: Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, Fall 2021. One-to-One swim lessons for children with special needs. Swim instruction for children with unique abilities. Children will gain confidence, build relationships and improve swim skills. Swim...Read more
Adaptive Aquatics in Springfield, MA
Adaptive Aquatics in Springfield: Fall 2021, with the JCC Springfield. For all ages with special needs. The instructors teach water safety skills in a safe environment. Entry to the pool includes stairs, ladder, and handicap lift access. Specially designed family changing rooms accommodate...Read more
Educational Services for Students with Multiple Disabilities, Ages 3 - 22. Educating the Whole Child Through Individualized Instruction. Contact Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown Massachusetts today! https://www.perkins.org/school/admissions/ or  for the Blind in Watertown, MA
Adaptive Skating: Acton
Adaptive Skating: Acton: November 6th - December 18th. For people of all ages with special needs. The host provides a 1/1 partner for most skaters with individualized instruction.
Skating independently will be the ultimate goal for most skaters, depending on their abilities. Prior skating experience is not needed to participate. Skaters learn basic...Read more
Community Sled Hockey Practices
Community Sled Hockey Practices: Charlestown & Everett, through December 19th. Sled hockey enables youth and adults to play hockey in a seated position with blades beneath them. Players propel themselves by using sticks with picks on the end, or with the assistance of a designated pusher. Coaching and equipment are provided...Read more
"Bounce Out The Stigma" Basketball Event in Winchester
Bounce Out The Stigma Basketball Event: Winchester, MA, November 7th. A day of basketball for youth ages 8 - 21. Geared for children with Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy and Neurological / Emotional challenges, learning disabilities and slow motor skill development and social interaction. This clinic is non-competitive and centers on ...Read more

Transition & Adult Events

Residential Program for Students with Learning Differences. Threshold Program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. ***Virtual Open House on October 23rd. Register today! https://app.geckoform.com/public/#/modern/FOUSE0264TRuIHPx
Disability and Special Needs Inclusion Summit in Boston Massachusetts
Developmental Services & College Support for SPED Students Turning 18 Webinar, November 4th, with the Mansfield, MA, SEPAC. Hear about transitional services and college support programs for SPED students who have turned 18...Read more
Arc of Massachusetts Disability Transition Conference
Arc of Massachusetts Disability Transition Conference: Virtual event, November 4 - 18th. For families of teens and adults with special needs ages 13-26. This conference webinar series will demonstrate how the LifeCourse Frameworks and Tools can help you create seamless, successful transitions into the adult world...Read more
Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs: ABLE Accounts
Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs: ABLE Accounts Webinar, November 9th, with the Arc of Haverhill-Newburyport, MA. Hear a comprehensive overview of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act and how it may benefit you and your loved ones. Presented by: Mary Rubenis, Massachusetts Educational, Financing Authority...Read more
ABLE Accounts for Families with Special Needs
ABLE Accounts for Families with Special Needs: Webinar, November 16, with Pathlight / Autism Connections of Hadley, MA. ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families. Are you an individual (or do you have a family member) who needs to save income for disability related expenses without impacting state benefits? ABLE Accounts were created for...Read more
Easter Seals Massachusetts Youth & Transition Services Virtual Open House: November 9th. Free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Easter Seals services for youth and young adults with disabilities. There will be representatives from the following programs: College Navigator, Accessible Recreation, Youth Leadership Network, Mentoring Programs, Assistive Technology...Read more
Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Tools for Transition Planning
Charting the LifeCourse Tools for Transition Planning: Webinar, November 9th, with Family Empowerment of Hadley, MA. Charting the LifeCourse Framework was designed to help individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for: a good life, to think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, discover what it takes to live the lives...Read more
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs: Hadley, MA, in Person, through December 11th. 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. . * Learn, make friends, and get support as you grow into adulthood...Read more
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There's just not enough room! Find lots more events and recreation on our category tabs on our website. Below are our pages dedicated to specific disability challenges and needs. Something for everyone!

Assistive Technology/Medically Complex Events in Massachusetts

Special Needs Financial & Legal Help in Massachusetts

Autism & Asperger Workshops & Events in Massachusetts

Down Syndrome & II/ID Events in Massachusetts

Recreation for Families with Special Needs in Massachusetts

Family Mental Health Workshops in Massachusetts

Special Needs Camps & Camp Fairs Massachusetts