Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter for February & March 2021
Massachusetts Disability Events March 2022 NEWSLETTER 1
Disability workshops and conferences in Massachusetts have roared in like a lion this month. Topics cover special education law, support for brain injuries, Down Syndrome and more. For transition-to-adult needs, find a college resource fair for learning challenges, and workshops about Self-Directed DDS services, social security and more.
March Massachusetts' Events Include:
• The author Dr. Temple Grandin at Boston University
• Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Boot Camp
• "Visions of Community" Virtual Special-Needs Conference
• Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Conference
Transition-to-Adult Events Include:
• College Fair for Students with Learning Challenges
• Navigating the Disability Transition Years:
• Self-Directed Services for Adults with Disabilities
The first day of spring is right around the corner - we can't wait. Sharon Marie
AANE Connections Conference Waltham, MA
Dr. Temple Grandin at Boston University: Boston University, March 18th. Dr. Temple Grandin, an adult with autism, is a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University. She is the author of Thinking in Pictures, Emergence Labeled Autistic, Animals Make Us Human, The Way I See It, and The Autistic Brain. Dr. Grandin will speak about approaches to problem solving...Read more
"Visions of Community" Special-Needs Conference
"Visions of Community" Virtual Special-Needs Conference: March 19th, with The FCSN of Massachusetts. For parents and professionals. Topics include: IEPs and other special education issues, impact of trauma, self-care, health services and benefits, and transition planning. Workshops are offered in multiple languages, a Virtual Exhibitors expo...Read more
Trinitas Special Education Advocates  Parent Coaching  Student Mentoring Serving  Metro Boston,  South Shore, and Central Massachusetts To Learn More Contact Us:   (781) 775-8486   www.trinitasadvocates.com
Home Care for Adults with Disabilities Workshop
Family Dynamics: Who Will Be There To Worry When I Am Not? Webinar, March 22nd, with the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network. Every family is unique; therefore, planning for who will be there next to take care of your child requires important conversations. Workshop presenter Patric Barbieri is an adult sibling of a person with a disability, Co-Director of ForeverParent, and...Read more
Supporting Parents who are Immigrants and/or Have Limited English Proficiency in the Special Education Process
Supporting Parents who are Immigrants and/or Have Limited English Proficiency in the Special Education Process Webinar, March 22nd, with Mass Advocates for Children. Free webinar for community service providers. Designed for social workers, care coordinators, patient navigators, in home therapists, and other direct service providers who support families in the special education process...Read more
Massachusetts Down Syndrome 2022 Virtual Conference
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Virtual Conference, March 26th & 27th. The Key Note Speaker will be Sujeet Desai. Sujeet is a musician, motivational Speaker, and the first individual with Down Syndrome to play at Carnegie Hall. The conference also features a broad array of live interactive workshops, specialty workshops, a self-advocate track, an Exhibitor Expo/resources...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
Listening Sessions to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on access to Mental Health Services for Massachusetts Communities Most Impacted
Listening Sessions to Understand COVID-19 Access to Mental Health Services: Webinars, with the Massachusetts' Children’s Mental Health Campaign. March 18th: Also in Spanish, Portuguese and American Sign Language . March 19: Also in Spanish and Haitian Creole. Their Goal: To reflect the experiences of youth under the age of 22 in accessing mental health services in Massachusetts...Read more
Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Boot Camp
Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Boot Camp: Nashua, NH, March 31st. This boot camp focuses on special education law, rights and responsibilities, tests and measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs, introduction to tactics & strategies for effective advocacy. This event and the topics are not about or specific to any one disability ..Read more
Understanding and Managing Meltdowns, 101
Understanding and Managing Meltdowns, 101: Webinar, March 22nd, with MGH Aspire in Lexington. Free. For parents and caregivers of elementary school-aged children with ASD or a similar social profile. Review the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum, the anatomy of a meltdown ,typical triggers, and considerations that might lead to escalation. Participants will learn ASD-informed strategies....Read more
Bureau of Special Education Appeals "Mediation & Facilitation" for Central / Western Mass Families
Special Education "Mediation & Facilitation" for Central / Western Mass Families: Webinar, March 30th, 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...Read more
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts Family Conference
Brain Injury Conference for Massachusetts' Families: Virtual Event, March 30th & 31st. For brain injury survivors, caregivers, families and professionals. Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Molly Parker: Insider Perspective: Key Insights from a Practitioner Turned Patient. Workshops will cover: Racial Disparities, Healthy Living, Duel Diagnosis, Long-Term Services and Supports, Rebuilding Identities......Read more

Special-Needs Recreation

Miracle League Baseball in Western Massachusetts
Miracle League Baseball in Western Massachusetts Chicopee - Registration until March 25th for Spring 2022. Open anyone ages 4 - 19 with a cognitive and/or physical disability. The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts provide children and adults of all abilities....Read more
Especially for Me Free Evening to Families with Autism Spectrum
"Especially for Me" Free Evening to Families with Autism Spectrum: Acton, March 19th. A special evening event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together, while the museum is closed to the general public and headcount is limited. Pre-registration required ...Read more
Adaptive Climbing for Ages 5 - 17
Adaptive Climbing for Ages 5 - 17: Somerville, March 20th. For children ages 5 - 17. Accommodations and equipment will help climbers with any disability get on the climbing wall. Volunteers will help fit gear, guide new climbers and belay the ropes. A safe, fun and supportive environment for children with disabilities to enjoy the sport of climbing... Read more
Inclusive basketball, Soccer, wiffleball for Mansfield Massachusetts special needs families
Adaptive & Inclusive Team Sports
Burlington: Adaptive Softball for ages 6-22
Chelmsford: TOPSoccer for ages 3 -22
Lexington: Adaptive "InclYOUsion" Multi-Sports
Medfield Challenger Inclusion Basketball & Wiffleball
Millis: Adaptive Teen Basketball
More on our Inclusive Recreation Page
an Inclusive College Experience for Students with Learning Differences - The EXCEL Program at Bridgewater State University . Attend an open house in Spring 2022 https://www.bridgew.edu/academics/EXCEL-program
Adaptive Indoor Climbing for For All Ages
Adaptive Indoor Climbing for For All Ages: Somerville, March 27th. Open to all ages. Accommodations and equipment will help climbers with any disability get on the climbing wall. A safe, fun and supportive environment for people with disabilities to enjoy the sport of climbing. Volunteers will help fit gear, guide new climbers...Read more
Special Olympics Spring Programs Across Massachusetts
Special Olympics & Challenger Sports Massachusetts
Amherst: Special Olympics Young Athletes
Marlborough: Special Olympics Track & Tennis
Methuen: Special Olympics Young Athletes
Springfield: Special Olympics Floor Hockey & Basketball
Southborough: Special Olympics Young Athletes – Level 1
Woburn: Special Olympics Soccer & Basketball More
Adaptive "The Singing Sailors" in Sandwich
Adaptive "The Singing Sailors": Sandwich, MA, March 12th - May 14th. For ages 10 and up. This program will provide individuals of all ages and all developmental and intellectual abilities an opportunity to learn about singing, dancing and experiencing music through rehearsals, performances, community outreach...Read more

Transition & Adult Events

Residential Program for Students with Learning Differences with the Threshold Program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Build Life Skills for a Successful Future. Contact us today 800.999.1959 ext. 8181 or 617.349.8181 threshold@lesley.edu
Support Group for Caregivers of Adults 18+ with Developmental Disabilities
Support Group for Caregivers of Adults 18+ with Developmental Disabilities: Virtual Groups, through March 24th, with Brigham & Women’s Hospital of Boston. A community outreach support group for caregivers of adults (18 years old and older) with developmental disabilities...Read more
College Fair for Students with Learning Challenges: Woburn
College Fair for Students with Learning Challenges: Virtual Event, March 30th, with the Woburn, MA, SEPAC. Free. Designed for students who learn differently, however it is open to ALL students. Meet virtually with Massachusetts colleges and programs that specialize in providing services and resources for students who learn differently...Read more
In Our Words: Navigating the Disability Transition Years
In Our Words: Navigating the Disability Transition Years: Webinar, March 21st, with the Massachusetts’ Department of Developmental Services. Free. This presentation will introduce you to three women who currently receive supports from DDS. They will discuss their experiences navigating their transition years, relationships, and Agency with Choice....Read more
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs: In Person, March 28th - May 27th, 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. A learning community that can last many consecutive sessions as students move...Read more
Berklee School of Music Program ABLE Day Sessions Summer Music Program for Musicians with Disabilities
College & Your Mental Health
College & Your Mental Health: Webinar, March 21st, with NAMI Central Middlesex. A Webinar Panel Discussion for Students, Parents & School Counselors. Mental health issues have become more prevalent in college settings. What kind of mental health support is available on college campuses? How do you access help if you...Read more

    Self-Directed Services for Adults with Disabilities
    Self-Directed Services for Adults with Disabilities Webinar, March 28th, with the Seven Hills of Central Massachusetts. A DDS Regional Self-direction Manager will explain the concept and answers questions that you may have. The purpose of Self-direction is to expand individual choice and control over services and supports they need...Read more
    "DDS Adult Service Models" with Advocates in Motion Lunch & Learn for Parents
    "DDS Adult Service Models" with Advocates in Motion Lunch & Learn for Parents: Virtual Meeting on March 20th, for Parents of Children ages 13 - 22 with Down Syndrome. Larn about various Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services adult service models, including: *Traditional Day and Employment Programs*Participant-Directed Programming* Agency with Choice.....Read more
    Demystifying SSI and SSDI
    Demystifying SSI & SSDI: Webinar, March 23rd, with the Arc of Massachusetts. Attorney Karen Mariscal will walk attendees through the steps of applying for benefits via Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Who is eligible? * What are the reporting requirements? Learn all of... Read more
    Advertise Your Special Needs Summer or Camp Program. Contact us today 508-303-3424 or info@spedchildmass.com
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    "Whole Selves" Self Esteem, Intimacy & Consent for Special Needs Young Adults
    "Whole Selves" Self Esteem, Intimacy & Consent for Special Needs Young Adults: Whole Selves Classes run through August 19th, with Pathlight Program of Greenfield, MA. The Parent session will cover how Whole Selves aims for straightforward, empowering, and comprehensive sexuality education for people with intellectual disabilities ...Read more
    "Learning About Housing" for Families with Disabilities
    "Learning About Housing" for Families with Disabilities Webinar, through April 23rd, with Autism Housing Pathways of Winchester. Learning About Housing is a 5 part series to help families determine housing options that might be appropriate for their family member. ...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.

    Assistive Technology/Medically Complex Events in Massachusetts

    Autism & Asperger Workshops & Events in Massachusetts

    Special Needs Financial & Legal Help 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