Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter AUGUST 2022
Massachusetts Disability Events Aug 4 2022 NEWSLETTER (4)
Let's talk about cooling off with inclusive Massachusetts' disability events this month. Find adaptive swimming, surfing, sailing, kayaking and more, or join an upcoming workshop or webinar. Transition-to-Adult events will focus on Paratransit Services, a support group for caregivers 60+, and learning about self-directed disability services.
August Events Include:
• Disability Forums with Candidates for Massachusetts Attorney General & Governor
• Behavioral Health Town Hall with Mass Health
• Addressing Back to School Anxiety
Transition-to-Adult Events Include:
• Autism - Sexuality, Sex Education & ASD" Workshop
• Self-Directed Disability Services with the Mass DDS
• Disability Support Group for Older Caregivers 60+
We are trying not to wilt in the heat. Sharon Marie
Beach Wheelchair
Accessible Spray Pools, Beaches & Beach Wheelchairs: Our Accessible Pools / Beach pages are listed on the left of the page as four groups :
* Cape Cod - Accessible Beaches List
* Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Spray Decks
* Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts
* Floating Beach Chairs...Read More
Virtual Disability Forum with Candidates for Massachusetts Attorney General
Family Behavioral Health Town Hall with Mass Health
Disability Forums with Candidates for Massachusetts Attorney General & Governor: Virtual Events, August 11th & September 8th. The Arc of Massachusetts and its partners will host nonpartisan Virtual Disability Forums for the Democratic and Republican candidates running for Governor and Attorney General of Massachusetts. Hear candidates speak and to answer questions about disability...Read more
Behavioral Health Town Hall with Mass Health: Virtual Event, August 9th. PPal Massachusetts' Statewide Meetings are meant only for parents / caregivers / family members / family partners of children with behavioral health needs. At this event, learn what is new in behavioral health, including: Community Based Health Centers, Support for Autism/IDD Children, Update on access after hours, including...Read more
UMass Bilingual Language Development Lab Language Study for Ages 4-6
Arc of Massachusetts Webinar: Promises Kept & Unkept
Arc of Massachusetts Webinar: Promises Kept & Unkept: August 8th - with Massachusetts Executive Director Leo Sarkissian. Leo will be joined by Representative Sean Garballey to discuss the recent policies which were enacted through the FY23 budget. Rep. Garballey will also discuss the importance of civic engagement ...Read more
Addressing Back to School Anxiety
Addressing Back to School Anxiety: Webinar, August 18th, with SPARK Kindness of Natick. Addressing Back to School Anxiety: How to Plan for a Resilient Year Ahead. Hear Phyliss Fagell, school counselor and author of “Middle School Matters”, describe specific strategies parents and caregivers can employ during the back to school transition to help children manage stress, promote connection and develop enduring resilience...Read more
"SEPAC & Sip" for Western Mass SEPAC Leaders
"SEPAC & Sip" for Western Mass SEPAC Leaders: Northhampton, August 30th. Free. This is an informal event that offers an opportunity to network with other SEPAC chairs, discuss common challenges and brainstorm for the school year ahead. * Organized and coordinated by the Hatfield, MA, SEPAC.* There will be light...Read more

Inclusive Recreation for All Ages

Sensory Friendly Garden Party for Families in Massachusetts
Sensory-Friendly Garden Party: Norton, August 6th, with the Attleboro Norton YMCA Norton Outdoor Center. During this hour long program, participants will explore the garden and learn about the various plants being grown, hear a story, and do a craft. The program is designed to provide a quieter, sensory-friendly environment with a reduced... Read more
Introduction to Adaptive Cycling in Massachusetts
Introduction to Adaptive Cycling Boston, August 6th. For summer 2022,the Boys & Girls club of Dorchester is offering Introduction to Cycling Clinics with the Northeast Passage. They will have adaptive bikes for participants to try, or the option of bringing their own bikes to ride around with friends. No experience is necessary.... Read more
Sensory Friendly Museum Events in with the Springfield Museums
Sensory-Friendly Museum Events in Western Mass Springfield, August 13th. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Springfield Science Museums' Sensory Friendly Saturdays provide less noise, less bright light, and cool-down spaces for those who have sensory sensitivity. The museums will open early, with some exhibits modified to provide an opportunity for people with...Read more
Hearts and Hands Therapy Services for the Worcester Area - *ABA  * SPEECH THERAPY  *OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY  *PHYSICAL THERAPY.Contact us today! https://www.heartsandhandstherapy.com/find-your-therapy-team/
Sensory-Friendly Evenings at the Botanic Gardens
Sensory-Friendly Evenings at the Botanic Gardens: Boylston, August 10th. In partnership with HMEA’s Autism Resource Central of Worcester, offering a low-sensory, less crowded environment for a night of fun, exploration, and relaxation. Explore the gardens after hours and enjoy designated quiet spaces, art projects and hands-on activities for all ages. Tickets must be reserved...Read more
Surfing with Smiles
Surfing with Smiles: Hampton, NH, August 11th. Free. An event for people of all ages and abilities with special needs to learn how to surf. Surfing with Smiles' aim is to help build confidence and sense of reward, enjoying the beach, playing in the water, or staying dry on land and playing beach games. Their mission is to enhance the lives of...Read more
Easterseals Ma Adaptive Swim: Worcester
Easterseals MA Adaptive Swim: Worcester. Free. For ages 5 -12, and 13+ with disabilities and their families. This adaptive recreational swim program (these are not swim lessons) will be led by aquatics instructors and a lifeguard. Groups participate in safety activities and water games that maximize independence in water...Read more
Open Swim for Special Needs Families in the Holyoke communities
Open Swim for Families with Special-Needs: With the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults at JERICHO in Western Massachusetts, through September 14th. Free. Family pool time for people with disabilities and their families. Includes a picnic tables, a playground, wheel chair swing and Mommy and Me swing. Participants are required to...Read more
Berklee School of FALL 2022 Music Program for People with Disabilities of ALL Ages. Sign up today! https://college.berklee.edu/BIAESN
Adaptive Kayaking: East Sandwich & North Shore
Adaptive Kayaking: East Sandwich & North Shore Through September 7th, in Brewster, Charlestown, South Hamilton, with Spaulding Rehabilitation. For all abilities and ages - there are some limitations. For paddling solo or in tandem, they have a fleet of kayaks that offer extra seating support, one-handed paddling or the use of foot-pedals...Read more
Adaptive Sailing for ages 6 - 18 with Visual & Mobility Impairments: Boston
Adaptive Sailing for ages 6 - 18 with Visual & Mobility Impairments: Boston. Through August 31st, with Adaptive Sports New England. Free. Sailors ages 6-18 who have a visual or mobility impairment will meet to learn the basics of sailing. Parents and siblings may join sailors by...Read more
Adaptive Kayaking in Massachusetts' Parks
Adaptive Kayaking in Massachusetts' Parks: Concord, Goshen, Natick, Worcester, through August 30th. The State of Massachusetts DCR Universal Access program offers adaptive and accessible kayaking in state parks. This includes small groups outings to allow enjoying the...Read more
Adaptive Cycling in Eastern Massachusetts
Adaptive Cycling in Eastern Massachusetts Charlestown, Peabody and Brewster, through- October 19th, with Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. All abilities welcome. Cycle options include adult and child size 3-wheeled recumbent hand and leg-cycles, tandem cycles...Read more

Transition & Adult Events

Build Skills for College Success - Easter Seals Massachusetts College Navigator 1-to1 support for students with any disability. Contact us today https://www.easterseals.com/ma/our-programs/college-navigator/?utm_source=spedmass&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-nav 275x300 Digital Ads
"Autism - Sexuality, Sex Education & ASD" Workshop for Caregivers in Massachusetts
Autism - Sexuality, Sex Education & ASD" Workshop for Caregivers: East Sandwich, MA, August 9th. Free. This presentation will provide an overview of the current research in sexuality and ASD along with a discussion of the generally challenges sexuality may present to the individual, his or her family, and the associated pro...Read more
Vision Impairment, Legal Blindness or Deafblindness Adult Caregiver DDS Support Group
Vision Impairment, Legal Blindness & Deafblindness Adult Caregiver DDS Support Group: Virtual Group, August 9th & 10th, with the Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services at the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. August Topic: What’s New in Mobility? Hear Allyson Bull, Director of Orientation and Mobility, Mass Commission for the Blind...Read more
B.A.D. Online Groups for Young Men with Disabilities in Massachusetts
B.A.D. Online Groups for Young Men with Disabilities in Massachusetts: August 17th, with Easterseals Massachusetts. Brothers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.): Empowering Young Men With Disabilities is a mentoring program for teens and young men ages 14 to adult with disabilities, and provides opportunities to...Read more
Puberty for Young Adults with Disabilities: What You Might Have Missed in Middle School Clinic
Puberty Clinic for Young Adults with Disabilities: What You Might Have Missed in Middle School Clinic: with Milestones of Hadley. For ages 16-22. Designed for students of all abilities to foster confidence and competence in a way that is fun and comfortable...Read more
WRTA Paratransit Services Workshop
WRTA Paratransit Services Workshop: Webinar, August 17th, with THRIVE of Marlborough. Learn more about the complementary paratransit service in the Worcester area for individuals with a disability that prevents them from using the accessible fixed bus routes. Riders must apply for ADA service and be determined eligible under ADA...Read more
Disability Support Group for Older Caregivers 60+
Disability Support Group for Older Caregivers 60+: Danvers, August 18th, with the Northeast Arc. Caring for an adult child with special needs can be challenging and at times overwhelming. The Northeast Arc of Danvers would like to help by providing connections, information and supports. Meet with other caregivers, share information and ideas. Transportation will be provided for those who...Read more
Advertise your therapeutic  Recreation ,  School or Disability Supports to our Readers. Contact us today!  info@spedchildmass.com or 508-303-3424
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Self-Directed Disability Services with the DDS
Self-Directed Disability Services with the DDS Webinars, August 31st, September 14th & 28th, with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. Join interactive discussions about expanding choices and control through Self Directed Supports. Design individualized services to meet your loved one's and family's needs through the Participant Directed Program or Agency with Choice...Read more
Senior Inclusive Sports for Ages 45+
Senior Inclusive Sports for Ages 45+: Wakefield, through 27th - September 8th, hosted by Communitas. Free. For adults with disabilities ages 45 and older. Are you over the age of 45 and looking to get more active? Train to compete in the Senior Sports Classic, which includes corn hole, bocce and race walking. The team practices each week on...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