Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter AUGUST 2022
Massachusetts Disability Events November 3rd 2022 NEWSLETTER (3)
Massachusetts' disability support events in November cover topics such as Adaptive Sports statewide, the Department of Developmental Services, and Older Caregiver Supports.
November Events Include:
• Accessible & Adaptive Sports Across Massachusetts
• The Disability Workforce Crisis / Home Nursing Crisis
• Department of Developmental Services "101"
• Autism & the IEP
• Perspectives on Our Children with Extensive Support & Medical Needs
Transition-to-Adult Events Include:
• Meeting the Needs of Older Caregivers
• Basic Rights in Special Education: Transition Planning
• Self-Directed Disability Services with the Mass DDS
• "Resources for Housing" Workshop Series
Our next newsletter edition (November 17th) will feature Inclusive Holiday Events for the whole family! Sharon Marie
Parenting, Communication & Emotions: Perspectives on Our Children with Extensive Support & Medical Needs
Perspectives on Our Children with Extensive Support & Medical Needs: Virtual Event, November 5th, with The Campus School at Boston College. For families, professionals, and students. Keynote Presentation: The Emotions of Inclusion: Supporting Our Children and Families to Belong - with Christina Cipriano. The conference also features a line-up of leading educators and clinicians...Read more
NAMI Mass Family Mental Health Convention
NAMI Mass Family Mental Health Convention: Waltham, November 5th. For families and those with lived mental health experience. Keynote speaker Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer, NAMI, will discuss his new book, You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental ..Read more
Autism & the IEP
Autism & the IEP: Webinar, November 7th, with the Asperger/Autism Network in Watertown, MA. Join a workshop with Q&A for parents and guardians on the ins and outs of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with Asperger profiles. Learn what their staff look for when conducting IEP reviews. Topics include: Autism-specific considerations for the concern statement, Evaluations, The service delivery grid, Transition...Read more
Brooke School in Boston - Our School Supports All Children with Unique Abilities, Including Those with Disabilities, to Succeed at the Highest Level. Contact us today! https://www.ebrooke.org/enroll/
Department of Developmental Services 101: What You Need To Know
Department of Developmental Services 101: What You Need To Know: Webinar, November 9th, in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Metro Region. DDS 101 - hear who they are, who may be eligible, how to apply and what is available. Topics discussed will include: Eligibility, Transition, Self Direction, Autism... Read more
Social & Emotional Training for Special Education Parent Advisory Councils in Massachusetts
Social & Emotional Training for Special Education Parent Advisory Councils in Massachusetts: Webinar, November 10th, with The FCSN in Massachusetts. Open to all SESPs, graduates of the PCTI and all Special Education Advisory Councils (SEPAC) Chairs. Let's talk about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) will start with an overview of what SEL is and then discuss how to incorporate it in the IEP...Read more
Arc of Massachusetts Webinar: Supports & Services in the Workforce Crisis
Supports & Services in the Workforce Crisis: November 14th, with Arc of Massachusetts Executive Director Leo Sarkissian. 2022: How Supports And Services Are Going As We Continue Through The Workforce Crisis. This session will include a special focus on the home nursing crisis...Read more
Sensory Friendly "Nutcracker" Performance with Commonwealth Ballet Regis College in Weston MA.)
Making a Difference Conference for Special Education Surrogate Parents
"Making a Difference" Conference for Special Education Surrogate Parents: Virtual Conference & Exhibitor Fair, November 15th, with the Mass Recruitment, Training, and Support Center for Special Education Surrogate Parents. Building Resilience through Connections" will be the Keynote with Amnoni Myers. Hear her journey as a special education child growing up in foster care/DCF...Read more
Boston SPEDPAC Disability Resource Fair
Boston Special-Needs Resource Fair: Leahy Holloran Community Center, Dorchester, November 17th. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council and the Office of Special Education at Boston Public Schools. Speak directly with representatives from local groups who provide services to...Read more

Inclusive Recreation - All Ages

Learn About Upcoming Accessible & Adaptive Sports with the State of Massachusetts
Learn About Upcoming Accessible & Adaptive Sports with the State of Massachusetts: Virtual Event, November 18th, with the DCR Universal Access Program. The Department of Conservation & Recreation's (DCR) Universal Access Program provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities and ages. Accessible and adaptive...Read more
Wings for Autism®
Wings for Autism® Logan Airport, Boston, November 5th, with the Charles River Center of Needham, MA. Free. A program specifically designed to support families of children with autism, creating a travel test run to help ease the stress of airline travel. By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience without actually leaving the airport, parents and their children with special needs can gain...Read more
Worried About Back-to-School Learning Challenges?  Commonwealth Learning Center in Danvers and Needham offers Virtual and In Person Tutoring for Students and Young Adults with Dyslexia, ADHD & Executive Function. Contact us today! 978-774-0094 or visit www.commlearn.com
http://spedchildmass.com/event/adaptive-fall-kickoff-night-with-woburn-recreation/
Adaptive Fall Kickoff Night with Woburn Recreation: November 7th. Free. For school aged children & young adults who are interested in participating in more adaptive programs this year and learning more about what we do at our program. Adaptive recreation is a program that has been modified to meet the needs of a specific group of participants with varying physical or cognitive disabilities...Read more
Wheelchair Football Clinic in Foxboro
Wheelchair Football Clinic in Foxboro: Patriot Place, November 13th, with Adaptive Sports New England. Participants will learn the fundamentals of wheelchair football and develop new skills. For youth, adults and US military veterans. Players must be able to propel themselves in a manual wheelchair, but do not need to be an every day wheelchair user. Sport chairs will be provided ..Read more
Unlimited Abilities Recreation: Burlington
Unlimited Abilities Recreation: With the Burlington, MA, Recreation Department, November & through December 6th. For teens 13+ to young adult with a disability. Join them on Tuesday evenings for an adaptive fitness class. Sessions may include adaptive exercise, dance, stretching, games and more. No prior fitness experience...Read more
Berklee School of FALL 2022 Music Program for People with Disabilities of ALL Ages. Sign up today! https://college.berklee.edu/BIAESN
Virtual Therapeutic Music: Springfield
Virtual Therapeutic Music: Springfield, through December, with Kehillah of JCC Springfield. A board-certified music therapist will engage children through music to increase social skills such as speech, non-verbal communication, interaction, and confidence. Musical instruments are used to increase sharing skills, following directions, and emotional expression. There are no prerequisites . Children of all abilities are welcome....Read more
Sensory-Friendly Days with Mass Audubon: Norfolk
Sensory-Friendly Days with Mass Audubon: Norfolk - November 11th, Sharon - November 16th. Free. During these events, people can visit Mass Audubon properties when they are closed to the general public or tend to be relatively quiet. All Persons Trails are at many of the sanctuaries that participate in Sensory Friendly Days. These trails feature wide, flat, ADA-accessible paths...Read more
Sensory Friendly Museum Events in with the Springfield Museums
Sensory Friendly Museum Events: Springfield, MA, November 12th. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Springfield Science Museum, will host Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the second Saturday of each month, 9 am to 11 am. These events provide less noise, less bright light, and cool-down spaces for those who have sensory sensitivity. The museums will open early, with some exhibits...Read more
Adaptive Skating for All Ages Across Massachusetts
Adaptive Skating for All Ages Across Massachusetts: Brockton, East Boston, Holyoke & Worcester, Winter 2022 & 2023. Free admission and equipment use. Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, ice grippers are also available. Activities may include obstacle courses, a block tower, races, colorful balls and pucks to shoot around, and gently..Read more

Transition & Adult Events

Meeting the Needs of Older Caregivers
Meeting the Needs of Older Caregivers: Lexington, MA, November 15th. The Arc of Massachusetts Series for Aging Caregivers of Individuals with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities will focus on topics of interest to families and caregivers. November 15th topic: DDS Presentation on Meeting the Needs of Older Caregivers ...Read more
Career & Living Skills in an Inclusive College Environment for Students with Varying Disabilities for Ages 18+ at Bridgewater State University  Sign up for an Info Session on: Sept 30th, November 1st, or December 2nd!
Basic Rights in Special Education - Transition Planning
Basic Rights in Special Education - Transition Planning Webinar, November 15th, with the Reading, MA, SEPAC. All families welcome. This an overview of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities in special education ages 14 – 22 on IEPs transitioning out of school. Workshop Topics: Legal Basis for Transition Planning, Student Vision, Self Determination and Self-Advocacy. Timelines...Read more
Disability Transition Roadmap to Adulthood Workshop
Disability Transition Roadmap to Adulthood Workshop Plymouth, November 9th, with Pilgrim Academy. Planning is needed as individuals with disabilities navigate the shift from entitlement of education services to meaningful adult supports. Hear the hosts outline critical timelines and share important links to agencies and applications...Read more
AANE Autism/Aspergers Connections Virtual 2022 Conference
AANE Autism/Aspergers Connections Virtual 2022 Conference: November 5th, with the AANE of Watertown, MA. The Daniel W. Rosenn Connections Conference is for adults on the Autism Spectrum, parents, and professionals. This year's theme is Autistic Professionals Transforming Medical and Behavioral, Healthcare and Employment. Presentations will highlight integrating lived experience...Read more
Support Group for People of Color with an Asperger / Autism profile
Support Group for People of Color with an Asperger / Autism profile: Online, November 7th, with the Asperger / Autism Network of Watertown. Free. Open Support Group for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another...Read more
Employment & Vocational Opportunities for Those With Disabilities in Massachusetts
Employment & Vocational Opportunities for Those With Disabilities in Massachusetts: Virtual Group, November 9th, with Communitas of Wakefield, MA. For people who have loved ones ages 16-24. Hear about the keys to a successful employment search, what some of the biggest hurdles to employment can be in that search, and how to prepare your child prior to turning 22 for the working world....Read more
Advertise your therapeutic  Recreation ,  School or Disability Supports to our Readers. Contact us today!  info@spedchildmass.com or 508-303-3424
AD Newsletter Signup Page Website 300 w x 225 JUNE 2022
College Transition Workshop for Deaf & Hard of Hearing High School Students
Voice & Choice - Important Discussions Around Legal Decision Making for Adult Students: Webinar, November 15th, with the SPaN of Massachusetts. Learn how to make this a person-centered process and what the alternatives to guardianship are. Discuss the range of options to support legal decision-making, including supported decision-making agreements, health care proxies, power of..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: Virtual Groups, November 16th, 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. It provides opportunities for young men with disabilities to develop the skills of self-empowerment...Read more
Autism Housing Pathways "Resources for Housing" Workshop Series
"Resources for Housing" Workshop Series: Webinars, with Autism Housing Pathways in Bedford, MA. You must register for the whole series. Part 1 - Resources for housing, Part 2 & 3 - Roadmap to housing /Applying for benefits and services, building skills, and moving in; Part 4 - Paying for...Read more
Navigating Services & Supports Transition Workshop
Navigating Services & Supports Transition Workshop Webinars, November 16th & December 21st, with the Arc of Massachusetts. Kerry Mahoney, Director of Outreach & Education, and Kathleen Amaral, Advocacy Alliance Coordinator for the Arc of Massachusetts, will provide information and resources for specific areas of need, who to call, where to go, and best practices...Read more
Self-Directed Disability Services with the DDS
Self-Directed Disability Services with the DDS: Webinar, November 16th, 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
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs
Boundaries & Relationships for Teens & Young Adults with Special Needs: Hadley, in Person, through December 10th, with Whole Children. For ages 16+ with special needs. Do you want to learn about healthy friendships? How to go on a date? Advocating and setting healthy boundaries? This class lays the groundwork for a life of meaningful...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