Greater Massachusetts Special-Needs Events Newsletter for February & March 2021
Massachusetts Special-Needs Workshops and Conferences March 2021 (3)
The anticipation of Spring has inspired Massachusetts' disability support organizations to whisk in a wide variety of workshops and conferences. Get ready to explore current topics that serve young children to adults.
For March events, find:
• Covid-19 Vaccine Special-Needs Forum
• Autism Parent Law Training
• Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Conference
• Boston Parents Paper’s Virtual Camp/Summer Expo
• Transition-from-High-School Workshops
• "Housing 101" for Special Needs Families
This is the month to attend, learn and plan - there's a lot of catching up to do! Sharon Marie.
Covid-19 Vaccine Informational Special-Needs Family Forum
Covid-19 Vaccine Special-Needs Family Forum: Webinar, March 31st, with the Autism Alliance of Natick MA. Free. Dr. Mark Viron, Advocates Chief Medical Officer, will provide updated vaccine related information and answer questions families with special needs loved ones have about the vaccine....Read more
Campamento de Abogacia Special-Needs Advocacy for Spanish Speaking Caregivers
Campamento de Abogacia Special-Needs Advocacy for Spanish Speaking Caregivers: On-line training, March 20, 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 ...Read more
Autism Parent Law Training for Massachusetts Families
Autism Parent Law Training for Massachusetts Families Webinar, March 23rd, with Massachusetts Families and the Arc of Greater Haverhill/ Newburyport. This workshop provides an overview of specific legal requirements about the unique needs of children with autism, including a focus on special education during COVID-19, such evaluation rights and procedures, guidance and strategies...Read more
Brain Injury Conference for Massachusetts Families March 2021
Brain Injury Conference for Massachusetts' Families Virtual Event, March 24th & 25th. For brain injury survivors, caregivers, families and professionals to gather and discuss the challenges faced by the brain injury community. Keynote will be Hit Hard: One Family's Journey of Letting Go of What Was and Learning to Live Well with What Is...Read more
Navigating the System: Practical Advice for Families of Children with Special Needs
Navigating the System: Practical Advice for Families of Children with Special Needs: Webinar March 25th, with the JFCS of Waltham, MA. Part 2 of a free 3-part workshop series. The Power of Partnership: Elementary and Middle School * Navigating the System: Practical Advice for Families of Children with Special Needs explains your options, rights...Read more
Virtual Massachusetts Special Education Conference and School Fair - April 7 & 8, 2021, with the Special Needs Advocacy Network in Massachusetts. For Parents, Advocates, Administrators and Related Service Providers. For more information visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pxn6x5iab&oeidk=a07ehk21p0e4e58e5a8
Assessments & Services Available to Students with Mental Health Concerns:
Assessments & Services Available to Students with Mental Health Concerns: Webinar, March 26th, with PPaL of Massachusetts. Learn more about assessments and services to support students, including: Neuropsychological and Psychological Examinations, School and District based consultation, Therapeutic Services...Read more

    Massachusetts Down Syndrome 2021 Virtual Conference
    Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Virtual Conference: March 27th & 28th. The MDSC’s "Innovative Pathways for the Future", conference will spotlight innovative research on the horizon and timely updates related to Covid-19. The Key Note Speaker will be Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome to complete the Ironman. Plus live Interactive Workshops..Read more
    Service Animals: An Overview of the ADA & Other Disability Rights Laws
    Service Animals: An Overview of the ADA & Other Disability Rights Laws: Webinar, March 31st, with the New England ADA Center. This webinar cover the rights of people with disabilities to have service animals in various environments, including the definition of a service animal, when documentation of disability-related need is permitted, emotional support animals, Read more

      Special-Needs Metro Family Leadership Training for Boston Metro Families
      Family Leadership Training for Boston Metro Families: Virtual Training, Application deadline - April 3rd. Free. Mass Families empowers families through training, support, and advocacy for their loved ones with disabilities to live an enviable life. Topics include: Creating A Vision, Legislative Policy Making...Read more
      Webinar Series for SEPACs and Special Needs Trainers in Massachusetts (2)
      Special-Education Forums for Parents in Western Mass: Virtual Events, through April 21st, with the Pathlight Group. This is a facilitated online conversation about shared experiences, shared concerns and problem solving in a safe and supportive environment. The meetings will not be recorded, to respect private conversations....Read more

      Special-Needs Recreation

      Martial Arts for those with Special Needs with Easter Seals Massachusetts
      Virtual Accessible Martial Arts Classes with Easter Seals Massachusetts: Winter 2021. The Accessible Martial Arts Program is for people with and without disabilities who want to learn and practice self-defense, stretching, exercise, and relaxation techniques...Read more
      Running and Walking Program with Special Olympics Massachusetts Hingham
      Walking & Running Club with Special Olympics Massachusetts: Cambridge, Hingham, Leominster & West Springfield - March 2021. Enjoy the spring weather with Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA), meet new friends and get active. Mask & COVID screening required...Read more
      Is Remote Learning a Struggle? Commonwealth Learning Centers of Danver and Needham Can Help! Virtual 1:1 Tutoring for Students with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Executive Function. Contact Us today! (781) 444-5582 or sscofield@commlearn.com
      Boston Parents Paper Virtual Camp Fairs 2021
      Boston Parents Paper’s 2021 Virtual Camp & Summer Expos: March 20th. Not disability specific. Features exhibits, staff and directors from 65+ day, overnight camp and summer programs. You will be able to select Virtual Camp Expos serving all areas of Mass....Read more
      Adaptive Dance, Music & Movement with the MDSC
      Adaptive Dance, Music & Movement with the MDSC: Live Virtual Events, through April 3rd, with the Massachusetts' Down Syndrome Congress. For ages 15 - 19, Dance and Choreography learning and practice , and a separate Movement and Music to increase coordination, spatial awareness, and strength...Read more
      Special Olympics Live Virtual Young Athletes Story Times for Amherst Area Families:
      Special Olympics Live Virtual Young Athletes Story Times for Amherst Area Families: Through April 24th, with UMass Amherst Special Olympics & Special Olympics Massachusetts. For ages 2-12 years. Each week volunteers and and families will alternate reading a fun children's story each week with interactive incorporated into...Read more
      Family-Friendly Hot Wheels Drive-Thru:
      Family-Friendly Hot Wheels Drive-Thru: March 29th - April 18th, Foxboro. A kid-focused event where families have a chance to to enjoy the larger-than-life showcase of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and legendary vehicles from their own vehicles. The visit will be paired with an online audio companion. COVID-19 Protocols...Read more

      Transition to Adult Event Events

      COMPASS: A Virtual Enrichment Program for Blind and Visually Impaired High Schoolers, Their Families and TVIs. With Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. For more information visit https://www.perkins.org/school/transition-programs/college-success/compass
      "Housing 101" for Families with Special Needs
      "Housing 101" for Families with Special Needs: Webinar, March 24th, with the Autism Alliance of Natick MA. Free. Catherine Boyle, president of Autism Housing Pathways of Massachusetts, will introduce families to the range of public funds available to pay for housing and supportive services - including for those without DDS...Read more
      Making Sense of Public & Private Support Systems for Adults on the Spectrum
      Making Sense of Public & Private Support Systems for Adults on the Spectrum: Virtual Conference, through April 30th, with the AANE of Watertown, MA. The Jody Acford Conference - A Roadmap Through Adulthood: Making Sense of Public and Private Support Systems for Adults on the Spectrum is an on-demand...Read more
      Job Searching for the Nuerodiverse" Webinar,
      "Job Searching for the Nuerodiverse" Webinar, March 20th, with MGH Aspire of Lexington, MA. Participants will learn how to use their knowledge of themselves to find jobs that match their skills and abilities. Find an overview of online job searching tools...Read more
      "Transition from High School Disability Services"
      "Transition from High School Disability Services": March 23, with the Regional Manager of Self-Directed Services / Middleboro Office of the he Mass Department of Developmental Services (DDS). This "DDS 101 Training" educates families on: How do I become eligible for DDS Services? What is the role of the DDS Area office? What can Family Support..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
        Transition-to-Adult Services Special Needs Workshop
        Transition-to-Adult Services Special Needs Workshop Webinar, March 29th, with Seven Hills in Massachusetts. Hear about transition planning and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, including a focus on transition services during COVID-19. Topics will include: employment, independent living...Read more
        The Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Program for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
        The Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Program for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Webinar March 24th. The MAICEI provides a fully inclusive college experience to high school students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism who are 18–21 years old and who are receiving special education services under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)...Read more
        Basic Rights: Transition Planning
        Basic Rights: Transition Planning: Webinar, March 30th, with the Lincoln-Sudbury, Acton-Boxborough, Maynard, Concord-Carlisle, and Sudbury SEPACs. Basic Rights: Transition Planning (for IEP students ages 14-22) provides an overview of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities ages 14-22 on IEPs. Topic include: Student Vision, Self-Determination, and Self-Advocacy...Read more
        Insurance Options for Adults with Special Needs
        Insurance Options for Adults with Special Needs: Webinar, March 31st, with the Minute Man Arc of Concord, MA. Hear about insurance options available for adults in Massachusetts with autism, ID/DD and other disabilities. A review of public (MassHealth) and private (BCBS, Cigna, etc.) options will be included, plus Medicare, SSDI and SSI...Read more
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