What’s Out There Webinar

Posted on by April 23, 2017

Sponsored by The Arc of Massachusetts
Thursday, 5/4/17
7:00-8:00pm
Cost: $25

Many services and supports are available to families who have children with developmental disabilities and special health care needs. This presentation will review publicly funded services and supports that your family can utilize, regardless of income. We’ll review eligibility criteria, application processes, and points of contact for programs through the Department of Developmental Services, MassHealth, the Department of Public Health, and more. The information provided will be relevant to families with children of all ages, from immediately after diagnosis up through age 22. Learn more and register here.

A Full Life Ahead: Special Needs Planning Workshop

Posted on by April 23, 2017

Sponsored by Advocates Family Services
Thursday, 6/15/17
6:30-8:30pm
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA

This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of both the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act and special needs trusts. The potential need for a special needs trust, strategies in funding, and working with an attorney will also be presented. Learn more and register here.

Learning Solutions: Summer Solutions 2017

Posted on by April 23, 2017

Sponsored by Learning Solutions, LLC
Summer 2017
49 Walpole Street, Suite 1
Norwood, MA

Learning Solutions helps children experience social success by working with individuals, groups, communities and classrooms. They use a collaborative approach to provide resources for the effective use of social strategies. Learn more about their Summer Solutions programs for grades K-8 here.

Aspire: Summer 2017 Programs

Posted on by April 23, 2017

Sponsored by MGH Aspire
Summer 2017
Camp locations in Westwood, Newton, Charlestown and Boston

MGH Aspire helps children, teens, and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related social profile make social connections and develop independence. At MGH Aspire, participants learn age and developmentally appropriate skills needed to succeed at home, school, in their communities or in the work place. Learn more about their summer programs for children, teens and adults here.

Boston ReelAbilities Film Festival

Posted on by March 6, 2017

Sponsored by ReelAbilities
3/29/17-4/6/17
Locations in and around Boston, MA

ReelAbilities is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities from a variety of communities and strives for the inclusion of all people. All venues are wheelchair accessible. Unless otherwise noted, all films are recommended for ages 17 and older. Please contact the Festival office at 617-244-9899 or info@reelboston.org to inquire about bringing a group. View our schedule of
films and events here.

MDSC 33rd Annual Conference

Posted on by March 6, 2017

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC)
Saturday, 3/25/17
DCU Center
Worcester, MA

Each spring, over 600 people with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across New England attend our Annual Conference on Down syndrome. Participants gather to hear the latest research findings and timely information from national and local experts on a range of topics related to Down syndrome. They also share stories, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite with other MDSC families. The conference features presentations that will appeal to families with young children through adulthood; families with children who have complex medical needs and autism; and teens and adults with Down syndrome. In addition, there will be presentations that will appeal to educators, medical professionals, and siblings of individuals with Down Syndrome. Register here.

Take Charge of Treatment for Your Child with Asperger’s (ASD)

Posted on by March 6, 2017

Sponsored by Advocates/Autism Alliance of Metrowest
Thursday, 3/16/17
7:00-9:00pm
Advocates
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA

This educational seminar combines personal examples, professional guidance, and practical tools to help solve typical challenges that parents of children with ASD face. Parents will learn how to become effective case managers and lead their child to reach maximum potential at home, at school, and in the community. Guest speakers include D. Scott McLeod, PhD, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Aspire Program and Parent/Life Coach, Cornelia Pelter Elwood. Contact Pam McKillop with questions or to RSVP.

Success Fest 2017 Conference for Young Adults

Posted on by March 6, 2017

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, PPAL (Parent/Professional Advocacy League), & Wayside Youth and Family Support Network
Monday, 3/13/17
9:00am-3:30pm
Quinsigamond Community College
670 W Boylston St
Worcester, MA

This free event will help young adults, parents and providers fill their toolboxes with interesting and interactive workshops on transition, mental health and more. This event also includes an on-site job fair. Local employers will be available to accept job applications and interview candidates on the spot. Register, view the agenda and learn more about the workshop topics here.

Spring 2017 Resilient Parent, Resilient Child Program Series

Posted on by February 17, 2017

Sponsored by Spark Kindness
Program Dates: March through May 2017
Locations in Natick, MA

The goal of the Spark Kindness organization is to build kind, empowered & inclusive communities where no child or family feels alone, bullied, unsupported or unconnected. They support families, schools, coaches, artists, faith and community leaders in creating a culture that empowers youth and promotes kindness and respect.

Spark Kindness is offering an exciting schedule of speakers this spring, including: Rosalind Wiseman (author of Masterminds and Wingmen & Queen Bees and Wannabes) on supporting tween/teen boys and Larry Cohen, Ph.D. (author of Playful Parenting & The Opposite of Worry) on building greater connection with your child through play. There will also be a program featuring motivational speaker and former BU Hockey player Travis Roy on how to persevere through adversity. In addition, Cory Palazzi, former college athlete and heroin addict, will speak, along with his parents, about the life changing consequences of using drugs. And finally, Natick High School Peer Advocates will be leading “Brave Conversations: Building Inclusion and Respect for All.”

Register and learn more about these programs.

Summer 2017 Camp Fairs & Special Needs Camp Resources

Posted on by January 20, 2017

Most summer camps begin offering open houses & accepting participant registrations in January, so it’s not too soon to begin looking. Check out the resources below for a camp that’s right for your child.

American Camp Association New England: Open House Events
Federation for Children with Special Needs: Summer Fun Camp Directory
MassCamps 2017: New England’s Summer Camp Directory
Mommy Poppins Guide to Summer Camp Fairs for All Ages
New England Camp Fair for Kids ages 5-14
Special Needs Summer Camps in Massachusetts
SPED Child & Teen: Special Needs Camps & Fairs Massachusetts 2017