Family Fun Fest: Walk, Run, Inclusion 5k Race United in Ability Celebration American with Disabilities Act Day (ADA)
Peer Support Networks EmpowerFest
We are happy to announce we have a new Program Coordinator for the Guided Personal Supports Program. Please welcome Tymra!! In the next few weeks you may hear from Tymra for checkins
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (familyfriendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month
UNIVERSAL ACCESS PLAYGROUNDS
IN NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Inclusive,barrier-freespacesdesignedforallabilities,includingthosewithphysical,sensory, or developmental disabilities.
NOTE: Playgrounds at schools are not available to the public during school hours
Arlington
Robbins Farm Park
61 Eastern Ave
Beverly Pete’s Park
55 Middlebury Lane
Touch the Sky Playground
Children's Center for Communication/
Beverly School for the Deaf
6 Echo Ave
Burlington
Francis Wyman
41 Terrace Hall Avenue
Cambridge
Louis A. DePasquale Playground
99 Sherman Street
Chelmsford
Friendship Park Playground
270 Old Westford Road
Concord
Guild School 521 Virginia Road
Lowell
Hovey Park
266 Aiken Ave
Durkin Park
294 Chelmsford Street
Last Reviewed: 4/17/2026
Malden
Beebe School
401 Pleasant Street
Medford
McGlynn Elementary
3002 Mystic Valley Pkwy
Peabody
Ross Memorial Park
38 Johnson Street
Brown Elementary School
150 Lynn Street
Sudbury
SMILE Playground
40 Fairbank Rd
Waltham
Universal Access Playground 200 Trapelo Road
Westford
Ronan Mcelligott P Williams Road
Woburn Ferrullo Park Main Street
West Newbury Action Cove 15 Bachelor Street
Anyone with a permanent disability (physical or intellectual) can get an Access Pass for free to use at National Parks!
3 Ways to Get Your Access Pass:
In person - the closest options are Lowell National Historic Park or Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport
Order online to receive by mail
Order a digital pass online that can be stored on your phone.
Required Information:
A valid photo ID such as a US passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID
Documentation of permanent disability - either a statement from a physician, a document from either the VA, SSDI, or SSI, or a document issued by a state organization such as DDS or MassAbility.
Benefits of the Pass:
The pass owner and up to 3 other adults (children under 16 are always free) can get in with the pass.
Use the pass to get discounts on campsites, guided tours, and more!
Lauren has been a licensed barber in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for nearly 20 years. She has practiced in the Greater Gardner area snipping and clipping the hair of seniors, those who face mobility challenges, or have special needs inlcuding children and adultsontheAutismSpectrum
Specialties:
Children and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities, and special needs
Clients with mobility challenges, neurological conditions, and physical disabilities
Senior citizens
Service Locations:
Private residences
Assisted living facilities
Nursing homes
Adult day programs
Senior centers
HOWITWORKS
Contact Lauren for Pricing Appointments
General inquires
Select the location
Home
Assisted living facility
Nursing home
Adult day program
Senior center
Enjoy a calm, patient personalized service with no rush, no waiting rooms, and no unfamiliar environment!
GETINTOUCH
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education.
Check out our website for visual recipes, resources, and our recipe creator!
What kind of resources are available to teach cooking skills?
Visual Recipes
Visual recipes make use of task analysis, which is an evidence-based approach for breaking down a complex task into manageable steps. Each task is separated into discrete skills, and individuals can learn to complete skills in a specific order to learn new tasks. Students may require visual, physical, or verbal prompts to complete each skill, and prompts may be gradually removed as the individual becomes more independent. Visual recipes share similarities with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and curricula created with Boardmaker.
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies are available in a variety of low and high tech options. Cooking apps can be found in the Apple app store, and include images of cooking supplies, actions, and appliances that can be combined into recipes and viewed on a phone or tablet. Parents and teachers can also produce video or audio-based prompts, which can be played on phones, tablets, computers, or portable DVD players.
Kitchen Equipment
Kitchen equipment can be adapted to make cooking easier and safer for individuals with physical disabilities. Ideas for adapting kitchen equipment can be found in the resources section. Many challenges in the kitchen can be solved with a combination of creativity, adaptation, and practice.
Check out these recipes by clicking the images below.
MORE RECIPES RECIPE CREATOR RESOURCES
Egg Roll Bowl
Cheesy Meatloaf
Texas Cheese Fries
Ranch Bacon Wrap
Peer support
You are not alone! Come join us for a peer led support group.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 pm to 3 pm
Scan the QR code or Click here to join
GRATEFUL ASPECTS
young adults peer support group
Mondays 3pm-4pm on Zoom
Scan the QR code Meet
LGBTQ+ Community Gatherings
A space to build a support system, and a sense of chosen family, with your community.
Our community gatherings are peer-led support groups that are non-clinical and led by a collective of individuals with lived experience in the group's topic or community. Each community gathering is unique to the population it serves and is created in a peer-led collaborative group process There is no pressure to share to attend We welcome anyone, anywhere that is 18+.
For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1 Daily Communal Gatherings
MassHire
LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF
One of the best ways to explore careers is to understand more about yourself.
What is MassHire?
MassHire is a statewide network of career centers in Massachusetts that provide employment and training services to job seekers, including individuals with developmental disabilities.
Career Cluster Inventory Learning Styles
The Career Cluster Inventory helps you think about activities that you like and matches them to the 16 national career clusters Learning more about your interests and how they fit with clusters is one way to find a career you will enjoy!
Answer a variety of questions that will generate results based on your interests
Survey
Take a short survey to help identify the ways you learn best. Knowing more about your learning style will make you a more effective learner You will also get study tips for your learning style.
Employer Connections
Job Search Assistance
MassHire career centers offer personalized job search assistance, including help with creating resumes, practicing interview skills, and identifying job opportunities that match the individual's skills and abilities.
MassHire works closely with local employers and can help individuals with developmental disabilities connect with companies that are committed to hiring and supporting employees with disabilities.
Training Opportunities
MassHire offers various training programs and workshops that can help individuals with developmental disabilities acquire new skills or enhance existing ones, improving their employability.
This list, compiled by theNortheastArcCommunityResource Center, includes events open to the public All events are free unless otherwise noted It is recommended you check listed websites for weather-related updates and other event details
Saturday, July 11 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
United in Ability Celebration th Chelsea Square ♿ (Rain: 180 Walnut St, Chelsea) https://tinyurl com/48vt4k9d
Tuesday, July 14 11:30am-5:30pm th
Plaza Open Market: Disability Pride Celebration 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge♿ https://tinyurl com/HUDisabilityPride26
Wednesday, July 15 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day Copley Square Park ♿ th 560 Boylston St , Boston
Thediagonalcolorson the Disability PrideFlagsymbolize disabled people’s need to navigate society’s barriers
Each color represents the following:
Green - Sensory disabilities (blindness, dea
Blue - Psychiatric and mental health disabi
White - Nonapparent and undiagnosed dis
Yellow - Intellectual disabilities and neurod
Red - Physical disabilities
Black - Mourning and rage for victims of ab
Why & How Do We Celebrate Disability Pride Month?
https://tinyurl.com/4mk4bvwk
North Shore | Community Opportunities
Meadowbrook Restaurant
Hanson, MA
54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • 6pm Friday, July 24, 2026 • 10am & 3pm
All Seats: $20
Disney Channel original movie to life on stage. Follow Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High as they navigate friendship and first love while juggling academics and extra curricular activities After meeting Gabriella on a ski-trip karaoke night, basketball captain Troy is stunned to find she has transferred to his school
MARBLEHEAD FESTIVAL OF ARTS
July 1 - July 5 2026 st th
The July Festival hosts a wide range of art exhibits, outdoor music concerts overlooking Marblehead Harbor, Film Festival, Street Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, and many other cultural activities designed to provide a fun and enriching experience for the entire family.
1 ANNUAL CHERRY FESTIVAL
Cider Hill Farm
Jul 03, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Ave Amesbury, MA 01913
Mark your calendar for all things Cherry! The event features free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, family-friendly activities, hayrides, food trucks, treats and PYO Cherry’s. Take farm photos and just relax with family and friends
StartyourdayfreshwithFlow&GlowMorning – yoga, good vibes, and radiant energy in person!
Flow & Glow Morning is created for moms who are constantly giving to everyone else anddeserveafewhoursthatarefullytheirs.
Saturday July 25th, 2026
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM YANKEE HOMECOMING
The Yankee Homecoming Kick-Off Party is a waterfront fundraiser held along the Merrimack River to celebrate the start of the festivities, with all proceeds supporting the Yankee Homecoming fireworks.
Every Sunday in July July 7 2026 th July 14 2026 th July 21 2026 st July 28 2026 th
TRIVIA NIGHT & MUSICAL BINGO
Every Wednesday
Warp and Weft
197 Market St, Lowell, MA 01852, USA
Join for a fun and exciting multi-media
Join for a fun and exciting multi-media Trivia Night! Games start at 7! followed by musical Bingo!
Trivia Night! Games start at 7! followed by musical Bingo!
Edward A. LeLacheur Park 450 Aiken St, Lowell, MA 01854, USA Lowell, Massachusetts United States
Metro North | Community Opportunities
VIRTUAL YOGA
LYNNFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Every Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
This is a 60 minute yoga class with our instructor Michelle Powers Register with a valid email at least an hour prior to class start time to receive the link to join the class. You will receive an email with login information a half hour before the class begins
FIREWORKS & BBQ AT BOSTON MARRIOTT LONG WHARF ON JULY 2ND
Thursday, July 2nd 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Get ready for a night of sizzling BBQ and dazzling fireworks to kick off your July celebrations!
Join Boston Marriott Long Wharf on July 2 for BBQ, drinks, and unbeatable Harborfest fireworks views on the Boston Harbor.
Free Friday Movies
Every Friday in July 3:00 PM—4:45 PM
BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM IS AN EFFORT TO EASE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR INTERACTIONS.
Streamlining Communication Encouraging Preparedness
The Blue Envelope is more than just an envelope; it's a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. It represents a step forward in ensuring that every driver, regardless of their neurological differences, can experience a sense of safety and respect on the road.
Through this program, we aim to build bridges between law enforcement and the autism community, fostering a culture of awareness and compassion that benefits everyone involved.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program
Eleplan is an AI-powered care planning platform transforming the caregiver experience. Inspired by lived caregiving realities, Eleplan transforms care from fragmented and stressful to organized and peaceful, giving families time with their loved ones, not just coordinating their care.
CompetitiveAdvantage
Eleplanis themost secureAIcaregiving platform, exceeding HIPAA requirements with zero LLM data retention. Its user-led design, real-time collaboration, and tailored data extraction differentiate it from generic notes apps or rigid care platforms.
PROBLEM
Family caregivers are overwhelmed managing care with outdated tools and siloed information. Fragmented care leads to burnout, unmanaged burden, and dangerous gaps.
KnowledgeBase
SOLUTION
Eleplan’s AI creates personalized, shareable care plans from user documents and data, streamlining everything from medications to routines, enabling seamless collaboration and peace of mind.
MARKET SIZE
The U.S. caregiving market exceeds $648B annually. Eleplan targets the 53M U.S. family caregivers. B2B expansion includes health plans and community agencies that support families.
Meet Elllie: Your personal care search engine will generate the most relevant and trusted answers to help you navigate care with confidence.
Upload documents and let us do the rest. No more searching endlessly through piles of paper. Eleplan provides searchable data points for care.
Eleplan collects data at the most granular level to make inferences regarding next steps necessary in your planning journey.
Collaborate,CustomizeandShare
Add Members to collaborate, share on-demand data, customized for every situation and person involved in care.
The Importance of Knowing
Human Rights
Understanding your human rights is important. They ensure dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all. By being aware of your rights can create an environment that encourages independence, personal growth, and full participation in community life. If you would like to learn more about your human rights, reach out to our Human Rights Officer.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Please contact one of our Human Rights Officers:
Jeffrey Boucher
Assistive Technology Coordinator
Family Supports (978) 924 - 5624 jboucher@ne-arc.org
Amanda Spartichino
ASC Coordinator
Your Human Rights include:
Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
Family Support ASC (978) 924- 5830 aspartichino@ne-arc.org
Self-determination: To make meaningful choices and informed decisions about your life, including taking reasonable risks.
Communication: To communicate with others and fully express yourself, with access to necessary assistance and devices.
Relationships: To visit others, receive visitors, and have friendships and intimate relationships.
Privacy: In personal care, communication, visits, your home, and personal information.
Personal Safety: To feel safe and be free from harm or abuse.
Personal Property: To obtain, keep, use, and dispose of personal possessions.
Education, Employment, and Compensation: To have equal access to education and employment opportunities, and fair compensation for work.
Community Membership: To receive services that promote living in the least restrictive and most typical settings, encouraging meaningful community membership.
Northeast Arc’s Adult Autism Support Center assists adults with Autism ages 18 and older within the Northeast region, enabling them to flourish in their everyday lives. Our Center creates an environment that encourages personal growth, social inclusion, and self-advocacy. Northeast Region Areas & their Adult Autism Specialists
Lowell Area Contact Us: AdultAutism@ne-arc.org or (978) 624 - 2603
NortheastArc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and familieswith valuable resourcesand events in theirlocal communities. By providing access to these resources, the Community Resource Center empowers families and individuals to actively participate in community life, creating a sense of belongingand inclusion.
