May 1st, Family Newsletter (1)

May Newsletter

May has officially arrived, bringing warmer days, fresh energy, and a blockbuster lineup of things to do seriously, it’s one of those moments where you might say, “May the fun be with you.”

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find tons of new activities, updates, and opportunities designed for the whole family to explore and enjoy.

As always, remember that the GPS Team at Northeast Arc, is here for you every step of the way. Whether you have questions, need support, or want help connecting with any of the services we provide, don’t hesitate to reach out we’re only a call or message away. Here’s to a May full of connection, discovery, and a few great scenes along the way!

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

MEETLAURENBELL SPECIALIZINGIN

WHOISLAUREN

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

May 2nd

Location: Liberty Tree Mall

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p,m,

TOURS TOURS VIRTUALMUESUM

MetropolitanMuseumofArt

NationalAquariumofNaturalHistory

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

Webinars & Events

Substance Use and Mental Health: The Impact of Stress, Trauma, and Life Circumstances

Date & Time

Description

May 13 , 2026 1:00 p.m. th

Learnwhymentalhealthandsubstanceusechallengesoftenoccurtogetherandhowtrauma,chronic stress,workenvironments,familyhabits,andlifecircumstancesaffectaperson’sriskandrecovery. Thiscourseemphasizestheunderlyingcausesbehindtheseissuesandexplainshowrelationships,the body,anddailyenvironmentsallplayarole.Part1ina3-partseries

Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the Workplace

Date & Time

Description

May 20 , 2026 11:00 a.m. th

Researchshowsthatabout75%ofemployeeshavestruggledwithanissuethataffectstheirmental health-but8outof10workerswithamentalhealthconditionsayshameandstigmapreventthem fromseekingmentalhealthcare.Discusstheimpactofunconsciousbiasandhowstigmainfluences hiring,organizationalsupports,andworkplaceculture.Learntipsforcorrectingnegativeperceptions andreducingstigmainthisone-hourseminar.

The New Face of Stress: Science-Based Strategies to Manage Modern Challenges

Date & Time

Description Apr 23, 2026 11:00 AM

Modernstressorsareverydifferentfromthoseexperiencedjustadecadeago.Stresslevelshave increasedacrossnearlyeverydemographic,andthistrendiscloselyconnectedtolifestyledemands. Overtime,thesepressurescanbuildupand,ifleftunmanaged,weakenourabilitytocope.Explorethe scienceofstresswithalicensedtherapistandlearnhowtodevelopsimple,effectivestrategiesthat feelnaturaltouse withoutbecomingoverwhelming.

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+.

Community Gatherings

Thefollowingarefree,non-clinical,peer-ledsupportgroupshostedbyPeerSupport SpacetakingplaceinEasternTime(EST).Newfriendsarealwayswelcome.

Registrationisrequiredforin-personeventssothatwecankeepourgatheringsunder 10peopleasaCOVIDprecaution. Forourvirtualgroups,pleaseusethezoomlinksonthewebsite(oncomputerorzoom phoneapp)toenter

12PMand6PMEachDay,Monday-Saturday

**YoumustemailMary@peersupportspace.orgto receivethepasscodesforthedailycommunal gatherings-thisisasecurityprecautiontoensure thatwearekeepingthespaceassafeaspossible.**

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.

Exploretheselocations/hobbiesfor yournextsessionwithyourclient!

Cost-Free

LocalParks

PublicLibraries

CommunityGardens

HikingTrails

PublicArtGalleriesorExhibitions

Farmer’Markets

UniversityCampuses(outdoor areas)

HistoricalLandmarksorMonuments

ScenicViewpointsorOverlooks

PublicSquaresorPlazas

BotanicalGardens(somemaybe free)

NatureReserves

WaterfrontAreasorRiverfronts

PublicSportsFacilities(basketball courts,tenniscourts)

BirdWatchingAreas

FreeMuseumDays

OutdoorFitnessParks

DogParks

GeocachingLocations

FreeconcertsinParks

Low-Cost NewHobbies

Localmuseums

Mini-golfcourses

BowlingAlleys

ArtClasses

LocalTheatreProductions

Farmer’sMarketCooking

Classes

PotteryPaintingStudio

EscapeRooms

YogaClasses

LocalSportsEvents

MovieTheatre

Restaurants

LocalMusicEvents

GardeningorIndoorPlantCare

ModelBuilding(trains,planes, ships)

JigsawPuzzles

DigitalPhotography

CodingorWebDevelopment

Collecting(stamps,coins,rocks)

DrawingorPainting

Origami

Birdwatching

Writing(journaling,fiction,poetry)

Knittingorcrocheting

Playingamusicalinstrument

CookingorBaking

AquariumKeeping

LegoBuilding

Scrapbooking

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.

ThecoreideaoftheBlueEnvelopeisstraightforward yetimpactful Itinvolvesaspeciallydesignedenvelope thatholdsadriver'sessentialdocuments license, registration,andacontactcard However,its significancegoesbeyondjustastoragesolution The envelopefeaturescriticalcommunicationguidelineson itsexterior,specificallytailoredtoassistlawenforcement officersinrecognizingandadaptingtheirapproach wheninteractingwithadriverwhohasautism

THIS INITIATIVE ADDRESSES SEVERAL KEY OBJECTIVES:

Enhancing Understanding Reducing Anxiety

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

Thegold-standard evaluationformedically complexand/orolder adultdrivers Evaluationsforthose lookingtodrivewith adaptiveequipmentsuch ashandcontrols,spinner knobs,andleftfoot accelerators.

Overview

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.

DocumentParsingFuelsData DataCollectionandAnalytics

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

North Shore

Lenore Goodwin lgoodwin@ne-arc.org

Metro North

RebeccaOloughlin roloughlin@ne-arc.org

Merrimack Valley

KathyCallahan&MaryEllenD’Angelo kcallahan@ne-arc.org&medangelo@ne-arc.org

Central Middlesex

Deanna Mansfield dmansfield@ne-arc org

Laura Teckman lteckman@ne-arc org

Lowell Area Contact Us: AdultAutism@ne-arc.org or (978) 624 - 2603

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

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.

DDS Northeast Region Community Resource Specialists

North Shore | Community Opportunities

Meadowbrook Restaurant Hanson, MA

Theme: Mothers Day Dinner Brunch

Date: May 3, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 08:00 p.m.

Location: Meadowbrook Restaurant 1486 Main St Hanson, MA 02341

Kids: $15

Adults: $30

This event like all Autism Eats events is entirely Autism family friendly and all behaviors are welcome

COMMUNITY ZEN BEVERLY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Every Friday in May 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Discover the basics of meditation practice and make contact with our own stability and sanity. Sessions will include brief instruction in sitting posture, teachings for well-being and healing, and practices for working with the mind, along with guided meditation for grounding and centering. Led by Zen Center's founder Joan Amaral

Barnet GalleryMain Library32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA, 01915

SATURDAY SPRING ARTISAN MARKET

Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church and North Shore Nature Program

Sat, May 2nd, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

A curated indoor event featuring local artists, handmade goods, and fine art. Enjoy interactive activities, a food truck, beverages, and live music from 10–12 PM. Free to attend, at the Hamilton Community House

Providing autism-friendly non-judgmental environments.

For family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. ALL behaviors are welcomed!

Merrimack Valley | Community Opportunities

BOWLING WEDNESDAYS (AGES 18+)

AMESBURY, MA

Most Mondays 5:00 p.m.- 6:15 p.m.

REGISTRATIONREQUIRED

TheArcofGreaterHaverhill-Newburyport hostbowlingeventsatGametimeLanes& EntertainmentinAmesbury,MA.Visitthelink andreviewtheavailableslots.

Price:$15.00each

ADULT BINGO LAWRENCE PUBLICE LIBRARY

Saturday, May 30h 2:00 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of the win at Bingo Games! Get your dabbers ready and mark your calendars for an afternoon filled with anticipation and fun!!

Registration Required

GAME NIGHT

HAVERHILL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Every Friday in May 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 PM

JoinusThursdaysforanightofboardgamesat HaverhillPublicLibrary!Strategygames,abstractgames, fillergames,complexandnoncomplexalike,comeand tryoutwhateveryoulike Feelfreetobringyourown games!Allexperiencelevelsarewelcome.

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

CHESS CLUB DROP-IN.

GLASS OFFICE, STONEHAM LIBRARY

Every Thursday in May 7PM-8PM

This drop-in program is for anyone looking to play chess with others. There will not be a staff member leading the meeting Meetings will take place at 7pm on every Thursday of the month in the Marcy Room. While some chess boards will be provided, players are also encouraged to bring their own boards

Gaming Club

PARLIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY, EVERETT

Every Thursday

2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

LevelupyourWednesdayswithourultimate gaminghangout!Grabyourfriendsanddiveinto funNintendoSwitchandPlayStationgames whetheryou'reracing,battling,orteamingupfor co-opfun,there'ssomethingforeveryone No registrationrequired Recommendedforages11 andup ThisprogramwillruneveryWednesday from2:30to4:30PMunlessotherwisenotedon ourcalendar.

Central Middlesex | Community Opportunities

Cost:$29.00 ��

Afunexperienceforeveryonewhile creatingmemorableprojectsforyearsto come.Everythingwillbesetupandready soMomcantrulyrelaxandenjoythe experience!

Sun, May 10th 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays 2pm-4pm MOTHER'S DAY MOMMY AND ME

ART DROP IN LEXART PAINT STUDIO 130 WALTHAM STREET, LEXINGTON

SENSORY FRIENDLY DAYS DAVE AND BUSTERS IN WOBURN

Every first and third Tuesday

Enjoy a welcoming environment with the music turned down and the lights turned up, making it a perfect evening for everyone. Private FUNction Room will be available for you to sit, relax, and order food during the event!

Lowell Area | Community Opportunities

CHELMSFORD WINTER MARKET

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

11:00am to 2:00pm

ComevisittheChelmsfordWinterMarket andgreetlocalartisansandfarmers.

50BillericaRoadChelmsfordMA RearEntrance,EnterBEHINDTownHall

HEALTHY VIBES SPRING FESTIVAL & EXPO

Saturday,May9,2026

10:00AM–2:00PM

ShawsheenValleyTechnicalHighSchool

Touchatruck,livemusic,wellnessservices, massages,rafflesandmore!

FREEEventforAllAges!

THE TOWN AND THE CITY FESTIVAL

April 30 - May 2 2026 th nd

This multi-day music and arts festival is held across downtown Lowell, Massachusetts in venues including bars, cafés, and galleries. Inspired by the life and spirit of Jack Kerouac, The Town and The City Festival features a diverse range of music and art designed to spark discovery and celebrate creativity and life.

ne-arc.org