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Guided Personal Supports

https://ne-arc.org/

Family Newsletter

September "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

Free Mental Health First Aid courses are open for registration!

– C.S. Lewis

Discover local events, programs, and community happenings this month!

We are here for you! Please reach out to Matt, Vikki, Tymra, or Greg for any assistance or questions.

Navigating the Transition Together: Exploring DDS Adult Services TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2910:30 11:30 AM

Presented by: Jayleene Noyes Transition Coordinator DDS North Shore Area Office

http://tinyurl.com/ NTCN-Sept29-26

Please join NTCN and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for an informative session about the DDS mission, eligibility process, and available support services. This presentation will help begin building the bridge betwe school-based services and adult DDS services.

Designed for professionals, families, and individuals with disabilities, this program provides essential information about adult DDS supports. The sessio will be delivered in a personable, easy‐to‐understand format with the goal of strengthening relationships between DDS and the community they serve.

The Northeast Transition Collaborative Network (NTCN) connects families, educators, and providers in the Massachusetts Northeast Region to support youth transitioning from school to adult services. Our goal is to unify resources, offer trainings, and create a collaborative space to promote person-centered planning and successful outcomes.

Questions or accomodations? Please contact CommunityResourceCenter@ne-arc.org

NORTHEAST ARC Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12pm-2pm Center for Linking Lives 100 Independence Way, Danvers, MA

WAYSTONE

MY VOTE MY CHOICE The Department of Developmental Services' (DDS) Office of Human Rights invites individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or autism, family and caregivers, agency staff, teachers and staff for school programs with students over age 18, and day programs to a series of free presentations about voting rights for people with disabilities. Learn about: Accessible voting options and accommodations How and where to vote Voting rules for individuals under guardianship Resources/Tools to support voters How to register to vote These presentations provide information to help individuals with I/DD and/or autism understand their voting rights, make informed decisions, and participate confidently in the voting process.

Thursday, September 17 1pm-3pm The Inclusion Connection 439 S. Union Street, Suite 107, Lawrence, MA

BRIDGEWELL Monday, September 21, 2026 12pm-2pm 10 Dearborn Road, Peabody, MA

COMMUNITAS Tuesday, October 6 10:30am-12:30pm 60-D Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA

THE EDINBURG CENTER Thursday, October 15 4:30pm-6pm 205 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA

SEVEN HILLS Tuesday, October 20 5pm-8pm Chelmsford Public Library 25 Boston Road, Chelmsford, MA

tinyurl.com/DDSVotingRights2026 All are welcome to attend. All locations are ADA accessible. RSVP is appreciated to help us plan for space and materials. Please use RSVP form to request accommodations at least 2 weeks in advance.

PRACTICAL MAGIC 2

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

THE END OF OAK STREET

AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society offering 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 (family- friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.

LETS GIVE ‘EM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

HOW ABOUT: SEXUALITY & INTIMACY TUES SEPT 1ST 11 AM

Who gets to decide what relationships or intimate choices are right for you How can support teams respect relationships and intimacy while still providing appropriate support? What would it mean to be fully included in your community when it comes to friendship, dating, love, and intimacy?

This interactive discussion will explore:

Session Details:

A lived-experience perspective from a self-advocate What sexuality and intimacy mean in everyday life The importance of privacy, respect, consent, and informed choice How self-advocates and support team members can work together to uphold these rights

This session is designed for selfadvocates and the people who support them. Please help spread the word, whether you are joining to learn, share your perspective, or simply listen. We hope you will be a part of this important conversation!

To Join: https://zoom.us/j/96406942422? pwd=FnoqapN6MyWLJc1hC8XaTkcooEz6CY.1 Meeting ID: 964 0694 2422 Passcode: 813707

MEET LAUREN BELL SPECIALIZING IN Children and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities, and special needs Clients with mobility challenges, neurological conditions, and physical disabilities Senior citizens

HOW IT WORKS Enjoy a calm, patient personalized service with no rush, no waiting rooms, and no unfamiliar environment!

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

Service Locations: Contact Lauren for Private residences Pricing Assisted living facilities Appointments Nursing homes General inquires Adult day programs Senior centers

clipping the hair of seniors, those who face mobility challenges, or have special needs inlcuding children and adults on the Autism Spectrum.

GET IN TOUCH

Webinars & Events Understanding ADHD Date & Time Description

September 8, 2026 1:00 PM Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more than hyperactive people and short attention spans. Explore the causation, symptoms, and treatment options for ADHD and learn practical tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones who are struggling in this one-hour seminar.

Creating a Low-Stress Environment and Minimizing Crises Date & Time Description

September 15, 2026 1:00 PM People are susceptible to strain from a number of sources including work and school obligations, illness, finances, interpersonal conflict, and more. Learn strategies to create and maintain a low-stress environment, identify & respond to ‘red flags’, and communicate in times of crisis with a licensed therapist.

Self-Care and Wellbeing: A Hands-On Approach Date & Time Description

September 30, 2026 11:00 AM It’s normal to experience anxiety, fear, anger, and grief during times of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, it’s important to recognize these feelings and allow time to recharge – but too often we feel guilty for taking time to meet our basic needs. Explore what self-care is, why it’s so important, and practical tips for incorporating self-care into your daily life with a licensed therapist.

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.

PORTAL.MA.CIS360.ORG/

Career Cluster Inventory

Learning Styles Survey

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!

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.

Answer a variety of questions that will generate results based on your interests.

Job Search Assistance

Employer Connections

Training Opportunities

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.

MassHire offers various training programs and workshops that can help individuals with developmental disabilities acquire new skills or enhance existing ones, improving their employability.

National Parks Access Pass

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!

For complete information: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/ interagency-access-pass.htm

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.

Mini Pizza Cubes

Chicken Burgers

Bacon Quiche

Nutella Mug Cake

MORE RECIPES

RECIPE CREATOR

RESOURCES

Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes

NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

FOOD TRUCK/CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Enjoy global food, live performances, crafts, and family fun at this annual community festival!

Sample delicious eats from dozens of food trucks while enjoying live entertainment and local artisans!

SUN, SEPTEMBER 27

SAT-SUN, SEPTEMBER 19-20

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

MAIN STREET, PEABODY

NORTH WASHINGTON SQUARE, SALEM

click here to learn more!

GLOUCESTER SCHOONER FESTIVAL

VINTAGE LAWN PARTY

See historic sailing ships, waterfront activities, and maritime traditions in Gloucester Harbor all weekend long!

Step back in time with live music, lawn games, dancing, and vintage-themed activities for all ages to enjoy!

THUR-SUN, SEPTEMBER 3-6

SAT, SEPTEMBER 12

TIME VARIES BY DAY

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

23 HARBOR LOOP, GLOUCESTER

SALEM COMMON, MA

click here to learn more!

CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

JAMES GANG 5K RUN + WALK ($35)

MUSICFEST OPEN HOUSE/AUDITIONS

Participate in a community fundraiser promoting inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Try musical instruments, enjoy hands-on activities, and learn about auditions for bands and ensembles!

SUN, SEPTEMBER 27

SUN, SEPTEMBER 13

9:30 AM

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

407 HIGHLAND AVE, WINCHESTER

click here to learn more!

CLASSICS FOR A CAUSE

BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL

View classic cars and support a local cause at this community car show and charity event with local vendors!

Celebrate Brazilian culture with traditional food, music, entertainment, and community activities!

SAT, SEPTEMBER 12

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

5:00 PM

WOBURN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

260 MAIN STREET, WOBURN

click here to learn more!

MERRIMACK VALLEY COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

TEAM HAVERHILL RIVER RUCKUS

CIDER HILL FARM COUNTRY FAIR

Experience live music, food vendors, family activities, a classic car show, and a spectacular fireworks display along the Merrimack River!

Celebrate the harvest season with apple picking, live music, tractor rides, fair food, games, and farm fun!

SAT, SEPTEMBER 12

SAT-MON, SEPTEMBER 5-7

12:00 PM - 8:30 PM

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

RIVERFRONT PART, HAVERHILL

45 FERN AVE, AMESBURY

click here to learn more!

BREAD + ROSES HERITAGE FESTIVAL

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Discover Lawrence's diverse culture through live entertainment, food vendors, crafts, history, and family-friendly activities!

Savor fresh seafood, live music, local vendors, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment by the beach!

MON, SEPTEMBER 7

FRI-SUN, SEPTEMBER 11-13

11:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TIME VARIES BY DAY

200 COMMON STREET, LAWRENCE

HAMPTON BEACH, NH

click here to learn more!

LOWELL AREA COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

FALL FESTIVAL

YANKEE DOODLE HOMECOMING

Experience hayrides, food trucks, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, and plenty of family-friendly fall fun!

Celebrate Billerica's history and community with local organizations, activities, entertainment, and family fun!

SAT, SEPTEMBER 26

SUN, SEPTEMBER 13

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

11:00 AM

CHELMSFORD TOWN COMMON

525 E. RIVER ST., BILLERICA

click here to learn more!

BOSTON RENEGADES BASEBALL

OLD HOME DAY

Watch an exciting adaptive baseball game featuring athletes who are blind or visually impaired and local firefighters!

Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a car show, firefighter activities, and community fun throughout the day!

SAT, SEPTEMBER 12

1:00 PM

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

LIVINGSTON ST. PARK, TEWKSBURY

1580 LAKEVIEW AVE., DRACUT

click here to learn more!

METRO NORTH COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

YARD SALE + CRAFT FAIR ($15)

APPLE FESTIVAL

Browse handmade crafts, local vendors, and unique treasures at this community yard sale and craft fair!

Discover local vendors, live entertainment, apple pie contests, food, and family-friendly fall activities.

SAT, SEPTEMBER 19

SAT, SEPTEMBER 26

9:30 AM - 11:30 PM

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

55 JACOB WAY, READING

27 BOW STREET, NORTH READING

click here to learn more!

VICTORIAN FAIR

SAUGUS FOUNDERS DAY

See historic sailing ships, waterfront activities, and maritime traditions in Gloucester Harbor all weekend long.

Celebrate Saugus history and community with vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities!

SUN, SEPTEMBER 13

SAT, SEPTEMBER 12

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

9:00 PM - 3:00 PM

DOWNTOWN MELROSE

SAUGUS TOWN HALL AREA

click here to learn more!

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 The following are free, non-clinical, peer-led support groups hosted by Peer Support Space taking place in Eastern Time (EST). New friends are always welcome. Registration is required for in-person events so that we can keep our gatherings under 10 people as a COVID precaution. For our virtual groups, please use the zoom links on the website(on computer or zoom phone app) to enter 12PM and 6PM Each Day, Monday-Saturday

Daily Communal Gatherings

**You must email Mary@peersupportspace.org to receive the passcodes for the daily communal gatherings - this is a security precaution to ensure that we are keeping the space as safe as possible. **

For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1

Looking for something to do? Explore these locations/hobbies for your next session with your client!

Cost-Free

Local Parks Public Libraries Community Gardens Hiking Trails Public Art Galleries or Exhibitions Farmer’ Markets University Campuses (outdoor areas) Historical Landmarks or Monuments Scenic Viewpoints or Overlooks Public Squares or Plazas Botanical Gardens (some may be free) Nature Reserves Waterfront Areas or Riverfronts Public Sports Facilities (basketball courts, tennis courts) Bird Watching Areas Free Museum Days Outdoor Fitness Parks Dog Parks Geocaching Locations Free concerts in Parks

Low-Cost

Local museums Mini-golf courses Bowling Alleys Art Classes Local Theatre Productions Farmer’s Market Cooking Classes Pottery Painting Studio Escape Rooms Yoga Classes Local Sports Events Movie Theatre Restaurants Local Music Events

New Hobbies

Gardening or Indoor Plant Care Model Building (trains, planes, ships) Jigsaw Puzzles Digital Photography Coding or Web Development Collecting (stamps, coins, rocks) Drawing or Painting Origami Birdwatching Writing (journaling, fiction, poetry) Knitting or crocheting Playing a musical instrument Cooking or Baking Aquarium Keeping Lego Building Scrapbooking

New Blue Envelope Law: What it Means for Drivers, Passengers, and Police Wednesday, September 30

BLUE E NVELO PE PROGR AM

@ 12:00PM

Learn about the Blue Envelope Program, the new law, and the impact it has on drivers, passengers, and law enforcement. We will share how this law, like so many that impact the disability community, started from self-advocates speaking up, joining voices, and being heard.

Panelists will share their perspectives on what the law means for them personally as well as the far-reaching impact on safety and increased awareness.

Panelists include Marie Zullo and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Derek Henneberry.

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. The core idea of the Blue Envelope is straightforward yet impactful. It involves a specially designed envelope that holds a driver's essential documents—license, registration, and a contact card. However, its significance goes beyond just a storage solution. The envelope features critical communication guidelines on its exterior, specifically tailored to assist law enforcement officers in recognizing and adapting their approach when interacting with a driver who has autism.

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

Prescribing Safety. Driving Independence.

Clinical Driving Evaluations, Adaptive Driving Training, and Readiness to Drive Assessments Owned and operated by Occupational Therapists

What We Offer Clinical Driving Evaluations

Adaptive Driving Evaluations & Training

Readiness to Drive Evaluations

The gold-standard evaluation for medically complex and/or older adult drivers.

Evaluations for those looking to drive with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, spinner knobs, and left foot accelerators.

Specialized evaluations

www.Drive-Rx.com

for neurodiverse new drivers.

100 Cummings Center Suite 307k, Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: (781) 205-0870 | Fax: (781) 235-3233 Email: info@drive-rx.com

Empowering caregivers with a secure, searchable, shareable, stress-free digital tool. 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.

Competitive Advantage 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

SOLUTION

Family caregivers are overwhelmed managing care with outdated tools and siloed information. Fragmented care leads to burnout, unmanaged burden, and dangerous gaps.

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.

Knowledge Base Meet Elllie: Your personal care search engine will generate the most relevant and trusted answers to help you navigate care with confidence. Document Parsing Fuels Data

Upload documents and let us do the rest. No more searching endlessly through piles of paper. Eleplan provides searchable data points for care.

Data Collection and Analytics

Eleplan collects data at the most granular level to make inferences regarding next steps necessary in your planning journey.

Collaborate, Customize and Share

Add Members to collaborate, share on-demand data, customized for every situation and person involved in care. www.eleplan.com

amanda@eleplan.com

Member Testimonials

www.eleplan.com

amanda@eleplan.com

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.

Your Human Rights include: Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.

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 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

Lowell Area

Laura Teckman

lteckman@ne-arc.org

Northeast Arc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and families with valuable resources and events in their local 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 Click or scantheQR codetosignuptoreceiveevent newsletters from the Community Resource Specialist in your DDS Office Area.

North Shore

Kerry Neenan kneenan@ne-arc.org

Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham

Metro North

Merrie Rothstein mrothstein@ne-arc.org

Everett, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield

Merrimack Valley

Amie Richards arichards@ne-arc.org

Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, West Newbury

Lowell

CommunityResourceCenter@ne-arc.org

Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford

Central Middlesex

Holly Keane hkeane@ne-arc.org

Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Boxboro, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Wilmington, Winchester, Woburn

Resources Community Events Recreational Activities Support Groups Educational Workshops Social Opportunities Special Olympic Events

mataya@ne-arc.org

Looking for Events? ecommunity connections.org

ne-arc.org