Local Resources

Parent Resources

https://autismalliance.org/  Monthly newsletter that have special needs friendly events, training, and resources in the Metrowest area. You can register to receive their newsletter and email blast of autism friendly events, training and offerings. Support groups for parents (mom groups & dad groups), sib shops, etc.

https://www.massadvocates.org/  Mass advocates

https://thearcofmass.org/advocate Advocacy & programming for disabilities

www.mdsc.org - great organization for parents of children with Down syndrome; they also hold playgroups and activities for older kids and teens too.  They also hold webinars geared towards children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. 

https://massfamilies.org/ - workshops, training, advocacy and resources

https://fcsn.org/ - federation for children with special needs; lots and lots of resources including webinars, training, events, etc.

https://www.autismalliance.org/events/sibshop  Autism Alliance offers Sibshops groups for siblings of children on the spectrum. These are generally offered several times per 

year

https://www.linclusion.org/ Non profit that partners with traditional summer camps and provides one on one support for children with disabilities so that they are able to participate in the summer camp experience.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/department-of-developmental-services-dds DDS information and eligibility

https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/secondary-transition/ DOE - Transitional information for 14 to 22 yr olds

Adaptive Sports, Recreation  & Activity Based programs

https://southboroughma.myrec.com/info/activities - Southborough Recreation offers Special Olympics sports a few times a year - free of charge once you register.  All of these events are in Southborough and varying fields for soccer and different school gyms in Southborough depending on availability of space. 

https://www.natickma.gov/308/Recreation-Parks  - Natick Recreation.  Skyline is the name of their adaptive program. They have more classes and activities as well as some sports programming. Most of their offerings go to Natick residents first and then out of town residents second. There is generally also a cost for the classes and activities.

https://www.metrowestymca.org/  There special needs programming is through https://www.invictusforever.org/ - which hosts these programs at the YMCA. You do have to register with Invictus and there is a fee per class. Classes tend to be broken up into two age categories - younger up to age 12 and then the older adolescents/adult group and the groups are generally offered back to back

https://www.gnomesurf.com/   -  They surf in RI and MA and are based out of Fall River. You can book 45 min individual surf lessons with a surf therapy instructor. There is a fee for lessons. Lessons are for any child or adolescent who has a special need, mental health or adaptive need. They also run day camps and other events - including skateboarding classes and social events.

https://www.specialsurfer.org/  - Based out of Maine. They have one event per month during the summer, you do have to register and it is free. For any child or adult with any special need. They have surfboards to accommodate wheelchairs and adaptive physical equipment.  You wait with other families for your turn and multiple volunteers and instructors go out with your child or adult - roughly 30 mins in the water. This is more of an "event" versus a lesson but great exposure to surfing.

https://www.surfershealing.org/  - An organization that travels the world doing surf camps for children on the Autism Spectrum. 

https://www.easterseals.com/ma/programs-and-services/the-bridge-center/ - they offer recreation programs, camps, equine lessons and hippotherapy/Physical therapy options. 

www. inclusivefitness.com - West Roxbury/Dedham line - A gym that specializes with people with neurodiversity - small group or individual instruction. Ages 12 and up but the website stated younger after an initial assessment.

http://energyfitnessgym.com/ - have an inclusive program for special needs 

https://www.wachusett.com/Lessons-Rentals/Lessons/Adaptive-Lessons.aspx  - Wachusett offers adaptive ski lessons - check website for availability and cost.

http://askate.org/home - this organization does therapeutic skateboarding. They travel and offer events in multiple geographic locations.

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/topsoccer/ - US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.  Hopkinton and Natick have teams

https://specialolympicsma.org/play-sports/ways-to-play/recreational-sports  - Special Olympics Massachusetts

Mental health Resources

https://www.masshelpline.com/ Call or text (833) 773-2445 - Support 24/7

 https://988lifeline.org/ or Dial #988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Support 24/7

https://interface.williamjames.edu  referral source for connecting families to mental health providers and resources in their area

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/emergency-services-program-contact-information  Crisis services information by area/location. MetroWest/Ashland crisis coverage is provided by Advocates. Advocates 24 hr crisis line is  1-800-640-5432 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/massachusetts  Website dedicated to finding a match for therapists and testing providers for any age, diagnosis and insurance

Another tip for accessing mental health providers is to reach out the Member services line on your insurance card and requesting a list of local therapists, psychiatrists and other providers in your area that accept your insurance - your insurance company can email you these resources. 

PT, OT, Speech, AAC &  Social Skills Information

https://barrettfamilywellness.com/ Barrett Family Wellness - OT, PT services

https://childtherapyinboston.com - offers several different types of groups - social skill, sibling, art, etc. Two locations - Needham and Sudbury. Private pay only, no insurance accepted.

http://www.academynewton.com  offer social skills and activity groups

Boston Ability Center for Pediatric Therapy   Boston Ability Center - Natick and Wellesley has support groups (for siblings of children with disabilities, parents nights out, sensory friendly events, birthday parties) and various camps/workshops for children. PT, OT and sensory evaluations.

https://www.easterseals.com/ma/programs-and-services/rehabilitation-services/ - OT, PT, Assistive Tech resources and disability information

Medical Related Resources

Children’s Hemiplegia & Stroke Association (chasa.org)  Children’s Hemiplegia and 

Stroke Association (CHASA) 

YGSA – Young Genetic Stroke Alliance  Young Genetic Stroke Alliance (YGSA) seeks to advance knowledge and treatments for children and young adults with genetic cerebrovascular disorders by establishing an international network of researchers, clinicians, patients and patient advocates. MassGeneral has a local outpost that host various events and has a great wealth of resources

https://carroll.org  Carroll Center for the blind

https://nelowvision.com/mcb/  Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing Massachusetts Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing