NCOD - Newburyport Commission on Disabilities

09/01/2026

There’s fun program for budding cheerleaders in Stoughton that runs September 12 through November 21. Through CheerAbilities, children with special needs ages three and up will learn “motions, cheers, jumps, and tumbling.” All levels of ability (including wheelchair users) are welcome and the team will perform at Gillette Stadium in November. Classes are held weekly and fees apply. Contact [email protected] for more information.

08/27/2026

The Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy is meeting on Tuesday, September 15 and invites you to “the conversation about Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy (MA21) advocacy for changes to MA DDS Self-Directed Services to comply with the 2014 Real Lives Law. Help improve regulations and waivers at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to increase transparency, flexibility, and self-determination.” For meeting information and attendance, go to https://www.ma21alliance.org/ or contact (781) 891-6270 or [email protected]

08/24/2026

“Government programs for seniors with disabilities” is the topic of a webinar on September 17 from noon to 1:00 p.m. Join The Bridge Center of Bridgewater to find out which government benefits may be available to you or disabled older family members. Register at https://massachusetts.easterseals.com/take-action/attend-an-event/caring-for-family-members-disabilities-financial-planning

Caring for a loved one with disabilities involves unique challenges, especially when it comes to financial planning. These sessions will cover key topics such as navigating public benefits, using legal tools like Special Needs Trusts, and exploring investment and insurance options. Having a clear un...

08/24/2026

Caregiver support group online sessions: The DCR Universal Access Program/Vision Impairment & Blindness Support Group for Caregivers is a virtual group meeting on September 8th – 10th (monthly on different dates). The group offers support for individuals caring for those served by the DDS who have Vision Impairment, Legal Blindness or Deafblindness.” Get more information at https://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/vision-loss-support-groups.html

08/20/2026

The Center on Down Syndrome & Aging at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress will hold a webinar: “Aging with Grace: Strategies to Maximize Nutrition & Hydration for Adults with Down Syndrome” from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. Led by Dominica Nichols, PhD, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Down Syndrome Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, the session covers topics related to how “individualized nutrition and adaptive feeding strategies can play a critical role in promoting and maintaining independence, quality of life, comfort, and long-term wellness.” Registration: https://mdsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cCB4cAXPR_qDfnIADKBPDQ #/registration

08/17/2026

Facing housing challenges? On August 20th (and every third Thursday of the month) the Disability Resource Center presents the Housing Options Workshop webinar on applying for housing in Massachusetts. The workshop is open to all and provides information about low-income housing in the Bay State. Register at https://www.facebook.com/WORKINC.FSC or send an email to [email protected].

08/14/2026

Webinar: College Preparedness for Autistic Individuals. This free online event takes place on August 19. Speaker Dr. Brett Mulder is the Director of Teen and Adult Services at Aspire and Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. His experience includes directing programs and working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, Dr. Mulder holds appointments as Psychologist in the Dept. of Psychiatry and as Assistant in Pediatrics in the Depart. of Pediatrics at MA General Hospital. Find out how to participate at:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/WvwqKGz/LurieCenterNews

08/14/2026

Webinar: College Preparedness for Autistic Individuals. This free online event takes place on August 19. Speaker Dr. Brett Mulder is the Director of Teen and Adult Services at Aspire and Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. His experience includes directing programs and working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, Dr. Mulder holds appointments as Psychologist in the Dept. of Psychiatry and as Assistant in Pediatrics in the Depart. of Pediatrics at MA General Hospital. Find out how to participate at:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/WvwqKGz/LurieCenterNews

08/12/2026

“Next Stop: Adventure!” The Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)is offering free, in-person and virtual opportunities for young people ages 14-21 to “build independent living and employment skills.” The sessions held August 17th – 21st will cover tips for traveling in the community. Registration and proof of disability are required; see the BCIL information on: https://bostoncil.org/event/youth-services-summer-program/

08/10/2026

On August 15, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is holding “Beyond the Spectrum” art classes for those ages 13-22 who are on the Autism spectrum. The program is wheelchair accessible; get more information and purchase tickets at: https://www.mfa.org/event/beyond-the-spectrum/beyond-the-spectrum-teens-17?event=167361