Presented by SPARK Kindness
SPARK Kindness is very pleased to present the 5th annual Resilient Parent, Resilient Child speaker series. These programs are free of charge thanks to sponsor and community support. All are welcome to attend. See the schedule of topics and register here.
Hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts
Saturday, 11/4/17
9:00am-4:00pm
College of the Holy Cross
1 College Street
Worcester, MA
A statewide conference for families that will introduce state-of-the-art, best practices around transition from school into the adult world. Workshops will cover education in the school system, employment, post-secondary education, community involvement, self-determination, independent living skills, financial and legal considerations, eligibility for services, and many other important topics. Learn more and register here.
Sponsored by Abilities.com
9/8/17-9/10/17
Fri. 11am-5pm
Sat. 11am-5pm
Sun. 11am-4pm
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Hall C
415 Summer Street
Boston, MA
For nearly 40 years, Abilities Expo has been the go-to source for the community of people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Every event introduces attendees to new technologies, new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change their lives. Discover ability-enhancing products and services, play a few adaptive sports, learn new dance moves, and attend informative workshops. This event features fun events for kids of all ages. Register for free.
Hosted by MGH Aspire
Program locations: Lexington, Newton, Charlestown
MGH Aspire offers group programming for children, teens, and young adults. Their fall programs are held at their Lexington, Newton and Charlestown locations. All participants are grouped based on their unique needs and best-fit with their peers. Participants follow the Aspire model of robust support in both direct instruction and in-the-moment feedback to generalize growth in the areas of social development, stress management, and self awareness. View the schedule and registration information here.
Sponsored by Advocates Family Services
Monday, 9/18/17
6:30-9:00pm
The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN)
14 Summer Street
Natick, MA
Join Andrew Solomon for an inspiring talk about the extraordinary resilience of families raising children with unfamiliar challenges, the subject of Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity. A Q&A with audience members will follow. RSVP here.
By Roland Rotz, PH.D., Sarah D. Wright
ADDitude
Research shows that physical activity — even a little foot-tapping or gum chewing — increases levels of the neurotransmitters in the brain that control focus and attention. Learn how a subtle fidget may help block out distractions, fight boredom, and increase productivity. Read more.
Sponsored by Vinfen
Friday, 9/8/17
8:00am-5:00pm
Joseph B. Martin Conference Center
Harvard Medical School
77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA
In honor of Vinfen’s 40 years of innovation and commitment to care for people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges, the Vinfen Innovative Technology in Community Health Care Conference will focus on new technologies and their impact on integrated behavioral and physical health. Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mary Lou Sudders, MSW, ACSW, will open the day by sharing her vision for the future of how technology will shape the field of health and human services for the next decade. Learn more and register here.
Sponsored by Fletcher Tilton PC
Helping Families with
Mental Illness
Tuesday, 9/19/17
6:00pm
Advocates, 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA
Helping Families with
Developmental Disabilities
Monday, 9/25/17
12:00pm
Advocates, 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA
One in four families cope with having a loved one that has been diagnosed with mental illness or special needs. These seminars will cover:
– Important issues regarding special needs planning
– The difference between emotions-based decisions and values-based decisions and how they impact your financial future
– Strategies to obtain and maintain eligibility for important government benefits
– Case studies that show how real families integrate their legal and financial needs.
There is no cost or obligation to attend either of these seminars. Seating is limited. Learn more and register here.
Sponsored by Spark Kindness
Sunday, 4/30/17
12:00-5:00pm
Natick Community-Senior Center
117 East Central Street
Natick, MA
Are you looking for positive ways to deal with stress in your life? As a parent, do you find it hard to take time for yourself? Would you like an opportunity to take a breath, connect with other parents and learn tools to manage stress? If so, join us for this free, half-day retreat. Learn more and register here.
Sponsored by The Arc of Massachusetts
Thursday, 5/4/17
7:00-8:00pm
Cost: $25
Many services and supports are available to families who have children with developmental disabilities and special health care needs. This presentation will review publicly funded services and supports that your family can utilize, regardless of income. We’ll review eligibility criteria, application processes, and points of contact for programs through the Department of Developmental Services, MassHealth, the Department of Public Health, and more. The information provided will be relevant to families with children of all ages, from immediately after diagnosis up through age 22. Learn more and register here.