The weather has been quite warm this last week, but the fall is very much in full swing. That means there are plenty of festivals, conferences, exhibits, and other “good to know” resources to bring you into November. Take a look at what we’ve found throughout the greater Boston area this month!
Holiday Card Contest
Do you love to draw, paint, or create any other type of art? The Massachusetts Office on Disability is inviting children and teens across the Commonwealth ages 17 & under of all abilities to submit an original holiday/winter art scene that incorporates MOD’s mission of ensuring “equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities.” Entries will be featured in a special MOD blog post. One submission will be selected as the cover of MOD’s official holiday greeting card for 2015, and others could appear in their upcoming Winter 2015-2016 newsletter or calendar!
The deadline to submit is November 17, 2015. For more information, please go to the official contest page, or contact Rita DiNunzio with any questions at 617-727-7440 (rita.dinunzio@massmail.state.ma.us).
Life 2 day Transition Conference
Register for the Life 2 day Transition Conference with the Federation for Children with Special Needs! It’ll be packed full of resources and information to help you to understand your role, rights, and responsibilities in the transition planning process after high school. Activities take place on Friday and Saturday and are held three times throughout the school year across Massachusetts. Upcoming conferences are November 13-14 in Bradford, February 5-6, 2016 in Boston, and April 8-9, 2016 in Holyoke. Contact the LINK Center at 617-236-7210 or info@fcsn.org, or register here.
Ongoing free events at BPL
The Boston Public Library has something for everyone! Check out all of their free offerings on their calendar including writing workshops and book discussions, art classes, lego, Dungeons and Dragons, and Anime clubs, computer and cooking classes, homework help, and time to play board games and just hang out.
“Joining Voices” Special-Health-Care Needs Conference
Held in Framingham on November 12th, the Joining Voices Making a Difference through Advocacy conference is for families with children and youth with special health care needs and their professional partners to learn specific skills to advocate effectively for their children, make informed decisions about healthcare services & supports, and ultimately be better partners in decision-making. Keynote Address: “Advancing the Medical Home: Community Based Services for CYSHCN”.
Workshop Topics Include:
- The Road to Making Positive Change from Personal Experience: A Capacity Building Journey
- Proactive Collaboration with Law Enforcement Can Yield Positive Outcomes
- We Got Insurance! Family Needs Drive Legislation
- Families Participating as Policy Partners
- Massachusetts Autism Omnibus Law
- Want to be a Leader? Want to Make Change? READY, SET, GO!
Fees apply, scholarships available. For more information, contact (800) 331-0688 or info@fcsn.org.
Making Things Possible – All Things Tech
Lexington, November 14th, 2015. For parents and caregivers of students with disabilities and interested professionals. Hear a variety of evidence-based, practical strategies, hands-on sessions and discussions, and visit vendors exhibits with technology, services, equipment, local support organizations and disability professionals. Full conference information and workshop descriptions are posted on their site. Or for more information contact info@cotting.org or birish@cotting.org 781-862-7323
Inner Harmony Chorus for All Ages with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Boston Music Conservatory, Winter & Spring 2016. The Boston Conservatory will offer Inner Harmony Chorus, a new vocal ensemble for individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum and their family and friends. It will be lead by a team of graduate students from The Boston Conservatory’s Music Education program. No auditions are needed. This program involves weekly rehearsals beginning January 30, 2016, and will conclude with a May 2016 performance.
For application and more information visit the Boston Music Conservatory Inner Harmony Chorus Page or rbernard@bostonconservatory.edu or (617) 912-9104.
Greenway Farmers’ Market
Although the Dewey Square Park is one of the smallest on the Greenway, there are many events happening daily that attract both locals and tourists. With thousands of people working in the Financial District, this section of the Greenway allows for some time to relax and revel in the sun.
The Greenway is partnered with the Boston Public Market to hold a Farmers’ Market every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am-6:30pm. Two food trucks are joined by over 15 vendors from the BPM including Union Donuts, When Pigs Fly, and Red’s Best.
When: Thursday, Nov 12, 2015 11:30a -6:30p (and throughout November)
Where: Dewey Square Plaza
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
Festi-Fall & Craft Fair at the Jackson-Mann
Join us for the 3rd Annual Festi-Fall & Craft Fair at the Jackson-Mann School & Community Center on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop from local artists, food artisans, and crafters from all over New England. Meet your neighbors at this annual community-building event. Visit the children’s room for face painting, crafts, tattoos, games, and challenge our teachers at the gaming station. Catch up on holiday shopping at our craft fair with over 35 artists selling beautiful artwork, jewelry, handmade soaps, candles, knitting, beading, and photography. Don’t forget to stop by our bake sale to pick up treats for the ride home, and try your luck at our gift basket raffle. Don’t miss out! Come for an hour or all day!
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 2015 10:00a – 3:00p
Where: Jackson-Mann School & Community Center
500 Cambridge Street
Allston, MA 02134
Admission: FREE
AANE Annual Artist Collabortive Open House 2015
In 2007, the Asperger Association of New England (AANE) presented its first art show that gave a glimpse of the talents of the artists with Asperger’s Syndrome at their annual Fall conference. After a few years of doing art shows, AANE developed their own Artist Collaborative to the artists in their community to showcase and sell their work on a regular basis throughout the year.
Please join us for our annual open house, showcasing the talented artists of the AANE Artist Collaborative.
- Browse the gallery for unique gifts for your friends and family.
- See artists in action as they create work live.
- Speak to artists about the meaning of their work.
- New this year – Participate in workshops and create your own art!
- Workshops: Create a Zentangle© mural and learn tips and trick on how to take great photos using smartphone technology.
When: Saturday, Nov 21, 2015 12:00p – 6:00p
Where: Asperger/Austism Network
51 Water Street, Suite 206
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
Admission: FREE
College tips for students with learning disabilities
Are you preparing for college? Take a look at these tips from PostBulletin.com for finding colleges with the best programs that support students with learning disabilities.