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Friends Having Pizza

Community Activities

Youth Leadership Forum

  • Free, three-day overnight conference hosted by the Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) focused on promoting self-advocacy, self-awareness, and life/employment skills to help youth prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living

  • Occurs every year in June at Bridgewater State University

  • Peer Leader (Paid Position) - ages 18-25, currently out of high school and working and/or taking college classes

  • Help plan activities and mentor delegates

  • Delegate (Free to Join) - ages 16-22, currently in last 2 years of high school or attending a transition program

  • Read more about the program here: https://www.pyd.org/programs/youth%20leadership%20forum/

Young Leaders Rising

  • 8-week youth-led leadership program hosted by the Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) for high school students ages 14-22 with a disability

  • Focuses on developing leadership and self-advocacy skills and career readiness

  • 4 themes of the program include: 1) disability rights, advocacy and legislation; 2) work readiness; 3) reaching educational goals; 4) independent living

  • Read more about the program here: https://www.pyd.org/programs/young-leaders-rising/

Youth Leaders Network (YLN)

  • A state-wide network for teens and young adults with disabilities ages 14-26 funded by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and supported by Easterseals

  • The network promotes self-advocacy, self-awareness, life/employment skills and opportunities for youth to make friends in their local communities through monthly meetings and events across the state

  • Groups and events take place in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Bridgewater, and virtually

  • Read more about YLN here: https://www.easterseals.com/ma/our-programs/youth-services/leadership-and-mentoring.html

Access to Theater (ATT)

  • Inclusive theater program for teens and adults ages 14-22 run by Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD).

  • Open to youth with and without disabilities

  • Allows youth to explore and experiment with different aspects of theater, including acting, directing, improvisation, choreography, music, costumes, and set design

  • Read more about ATT here: https://www.pyd.org/programs/theater-arts/

Team Verge - Inclusive Athletics

  • A running club for people with social, emotional, intellectual, and learning disabilities

  • For kids 7+, teens, young adults, and families

  • Winter, Spring, and Fall seasons and camps offered in the Summer

  • Locations in Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, and Woburn

  • Website: https://www.teamverge.org/

Aspire Adult Programs - MGH

  • Eligibility: adults ages 18+ with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

  • Focuses on helping young adults develop positive self-awareness, stress management, and social competency skills

  • Programs include: Internship Program, Social Groups, Career Coaching, Summer Program, and Employer Services

  • Adult social groups occur year-round, once a week, led by Aspire staff

  • Summer Program: six-week, everyday program for youth ages 14-19 to participate in recreational and social activities, build life skills, and explore the metro Boston area

  • Internship Program: provides short-term experience and exposure to the workforce

  • Career Coaching: supports young adults to help them reach their short-term and long-term professional goals

  • Interested youth must apply by submitting an application and attending an interview session that takes place in Lexington, MA

  • There is a $75 application fee

  • Programs require payment. Financial aid is available by application

  • Read more about these programs here: https://www.massgeneral.org/children/aspire/aspire-works

Riverside Community Care

  • Resources for families

  • Full Life Ahead Family Leadership Program: series of workshops for parents and guardians of young adults with a disability focused on helping young adults live independent, full lives. Topics include transition, employment, housing, friendships

  • Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change Family Leadership Series: individuals with DDS are encouraged to apply. This series focuses on how to best use what DDS offers, create a vision for the young adult and build their leadership and advocacy skills

  • Riverside Family Support Center is located at 6 Lincoln Knoll Lane, Suit 103, Burlington, MA 01803

  • Resources for young adults

    • Clubhouses

      • Provides a safe environment for individuals with mental health conditions to interact with peers, obtain support for housing and education, and access to social activities, and health and wellness activities and supports

      • Located in Hopedale, Needham, Norwood, and Wakefield

  • Read more here: https://www.riversidecc.org/adult-services/developmental-disabilities/

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