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Universal Access Program (UAP)

The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities.

Enjoy Massachusetts state parks with the Universal Access Program

Accessible recreation at DCR 
Adaptive recreation program schedule 
Independent recreation opportunities 
Accessible Beaches 
Volunteering with the Universal Access Program 

Contact Us

Universal Access Program Logo

Online

DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov

Phone

(413) 461-7126

Fax

(413) 461-7980

Address

PO Box 484
Amherst, MA 01004
Directions 

Who we serve

The Universal Access Program ensures equal access to outdoor recreation in Massachusetts state parks. We're always working to improve and update our sites and buildings for you to visit. We also have specialized recreation equipment for you to use at beaches and skating rinks. And, we offer year-round adaptive recreation programs.

On our pages, you'll see the terms accessible and adaptive used. Accessible means a location or program meets the requirements of state and Federal accessibility standards. Adaptive means that an activity uses equipment and techniques that have been adapted to the user and their needs. If you have questions about whether you can access a site or a program, please contact us.

We invite you to use this website as a guide to discover the most accessible parks, forests, beaches, and events.

What would you like to do?

Learn about accessible recreation opportunities at DCR  Attend an adaptive program or event  Complete the Universal Access Program release form  Read Essential Eligibility Criteria for UAP recreation programs  Read past issues of the Universal Access Program's newsletter  Learn about DCR's non-discrimination policy 

Upcoming Events

  • Adaptive rowing on the Connecticut River 

    25 Jones Ferry Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
    Thursdays by appointment, April–October
    Join the Universal Access Program and Holyoke Rows every Thursday for adaptive rowing on the Connecticut River.

  • Aug. 6 adaptive canoeing & kayaking at DAR State Forest 

    78 Cape St., Goshen, MA 01032
    Wednesday, August 6, 2025
    9:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive canoeing & kayaking in Goshen.

  • Aug. 7 adaptive kayaking at Quinsigamond State Park 

    10 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA 01612
    Thursday, August 7, 2025
    10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking at Regatta Point on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.

  • Aug. 8 adaptive recreational swimming at Bennett Field Pool  

    1260 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603
    Friday, Aug. 8, 2025; Children Ages 5-12 (9-9:45 a.m.); Children ages 13+ & Adults (10-10:45 a.m.)
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Easterseals Massachusetts for adaptive recreational swimming in Worcester.

  • Aug. 8 adaptive cycling on the Norwottuck Rail Trail  

    12 Railroad St., Hadley, MA 01035
    Friday, August 8, 2025
    10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive cycling in Hadley.

  • Aug. 9 adaptive kayaking at Upper Charles River Reservation 

    48 Woerd Ave. (across the street from this address), Waltham, MA 02453
    Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure for adaptive kayaking at Upper Charles River Reservation in Waltham.

  • Aug. 12 adaptive kayaking at Hopkinton State Park 

    164 Cedar St. , Hopkinton, MA 01748
    Tuesday, August 12, 2025
    10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking in Hopkinton.

  • Aug. 12 adaptive kayaking at Charles River Reservation 

    Magazine Beach Cartop Boat Launch, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
    Tuesday, August 12, 2025
    1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join the Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure for adaptive kayaking on the Charles River at Magazine Beach in Cambridge.
See all events   for the Universal Access Program

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