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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. 25 summer adaptive ice skating & BBQ at Porrazzo Memorial Rink 

    199 Coleridge St, East Boston, MA 02128
    Monday, August 25, 2025
    11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers for summer adaptive ice skating & BBQ in East Boston.

  • Aug. 26 adaptive kayaking at Charles River Reservation 

    Magazine Beach Cartop Boat Launch, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
    Tuesday, August 26, 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

Related organizations

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