Adaptive Program Schedule

General information

The Universal Access Program (UAP) offers adaptive, accessible programming seasonally at state parks, pools, and rinks. We partner throughout the year with All Out Adventures, Easterseals Massachusetts, Holyoke Rows, and Waypoint Adventure to run our programs. Throughout the years, several of our recurring winter programs have been supported by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers.

When public safety allows, our main winter program season runs from November through March, and our main summer season runs from June through September. Due to COVID-19, we are offering adaptive recreation programs on a limited capacity. If you would like to get on our mailing list to be notified of upcoming events and activities, please contact us.

A current release form is required for all of our programs, and you must pre-register. Get into the activity sooner when you arrive by bringing your release form filled out! To pre-register for an activity, in the event there is inclement weather, or if you need to cancel, please contact the providing organization listed for each program.

You must also meet the essential eligibility criteria for the activity. Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) help you understand the skills you need to participate in our programs. For risk management considerations, everyone who attends our programs must meet these EEC. You can meet the EEC independently, or with the help of a caregiver (family member, friend, or PCA). Visit us at mass.gov/dcr/universal-access/eec to learn more.

Each providing organization may adhere to their own COVID-19 protocols for in-person programming, including mask wearing and social distancing. Please check their website or inquire for more details when registering for a program.

Several organizations also offer adaptive programming at DCR locations on their own, sometimes with the use of DCR equipment. These are called supported programs. These supported programs may have their own requirements and release forms. Please contact the providing organization for more information about a supported program.

Additional Resources

Essential eligibility criteria for Universal Access Program participants

DCR UAP Participant Registration and Release Form

Paddling at DAR State Forest

Join All Out Adventures for either kayaking or canoeing around Upper Highland Lake at DAR State Forest in Goshen. We will paddle together in a small pod. There will be 1 hour 15 minute timeslots to allow for time to get set up and recreate on the water. 

Cost: $8/person. One guest of a program participant with a disability can attend at no charge. 

Pre-registration is required. Due to anticipated high demand for this program, you may pre-register for a maximum of 4 dates. If you are interested in attending more than 4 programs,  your name can be added to a waiting list and you will be invited to additional programs if space is available. Email [e-mail] or call [phone] to pre-register. 

DAR State Forest, Goshen

Wednesdays, July 7 – August 25

Kayaking at Walden Pond State Reservation

Enjoy small group kayaking at historic Walden Pond with Waypoint Adventure. Experience the fun and serenity of being on the water while being part of a supportive community.

Cost: $20/person. One parent/friend/PCA of program participant with a disability can attend at no charge.

Pre-registration is required. Due to anticipated high demand for this program, you may pre-register for up to 3 kayaking adventures. If you are interested in attending more than 3 programs, your name can be added to a waiting list and you will be contacted if there is last minute availability. Click here to register online. If you have any other questions, contact Michelle Hoffmeister at [e-mail].

Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord

Thursdays: July 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm

Tuesdays: August 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm

Rowing on the Connecticut River

Learn to row or scull and/or train for competition with Holyoke Rows. Sign up for an hour-long rowing session on the Connecticut River.

Cost: Free

Pre-registration is required. Contact Stephanie Moore at [e-mail] or call [phone].

Jones Ferry, Holyoke

Thursdays (June–October), by appointment only

 

 

Cycling on the Norwottuck Rail Trail

Explore the Norwottuck Rail Trail with All Out Adventures. They have wheelchair tandems, recumbent trikes, tandem recumbent trikes, and handcycles available for use. Program base is located at 8 Railroad St. in Hadley.

Cost: $5/person. One guest of a program participant with a disability can attend at no charge.

Pre-registration is required to reserve your one-hour timeslot. Email [e-mail] or call [phone] to pre-register.

Norwottuck Rail Trail, Hadley

Fridays, July 9 – August 27

Hiking with Waypoint Adventure

Hike with Waypoint Adventure to explore trails, mountains, wildlife and more beauty in the woodland and urban areas our Massachusetts state parks have to offer. Plan to bring sun and bug protection, and a backpack with your lunch and water bottle for the day.

Cost: $20/person. One parent/friend/PCA of program participant with a disability can attend at no charge.

Hiking programs start at 10am. Waypoint hikes are limited to 8 participants per program. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register online.  If you have any other questions, contact Brenda Kennedy Davies at [e-mail] or [phone].

Day	Date	Location	City/Town
Thursday	Sept. 30	Blackstone River & Canal Heritage SP	Uxbridge
Tuesday	Oct. 19	Quabbin Reservoir	Ware
Saturday	Oct. 24	Maudslay State Park	Newburyport
Tuesday	Oct. 26	Borderland State Park	N. Easton
Thursday	Nov. 18	DAR State Forest	Goshen
Thursday	Dec. 2	Batcher Brook Trailhead at Mt. Holyoke Range State Park	Amherst
Thursday	Dec. 16	Breakheart Reservation	Saugus

 

Other adaptive recreation opportunities

Easterseals Massachusetts offers a recurring virtual accessible martial arts program on Wednesdays at 5pm. This inclusive program is for individuals with and without disabilities who want to learn and practice self-defense, stretching, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Pre-registration is required. Email [e-mail] to RSVP for the Zoom sessions and click here for more information.

Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (SASC) has a mix of in-person and virtual upcoming adaptive recreation programs. Pre-registration is required. Click here to check out their full calendar of upcoming events and for more information on how to sign-up for activities. 

 

Last updated:	December 26, 2019