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, Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, and Waypoint Adventure to run our programs. 

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).

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

Hiking with Waypoint Adventures

Waypoint’s hiking programs take place in some of New England’s most beautiful woodlands. Like every Waypoint adventure, our hikes are centered around a central goal like communication or perseverance. Experience the trails, streams, mountains, and wildlife of New England in a fully accessible hiking adventure!

Pre-registration required.

You must fill out a release form and meet our essential eligibility criteria for hiking.  

Date	Location	Focus
June 2	Halibut Point State Park, Rockport	Quarry and Ocean Hike
June	Quabbin Reservoir, Ware	Historical Reservoir Hike
July 20	Pittsfield State Forest	Nature Activities
Aug 17	Boston Harbor Island	Ferry and Island Fun
Aug 24	Canal Side Rail Trail, Turners Falls	Cultural and Natural History of Canal
Aug 30	Borderland State Park, North Easton	Mansion Tour and Pond Exploration

 

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

Hiking programs 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].

 

Cycling with All Out Adventures

Participants can use traditional two-wheel bikes, recumbent three-wheel or four-wheel cycles, hand cycles, tandem recumbent cycles, push trikes, or youth sized trikes. Riders are also welcome to bring their own cycles as well. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance are provided as needed. Pre-registration is required for adaptive cycling programs.

Location: Norwottuck Rail Trail in Hadley

Dates:

Wednesdays, May 11 - June 29   

Fridays, July 8 - August 26

Cost: The fee is $5-20. Sliding scale per session. 

Registration: [e-mail] 413.584.2052    

Additional Information:

This program is open to people with disabilities and their families and friends.  Seniors are invited to register as well.  

Instruction, equipment, and assistance as needed are provided.  

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program time between 10AM - 3PM.

AOA staff will:

• Host a sign-in and registration table at the Program Base area
• Loan you and teach you how to use the cycle you have reserved, including steering, braking, and shifting
• Be available by cell phone in case you need anything while out for your ride

To participate in these programs, participants will (either on their own or with the assistance of a caregiver who attends with them):

• Be able to steer, brake, and shift the cycle 
• Consistently stay to the right while riding and stop at intersections
• Be able to transfer on and off the cycle
• Be able to use the equipment independently (though staff will provide support at the base in getting set up and adjusting the equipment)
  
  
  Parking: Park on the west side of the building in the parking lot near the Quarters Restaurant end. Be sure to park near the dumpsters to leave room for Quarters Restaurant customers. 

 

Pool Program with Easter Seals

In partnership with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program, Easterseals MA is offering an adapted recreational swim program this summer at the fully accessible Bennett Field Pool in Worcester. Lead by aquatics instructors and a lifeguard, groups will participate in fun safety activities and water games that maximize independence in the water. This is a six-week, recreational program and does not provide swim lessons. The swim program is open to individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families. This is a special opportunity to swim with new friends before the pool opens to the public! 

Cost: Free

Dates: Fridays, July 8 - August 12

Registration: [e-mail] [phone] 

Rowing with Holyoke Rows

Holyoke Rows offers the only adaptive rowing program for people with disabilities, west of the Boston area. This  program is free to individuals with visual, physical or cognitive disabilities and their families.

Dates: May – October. Thursday mornings.

Registration: [e-mail] [phone] to schedule an individual session. 
​
While receiving instruction and the opportunity to practice, rowers also have the chance to participate in competitions. Every summer during August, Stephanie loads up sculls and rowers who are interested in racing, for a two day excursion to the Bayada Regatta. Taking place on the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania, this is the oldest, all – adaptive competition, in the country.

In addition, though the years, we have had many adaptive entrants racing in the prestigious: Head of the Charles. Our program serves people of all capabilities, from beginners, to leisure rowers, to competitive racers.

Kayaking with All Out Adventures

Join All Out Adventures for kayaking around Upper Highland Lake. Kayakers 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.

 

D.A.R. State Forest, Goshen 

Wednesdays, July 6 - August 24

Cochituate State Park, Natick 

Tuesdays, July 12 - August 2

Quinsigamond State Park, Worcester

Tuesdays, August 9 - August 30

Cost: $8 per 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 sign up.

Kayaking with Waypoint Adventures

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. Pre-registration is required.

Dates: 

Thursdays, July 7 - 28

Tuesdays, August 2 - 23

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

Registration: Click here to register online.

Additional Information:

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.

 If you have any other questions, contact Michelle Hoffmeister at [e-mail].

Supported Programs

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.

Hiking:

Waypoint Adventure (jumbula.com)

Our Programs – All Out Adventures

Cycling:

Our Programs – All Out Adventures

Rowing:

Adaptive Rowing - Holyoke Rows

Kayaking:

Waypoint Adventure (jumbula.com)

Our Programs – All Out Adventures

Golfing:

Golf Course | mpga.club, Adaptive Golf | United States

Boating:

Welcome - Community Boating Incorporated (community-boating.org)

Last updated:	January 21, 2022