DCR Access News Winter 2022-2023
DCR’s Universal Access Program is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and accessible recreation programs.
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. Our East Boston skating program is supported by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers.
Our structured programs feature adaptive equipment, professional staff, and instruction and support. Friends, family members, and companions are encouraged to take part in our programs alongside participants with disabilities.
Release Forms and Pre-registration
A current release form is required for all our programs. You must also pre-register for each activity with the providing organization. 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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria and Program Attendance Guidelines
You must also meet the essential eligibility criteria (EEC) and follow our Program Attendance Guidelines (PAG) for the activity. 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 (a family member, friend, or PCA). Visit us at mass.gov/uap/eec to learn more. If you have concerns about your ability to meet the EEC or PAG, please speak with the organization leading the activity. If you have general questions or concerns, please contact us at by email or phone at DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov or (857) 319-2168
Check out mass.gov/dcr/universal-access to keep up-to-date with our activities!
Universal Access Winter Spotlight
Three years ago, Heather Pfleider began working at West Roxbury VA Boston Healthcare System’s as the Spinal Cord Injury Inpatient Unit Recreation Specialist. She began looking for ways to bring inpatient veterans into the community and found the Universal Access Adaptive Skating Program at Porrazzo Rink. This opportunity gave insight of things their program may be able to do on their own. Some of the Veterans were using a power chair with head controls and did not have to leave their chairs to skate. The skaters loved being on the ice. Heather knew there was a DCR rink across the street from the hospital. She reached out to the FMC rink manager, Dennis Caulfield. He was extremely excited to collaborate and gave her program the ice time to create an Adaptive Skating Program. Heather shares the benefits of being at Jim Roche Arena which include having their own set time to use the ice, that no transportation is needed, and that the program allows VA doctors, residents, and fellows to come to see and interact with veterans in a different environment. It is an opportunity to come together for community, exercise, and fun!
Important Announcements
Final Mass Mailing
This newsletter will be the final automatic paper mailing for Universal Access Program. Going forward our information will be distributed through social media, website, and email. If you would like to have future newsletters continued to be paper mailed to you, please email Kristen Rhodes or call 857-319-2168 and you will be put on our new paper mail list. You are also welcome to connect to verify the email address we have on file for you.
New Online Waiver for Registration and Release
We have updated our Participant Release Form. If you are planning to attend any program, please go to the release on our website and complete the form. This form will be good for the calendar year. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the from, please contact: Kristen Rhodes or call 857-319-2168.
Universal Access Outdoor Connections
Please join us on Zoom at Universal Access Outdoor Connections! A time to find out about and share your experience with accessible and adaptive programs in DCR Parks. Contact Kristen Rhodes for more information and the zoom link.
Fridays, 10:00am-10:45am
January 20 - Winter Recreation- DCR Programs, Parks and Trails
February 17- Partnering with DCR Parks for Programs and Groups
March 17 – Accessible Hiking in DCR Parks
April 21 – Birding in DCR Parks
May 19 – Summer Programs and Opportunities
Accessible Outdoor Winter Recreation
Leo J Martin Ski Track
Weston, MA
Reserve an hour-long outdoor experience! Pre-registration is required.
12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesdays: January 11, 18, 25
February 8, 15, 22
March 1
Sundays: January 22 and February 5
Snow made on site! Trails groomed daily!
Hit the trails using a kick sled, sit-ski, snowshoes, ice grippers, or cross-country skis! Times may vary! Call for details.
Seeking Volunteers!
Help at some or all programs!
Required Training: Wednesday, January 4th (Weather Make Up Date, January 6th)
Western MA Locations
Wednesday, February 1
Monday, March 13
Visit the accessible trail on snowshoes, skis, ice grippers, a sit-ski, or kicksleds. Bring your lunch and enjoy the warm campfire with us!
For more info or to register for a program, contact Waypoint Adventure
More Accessible Outdoor Winter Recreation!
Dunn State Park
Gardner
Preregistration required. Call to reserve your time for an outdoor experience!
Fridays: 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
January 27
February 3, 10, 17
Weather Make-up Date:
March 3
Join us for adaptive ice skating under the pavilion or hit the trails to snowshoe, hike, or kick sled! Warm up by the fireplace at the accessible visitor center!
For more details and to register, contact All Out Adventures at info@alloutadventures.org or (413) 584-2052.
Wendell State Forest
Wendell
Preregistration required. Call to reserve your time for an outdoor experience!
Saturdays: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
January 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
Weather Make up Dates:
March 4 & March 11
Enjoy the winter woods with outdoor ice skating, gentle hockey games, sit-skiing, cross country skiing, kicksledding, hiking, and snowshoeing. Bring a lunch and warm up next to the outdoor fire!
For more details and to register, contact All Out Adventures at info@alloutadventures.org or (413) 584-2052.
Adaptive Ice Skating
Come join the fun at our adaptive skating programs in Holyoke, Worcester, and East Boston!
Lace up a pair of conventional skates or slide around the ice on your manual or power wheelchair. Ice sleds are also available to glide around—propel yourself with small hockey sticks or be pushed around the rink by a friend.
Depending on location, activities on the ice include obstacle courses, a tower of blocks for building up and crashing down, races, colorful balls and pucks to shoot around, power chair games, and gently competitive hockey matches.
Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, ice grippers, and ice skates are available.
Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.
Pre-registration is required. To register email Kristen.Rhodes@mass.gov
Fitzpatrick Skating Rink
Holyoke, MA
Sundays, 11:30am–2:00pm
March 5, 12, and 26
Buffone Skating Rink
Worcester, MA
Mondays, 1:00pm–3:30pm
January 16, February 27, March 20
Porrazzo Skating Rink
East Boston, MA
Wednesdays, 11:00am–1:30pm
January 18, February 15, March 15
Use Adaptive Equipment at DCR Skating Rinks
Sled Skate on Your Own! Use ice sleds on your own during public skating hours at state skating rinks. For a list of which rinks offer ice sleds for independent use, visit: mass.gov/dcr/universal-access/skating or call the Universal Access Program at (857) 319-2168
Save the Date for our Adaptive Recreation Fair!
Artesani/Herter Park in Brighton
Saturday, June 10
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join us as we kick off the summer programming season in style! Enjoy adaptive activities including cycling, hiking, equipment demonstrations, face painting, kite flying, sidewalk chalking, and games. Refreshments available while supplies last.
Pre-register online, or by calling Universal Access at (857) 319-2168.
Volunteers Needed! To get involved, contact Mariah at mariah.fontaine@mass.gov or (857) 289-4175
Past Issues
Past issues of DCR Access News from 2011 onward are available in PDF format. Please contact our office for copies in alternate formats.
Contact for DCR Access News Winter 2022-2023
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| Date published: | December 21, 2018 |
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