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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

A sitskiier on a groomed course.
Accessible recreation opportunities 
Two women ride a kick sled down a hill while other skiiers look on.
Adaptive program schedule 
Two skaters on ice sleds in a skating rink.
Accessible ice skating 
Two people wearing orange vests assist a skier.
Volunteering with the Universal Access Program 
A smiling woman wraps her arms around a child. They are both wearing ice skates.
Donate to the Universal Access Program 

Contact Us

Address

PO Box 484, Amherst, MA 01004
Directions 

Phone

(413) 461-7126

Online

DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov

Fax

(413) 545-5995
Universal Access Program Logo

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  Attend an adaptive program or event  Learn about DCR's non-discrimination policy  Read the Universal Access Program's newsletter  Complete Universal Access Release Form  Read Universal Access Essential Eligibility Criteria 

Upcoming Events

  • Nov. 29 Accessible Hiking at Blue Hills Reservation 

    725 Hillside ., Milton, MA 02186
    Wednesday. November 29, 2023, Time TBD

  • Dec. 2 Accessible hiking at Middlesex Fells Reservation 

    4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180
    Saturday, December 2, 2023, Time TBD
    Join the Universal Access Program and WayPoint Adventures for accessible hiking in October at Middlesex Fells.

  • Dec. 3 Accessible ice skating at Fitzpatrick Memorial Rink 

    575 Maple St, Holyoke, MA 01040
    Sunday, December 3, 2023
    11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    Skate, play, and socialize at Fitzpatrick Memorial Rink in Holyoke. Come in your chair, take a spin in an ice sled, use a skate walker, or lace up some conventional skates during our adaptive skating program.

  • Dec. 6 Accessible ice skating at Porrazzo Memorial Rink 

    199 Coleridge St, East Boston, MA 02128
    Wednesday, December 6, 2023
    11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    Skate, play, and socialize at Porrazzo Memorial Rink in East Boston. Come in your chair, take a spin in an ice sled, use a skate walker, or lace up some conventional skates during our adaptive skating program.

  • Dec. 11 Accessible ice skating at Buffone Skating Rink 

    284 Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01604
    Monday, December 11, 2023
    1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Skate, play, and socialize at Buffone Skating Rink in Worcester Come in your chair, take a spin in an ice sled, use a skate walker, or lace up some conventional skates during our adaptive skating program.

  • Dec. 15 Accessible ice skating at Gardner Veterans Rink 

    45 Veterans Drive , Gardner, MA 01440
    Friday, December 15, 2023
    10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Skate, play, and socialize at Gardner Memorial Rink in Gardner. Come in your chair, take a spin in an ice sled, use a skate walker, or lace up some conventional skates during our adaptive skating program.

  • Jan. 4 Accessible ice skating at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink 

    1267 South Church St, North Adams, MA 01247
    Thursday, January 4, 2024
    11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    Skate, play, and socialize at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in North Adams. Come in your chair, take a spin in an ice sled, use a skate walker, or lace up some conventional skates during our adaptive skating program.

  • Jan. 7 Accessible ice skating at Asiaf Skating Rink 

    702 Belmont St, Brockton, MA 02301
    Sunday, January 7, 2024
    12:20 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.
    Skate, play, and socialize at Asiaf Skating Rink in Worcester Come in your chair, take a spin in an ice sled, use a skate walker, or lace up some conventional skates during our adaptive skating program.
See all events for the Universal Access Program

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