Work Accommodations: Tip Sheets

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! This week, FCSN is sharing resources on accommodations at work.

 

Helpful Tip Sheets from the Transitions to Adulthood Research Center like:

• Accommodations at Work: What do I need to know?

• Applying for a Job?

• Navigating School and Work

• Navigating the Ups and Downs of Caps and Gowns

 

 Many of these pay special attention to people with mental health conditions. We hope this is helpful!

 

And you know how to reach FCSN if you need us for more resources or free 1:1 information sharing. www.fcsn.org/contact-us

TRANSITION TALK: WHAT I WISH I KNEW

 FCSN staff will be part of this conversation about transition for families and professionals. Hear from families who struggled but found success with their young adult with disabilities on their journey to adulthood. Some great tips are coming your way: from IEP goals, the right environment, using Charting the LifeCourse tools to plan, housing, college, and so much more!

 

Date: November 4, 2026

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Location: Zoom

Register here! Transition Talk: “What I Wish I Knew” — Unexpected Pathways – Perkins School for the Blind

 

IN-PERSON TRANSITION CONFERENCE: SAT. 10/24/2026

 

Arc of MA Transition Journeys Conference: Tools for Today, Hope for Tomorrow

 

Registration is now open for Transition Journeys 2026: Tools for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, The Arc of Massachusetts’ premier conference for families, self-advocates, and professionals navigating the transition to adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism.   FCSN will be there! With more than 20 workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, families and professionals will gain valuable guidance on a variety of topics, including adult services, housing, higher education, health care, transportation, advocacy, employment, and more.   PDPs avail for educators and social workers.   Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Location: Renaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center Cost: $125 with discounts available Register

FREE TOOL TO EXPLORE CAREER PATHWAYS

 Your Career, Your Path

MassHire CIS 360 is a free tool where you can explore career pathways, map out education and training options, and access the guidance you need to reach your goals.

Your school, organization, or local Career Center may have recommended you used this tool.

 

MassHire CIS 360 can help you:

• Explore careers
• Plan your education or training
• Prepare for your job search

 

To sign up: Go to the MassHire Career Information System 360 website.

 

Employers and jobseekers can visit MassHire Career Centers for:

• Job search and career planning support
• Interview, resume, and career planning workshops
• Training and education resources
• State and local job market information

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month This week, FCSN is highlighting MassHire resources and programs for youth! This a link to the main page. There are also pages for different areas of the state. This is not part of MassAbility – it’s an additional program young adults with disabilities can access!

National Disability Employment Month - FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

 

Making Work Work For All: Tools to Support Positive Employment Outcomes

 

TransCen is celebrating National Disability Employment Month (NDEAM) by offering a free webinar that introduces proven strategies and actionable tools for supporting individuals with disabilities as they pursue employment.  Participants will receive: ·    a complimentary Employment Process Guide ·    Positive Personal Profile & Life Skills Assessment ·    a first look at TransCen’s new e-learning course Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 Time: 12–1pm Cost: Free Register

Local Shared Art-making Workshops for People with IDD and Their Caregivers

Don't miss: this SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026 at the Northampton Center for the Arts!

This workshop is provided by my friend, Gayla Berry.

Check out the article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, “Beyond the ‘exception,’”  which really captures what’s behind these workshops: the importance of creating programs specifically designed for people with Intellectual Disabilities and their caregivers.

Before Accepting a Diploma: Must Know Information!

 

DEADLINE APPROACHES for a 2026 Family Grant from Neurodiversity Support for Children

 DON'T DELAY!

There is 1 week left to apply for a 2026 Family Grant from Neurodiversity Support for Children, Inc. to help fund a neuropsychological evaluation, behavioral health treatment, &/or advocacy & legal services. Please share with Massachusetts families who may need these services. https://www.neurodiversitysupportforchildren.com/family-grants

 

FAMILY GRANT PROGRAM
Empowering families. Fostering resilience. 

NSC provides financial assistance to families with a neurodivergent child (ages 1-17). Financial assistance is offered to families for neuropsychological evaluations, advocacy services, and research-supported therapy.​

​

​Grant amounts:

• up to $5,000 per family

 

Who is eligible: 

• Neurodivergent children who have a diagnosed or suspected developmental, neurological, social, learning, &/or psychological disability
• Massachusetts resident
• Parents/guardians should be able to clearly outline their need for financial assistance and plan for usage of grant funds. 
• Parents may apply once every calendar year; there is a limit of 3 awards per family.

 

 

 

 

Any questions, please contact Neurodiversity Support for Children, Inc. directly: https://www.neurodiversitysupportforchildren.com/contact

Adult Transition Program in Western MA.

 Now Enrolling: Adult Transition Program

(Ages 18–22)

Embracing Life’s Path

We’re excited to announce that our Adult Transition Program currently has openings for young

adults ages 18–22 who are ready to build independence, confidence, and essential life skills as

they transition into adulthood.

🌱 Program Focus Areas

💬 Social Skills

Build meaningful connections, improve communication, and develop positive relationships.

🏠 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Learn practical life skills that promote independence at home and in the community.

💼 Vocational Skills

Gain job-readiness experience and prepare for future employment opportunities.

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Give back to the community while building teamwork, responsibility, and confidence.

📣 Ready to Learn More?

If you or someone you know could benefit from a supportive, hands-on transition program,

we’d love to connect!

📞 Contact us today 413-525-1500

📧 Email: info@embracingthecreativechild.com

Supporting young adults on their path toward independence and success.

Intro to DDS ¡en español ! Introduction to DDS in Spanish!

¡Únase a nosotros e invite a sus familias a unirse a nosotros para una presentación solo en español sobre cómo funciona DDS!   Please join us, and invite your families to join us, for a Spanish only presentation on how DDS works!     Nov 06 Descripción General De Los Servicios De DDS Como familiar de un niño con una discapacidad del desarrollo, quizás se pregunte sobre los apoyos que ofrece el Departamento de Servicios del Desarrollo. Acompañe a Joemary Rodriguez De Jesus y Leilani Paniagua, para abordar preguntas como: • ¿Cómo se califica para el DDS? • ¿Qué tipo de recursos hay disponibles a través del Apoyo Familiar? • ¿Cómo es la transición a los servicios para adultos? ¡Todos los padres, tutores, cuidadores u otros familiares son bienvenidos a asistir, en cualquier momento de su proceso!

TRANSITION FAIR: 4/2/2025

 

The popular Transition Resource Fair is coming!

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.  Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School 80 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060

 

Attendee Registration

 

The Transition Resource Fair focuses on future options for high school students as they and their families plan their transition from DDS children’s services to adult services. The event provides an opportunity to meet with representatives of many organizations. The Fair is a free resource event open to the entire community.    We respectfully request that you register for the fair so we will be prepared for the correct number of attendees, however registration is not required. Registration is required for requests for Spanish interpretation, and must be received by March 24.  If you have additional questions, please email joanne.lucey@servicenet.org.

 

The Transition Resource Fair is sponsored by Family Empowerment and the Department of Developmental Disabilities. If your organization would like an Exhibitor table, please email joanne.lucey@servicenet.org for more information and to register. Family Empowerment is a Pathlight program of ServiceNet. Family Empowerment/ServiceNet | 11 Village Hill Road | Northampton, MA 01060 US

FREE 5 Part Series Workshops on Special Education in Spanish

The Federation for Children with Special Needs, Central/West DDS Regional Office, Multicultural Community Services, and Centro are all teaming up to present a five-part series on special education, in Spanish, on the following topics:

 

Introduction to US Schools- October 8

Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility- October 22

Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP- November 5

Basic Rights: Transition Planning- November 19

Bullying: What Parents Need to Know- December 3 

 

Each presentation will be held from 10 AM-12 PM, completely in Spanish, virtually via Zoom. Some family support centers will host watch parties at their center (for more information about the watch party ask your local support center).

 

Registration link https://fcsn.org/event/serie-de-entrenamientos-sobre-educacion-especial-en-espanol-2/

 

With gratitude,

Rebecca

Rebecca Davis (She/Hers)

Director of Transition Projects

rdavis@fcsn.org

 

Federation for Children with Special Needs   

www.fcsn.org  ● 800.331.0688 ● 617.236.7210   

800-841-2900 (TTY:711) Monday-Friday 8am-5pm   

 

FCSN is working with MRC on the NextGen Careers Initiative.  Click here to learn more! 

   

Community Event in Spfld. MA.

 

MOSAIC-MAKING & STORY-TELLING & School Education-Advocacy Questions For FAMILIES

You’re Invited to Craft and Chat with Us! Join us from the Support Network

(funding provided by W. Mass Dept. of Mental Health)

AUGUST 24, Thursday, 1:00 -2:30

Mason Square Branch Library 765 State St., Springfield

Please bring: yourself/ children who may enjoy a simple craft and English/ Spanish story reading (target ages 4-12)

RSVP TO: Jan Lamberg jlamberg@wmtcinfo.org TEXT: (413) 387-7161

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Do you have a child with special needs?

Are you struggling to access appropriate and needed services for your child?

If you think an educational advocate could be helpful to you, I am currently taking new clients. Call or email me and see if you think I could be a good match for you.

FREE AT/AAC Workshop

 

Make sure to join us for NEAT’s AT Summit!

June 9, 2023 8:30-3:00

at the NEAT Center, 33 Coventry St. in Hartford

Join us for an in-person, assistive technology (AT) awareness day designed for educators, related service professionals, families, and more. This open house event will be held at NO COST for the public, thanks to generous support from the CT State Department of Education and the CT Tech Act Project.

• Attend informational sessions
o Morning:“Free Assistive Technology Tools to Make Life Easier Today”

o Late Morning: “AT in Action: Debbie’s Story”
o Afternoon:“Augmentative & Alternative Communication Tools for Different Ages and Needs”

• View AT/AAC demonstrations in the NEAT Learning Lab

• Participate in hands-on learning opportunities, including adaptive video gaming

• Tour the Smart Home on Wheels

• Chat with the NEAT team and AT Champions program participants

• Ask personalized AT/AAC questions

• Discover opportunities within our Bridging the Digital Divide program

• Network with others in our community

• Learn about Oak Hill’s adaptive equipment reuse program & other specialized centers

• Food vendors will be on site

  Find additional details on our website!

  Subscribe to NEAT’s newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out! Just can’t wait to learn more? Contact CentersConnect@OakHillCT.org

AUTISM FLIES: FREE event at BDL

Autism Double-Checked wants to make flying more relaxing for you and your autistic loved one this summer.

Join them for their free event and practice checking-in at the airport and boarding a plane!

Autism Flies
Bradley International Airport (BDL) Tuesday, May 16, 2023
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Register Here

How it will work: Head over the airport and park, grab your IDs and then head into the terminal to gather your boarding passes at the check-in ticket counter. Go through TSA security and proceed to the gate listed on your boarding ticket. Wait for your names to be called to board the aircraft, find your seats and fasten your seat belts. After that, sit back and listen to the onboard announcements, enjoy a snack and then deplane. The plane will not taxi or take-off.

Note: Parking instructions and terminal number will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Space is limited and registration is required here. If you or an autistic loved one requires special accommodations, please reach out to the Autism Flies event coordinators, or use the notes field on the registration page. If you are registering a family of 6 or more, please do so here.

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