Berkshires Macaroni Kid is pulling together a local guide on disability resources for Berkshire County families! We understand the unique challenges and needs that individuals with disabilities and their families may face, and we are here to provide you with valuable information and resources to support you on your journey. From educational services, supportive organizations, accessible facilities, and inclusive recreational opportunities, Berkshire County offers a range of resources to help individuals with disabilities thrive. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or individual with a disability, this guide is designed to connect you with the services and support you need to enhance the quality of life for yourself or your loved one. Did we miss something? Want to get your business, event, or organization featured on this guide? Email taylors@macaronikid.com.

Sensory-Friendly Showing of Shakespeare & Company's Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo and Juliet will be presented as an open-captioned performance on Saturday, April 22 at 2 pm, featuring the cast of the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare. Ideal for audience members with hearing disabilities, open captioning features a large projection screen abo=e the stage, displaying the text the actors are reciting via “super captions.” This performance features the cast of the 2023 Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare, currently touring Romeo and Juliet across New England, New York, and Pennsylvania. The open-captioned performance and a sensory-friendly performance staged in March have been generously supported by a grant from the GKV Foundation. View or Download the SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOW GUIDE!

Walk For Zachary: Autism Awareness Walk  My name is Rania Markham. My husband Adam and I raise money every year for our local special needs community. This is close to our hearts because our son, Zachary, was diagnosed with severe Autism a few years ago. We saw many barriers and decided to help raise awareness and support our communities. Every year we raise money to help our school with sensory toys and educational items. This year we have decided to share the money with our school, but also other local resources like Community Health Programs and VIM. We are proud to be a part of something much bigger than us. It really does take a village. The walk this year will take place on April 30th, starting at 11 a.m. on Cobble Lane in Sheffield, MA. We welcome all to come and walk with us! Thank you so much for the continued support. All ages and abilities. Free (Donations accepted) Want to help? Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 702. Sheffield, MA 01257. Please make checks payable to Rania Markham.  For questions or more information, please email raniamarkham@yahoo.com.

CHP Berkshires, Families Like Ours: Located in Berkshire County, CHP Berkshires provides comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and more, to individuals and families in the community. Website: https://chpberkshires.org/families-like-ours/; Phone: (413) 528-8580.

Department of Disability Services (DDS): The DDS is a state agency in Massachusetts that provides supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential services, day programs, employment support, and case management. DDS works to promote independence, inclusion, and community participation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.mass.gov/locations/dds-berkshire-area-office; Phone: (617) 727-5608.

Berkshire South Regional Community Center (adaptive swimming): BSRCC is a community center located in Berkshire County that offers adaptive swimming programs for individuals with disabilities. These programs provide accessible swimming opportunities, including swim lessons and recreational swimming, for individuals of all ages with varying abilities. https://berkshiresouth.org/aquatics-adaptive/; Phone: (413) 528-2810. 

AdLib: AdLib is a local organization that offers inclusive recreational programs, social activities, and resources for individuals with disabilities in Berkshire County. Website: N/A; Phone: (413) 429-6672.

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA): BIA-MA is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals with brain injuries and their families. Website: http://www.biama.org/; Phone: (800) 242-0030.

Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program: This program offers loans and financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who need funding for assistive technology, home modifications, and other disability-related expenses. Website: http://www.massalternativefinance.org/; Phone: (617) 204-3851.

Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR): BFAIR is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services and supports for individuals with disabilities in Berkshire County, including residential programs, employment support, day services, and family support. Website: https://bfair.org/; Phone: (413) 664-9382.

Community Access to the Arts (CATA): CATA is a non-profit organization that offers inclusive arts programs for individuals with disabilities in Berkshire County. Their programs include visual arts, performing arts, and writing, and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and social engagement. Website: https://cataarts.org/; Phone: (413) 528-5485.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB): MCB provides services and resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including rehabilitation services, job training, and assistive technology. Website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/mcb; Phone: (800) 392-6450.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC): MRC offers vocational rehabilitation, employment services, and independent living programs for individuals with disabilities. Website: http://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission; Phone: (800) 245-6543.

Pathlight: Pathlight is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential programs, employment support, and day services. Website: http://www.pathlightgroup.org/; Phone: (413) 732-0531.

United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts (UCPWMA): UCPWMA offers support and services for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including case management, assistive technology, and advocacy. Website: http://www.ucpwma.org/; Phone: (413) 664-9345.

MassChallenge: MassChallenge is a startup accelerator program that provides support and resources to early-stage companies, including those focused on disability-related innovations. Website: http://masschallenge.org/startups/2013/1076 

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC): BRPC offers transportation services and resources for individuals with disabilities, including transportation providers and accessible transportation options. Website: http://berkshireplanning.org/images/uploads/documents/Transportation_Providers_-_February_2015.pdf; Phone: (413) 442-1521.

Berkshire County Arc (BCArc): BCArc offers a wide range of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential programs, employment support, and family support services. Website: http://www.bcarc.org/dsfg/links.asp; Phone: (413) 499-4241.

Northern Berkshire United Way: Northern Berkshire United Way is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to individuals and families in need, including those with disabilities, through programs and services that promote health, education, and financial stability. Website: http://www.nbunitedway.org/; Phone: (413) 663-9062.

Special Education Parents' Advisory Councils (SEPACs): SEPACs are local groups formed by parents of children with disabilities who work collaboratively with schools and districts to ensure that the educational needs of students with disabilities are met. Website: https://www.spedchildmass.com/2022/04/20/recreation-for-special-needs-adults-in-the-commonwealth-of-massachusetts/

Berkshire Community College (BCC) Disability Resource Center: The Disability Resource Center at BCC provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education. Services include academic accommodations, assistive technology, and resources for students with disabilities. Website: https://www.berkshirecc.edu/student-engagement/disability-resource-center/; Phone: (413) 236-1607.

Massachusetts Universal Access Program: The Universal Access Program is a state government initiative that promotes and provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to access outdoor recreational activities in Massachusetts state parks, forests, and reservations. Services include accessible facilities, adaptive equipment, and inclusive programs. Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program; Phone: (617) 626-1250.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC): BNRC is a non-profit land conservation organization that maintains and manages a network of trails in Berkshire County, including trails that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The "Berkshire County Trails for All" document provides information on these accessible trails, including trail descriptions, maps, and amenities. Website: https://www.bnrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Berkshire-County-Trails-for-All.pdf; Phone: (413) 499-0596.