Pathways to Friendship

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Pathways to Friendship

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Pathways to Friendship, Disability service, Waltham, MA.

Pathways to Friendship is a collaboration between DDS and The Arc of Massachusetts promoting social inclusion and building connections to reduce isolation and loneliness for people with disabilities.

10/28/2026

The Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) is holding a SUMMIT ON INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY in Lexington on December 3rd.

The day will include:
-Workshop from Mass General Hospital about Neurodiversity Framework and strategies to support executive functioning, social competency, emotional regulation and sensory processing
- Session on creating opportunities for outside funding (creating relationships and running events to fundraise for your programs and services)
-Session on planning and implementing accessible events

Register here: https://massrpa.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=347&Itemid=115&year=2026&month=12&day=03&title=summit-on-inclusion-a-accessibility&uid=77616886acc7108f14eb285d89224745&catids=22|26|25|24|23

10/20/2026

Pathways to Friendship has a new, FREE training about supporting friendship for those with greater support needs.

FRIENDSHIP FOR ALL: FRIENDSHIP AND CONNECTION FOR PEOPLE WITH GREATER SUPPORT NEEDS

Everyone can have and be a friend regardless of support needs and methods of communication! In this training, you will learn how to support friendship for those with greater support needs, whether it is someone who is medically complex, has limited or alternative communication, needs help managing emotions and behavior, or requires assistance with daily living tasks. Participants will learn how to develop a vision for the focus person’s life, ideas for building a support team, and strategies on how and where to develop friendships. This training is appropriate for families and support staff or anyone else who is involved with someone with greater support needs.

Contact Rachel at [email protected] to schedule this FREE training.

10/13/2026

Want to learn how to initiative meaningful one-to-one relationships between people with and without disabilities? Attend this fantastic, virtual workshop: The Ask: An Invitation to Engagement, which is taking place on 1/12 and 1/14.

Register through Eventbrite
https://theaskaninvitationtoengagement.eventbrite.ca/

10/08/2026

Wanted to share about this musical space in Lexington that welcomes and has experience with neurodiverse learners and trans-identifying students.

10/07/2026

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), here's a short video showing that wonderful friendships can be made through work!
https://youtu.be/N1ErQX7ig_U?si=p9UawoccUOEIAeAj

10/01/2026

October is the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Pathways to Friendship offers two trainings around supporting friendship at work; one for people with disabilities and one for support staff. Feel free to reach out to us to schedule a FREE training!

10/01/2026

What does inclusion actually look like at camp or in a rec program? Our Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs answer that question.

Developed by NIP and the Center for Social Development and Education (CSDE) at UMass Boston, the Standards define social inclusion in practical terms and lay out best practices across every level of a program, from mission and hiring to facilities, staff training, and family communication. They're also the foundation for all NIP training resources, evaluations and consultations.

The Standards are free for any recreation program that wants to create meaningful inclusive experiences for every participant.

Learn more and download: inclusionproject.org/standards

09/25/2026

What does it take to create communities where people with disabilities are not simply welcomed, but have meaningful opportunities to participate, connect, contribute, and truly belong?

Join Groton-Dunstable SEPAC and MERGE Inclusion Consulting for an interactive community presentation exploring practical strategies for strengthening disability inclusion across the places where we live, learn, work, and play.

This free event is for community organizations, recreation providers, schools, camps, libraries, faith communities, provider agencies, families, people with lived experience, and anyone interested in building more inclusive communities.

📅 Thursday, October 8
🕖 Doors open at 6:30 PM | Presentation at 7:00 PM
📍 Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School Performing Arts Center
🔗 Free registration: bit.ly/BelongingSEPAC

09/22/2026

If you haven't done so yet, register for the Arc's Transition Conference!

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Where: Renaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center

Register: thearcofmass.org/conference

09/17/2026

Representation matters. And everyone deserves the opportunity to be seen, celebrated, and to shine. ❤️

Beauty Has No Limits is bringing its Professional Photo Clinic to Creative Hub Worcester on **Sunday, October 4th!

This is such a wonderful opportunity for members of the disability community to experience a professional photo session in a welcoming, supportive environment, complete with professional makeup, wardrobe styling, and beautiful photographs.

I love the message behind this: disability representation matters, authentic images matter, and beauty truly has no limits.

Check out the flyer for all the details and scan the QR code to sign up!

Please share with individuals, families, friends, and organizations throughout the Worcester and Central Massachusetts disability community. 💜

Let’s help spread the word!

Address

Waltham, MA

Website

https://thearcofmass.org/friendship/#Pathways

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