DCR Universal Access Program

30/09/2026

Congratulations to Patrick and our program partner Easterseals Massachusetts!!

29/09/2026

🎃Two Sensory Trail Events are happening this Saturday Oct. 3 at Wachusett Reservoir Watershed!

Creatures of the Forest-Saturday, Oct. 3, 2-3 p.m.
This is a not so spooky guide sensory adventure exploring what the wild things in the watershed are up to this Autumn.

Halloween Luminary Walk-Saturday, Oct. 3, 6:15-7:30 p.m.
This is a spooky lantern stroll! Hear scary stories and listen for wildlife. Start at sunset and return in darkness with lanterns guiding the way. Glow sticks will be provided to ward off any Will-o'-the Wisp!

Meet at: Mass Central Rail Trail-Sterling Spur, 25 Gates Road, Sterling

Both these programs are free and open to all.

This section of the trail is 3/4 mile round trip. Benches are placed along the way for resting areas. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

Dogs are not allowed. But service animals, acting withing their service capacity, are welcome.

Questions? Email l [email protected] or call 617-352-4044.

If you can't make these events check out their sensory Trail Story Map to plan you self-guided tour: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0bcae25e8e30437c9eba8984f06496df
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28/09/2026

🎢Big E joy ride!! We brought UAP's Trackchair to the Big E to display and took it out for a spin!! It was super fun and drew lots of attention! Which was the point-we're trying to get the word out about our Power-Driven Mobility Device Program!

This Action Trackchair was only on display for one day (Thursday's Mass Day at the Big E) but you can still check it out at Windsor State Park where it's available to borrow, free of charge, until October 12, 2026! Reservations are required and you must review the operation instructions, complete a release form, and bring a companion who is 18 years of age or older.

For details and eligibility visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-power-driven-mobility-devices.
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23/09/2026

🎡Meet us at the Big E!! Massachusetts Day at the Big E is tomorrow, Sept. 24th and UAP is going to be part of the showcase! We will be set up outside of the Massachusetts House and will have some adaptive equipment to display, handouts, swag bags, and ...drumroll... the Track Chair!!

So come on down, check out everything that the Big E has to offer, and visit our display-we will be there from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. These are some images from last year-including a photo op with the Governor (kinda chic).

What: The Big E

Where: Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds, 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield

When: Big E runs from Sept. 18-Oct. 4; Massachusetts Day is Thursday, Sept. 24; The Massachusetts State Building (on the Avenue of States) is open from 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

For More Info & Tickets Visit: https://www.thebige.com/p/generalinfo/bigeinfo

22/09/2026

Our Fall Adaptive Recreation Programs in Western Mass still have opens!! Thanks for helping us get the word out!

Gov. Healey and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation have announced the return of the state’s Universal Access Program, offering adaptive outdoor recreation opportun…

22/09/2026

Exciting! Join Sudbury Valley Trustees on Oct. 4 for the grand opening of their All Person's Trail at Wolbach Farm!! There will be sensory friendly opportunities, birding, forest bathing, story time, music and a chance to explore the trail! Parking at 18 Wobach Road, Sudbury MA.

17/09/2026

🥹Awwwwwww-now that's peddle love!! These are some moments captured by staff during yesterday's cycling program in Cheshire. If you missed out on this Berkshire bliss, then no worries! Why?? Because we have one more fall adaptive cycling program scheduled at this location. And there are still openings!!

Be part of the UAP experience-register today! Contact our partner, All Out Adventures (who runs this program for us) and join us on September 30th for this seasons final all-ability autumn cycling adventure on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail!

What: Fall Adaptive Cycling in Cheshire

When: Wednesday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; September 30, 2026

Where: Meet at parking lot located at 50 Farnams Road, Cheshire, MA 01225

Cost: $5–$20 sliding scale per session.

Questions & To Register: Contact AOA by emailing [email protected], calling (413) 584 2052, or registering online: https://www.alloutadventures.org/programs/universal-access

Looking for more? Check out UAP's Fall 2026 Adaptive Program Schedule for accessible opportunities across the state: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/adaptive-program-schedule

❤️💛🤍💚💙

15/09/2026

🚵‍♀️Take the Groton Peddle Challenge!! Sign up for UAP's intermediate adaptive tandem cycling on Nov. 6!

Our partner, Waypoint Adventure, runs this program and its meant for people who are looking for a higher level of challenge as small groups will work together to ride the Nashua River Rail Trail 10 miles north to cross the New Hampshire border! We recommend that you have cycled with Waypoint Adventure prior to this program to confirm eligibility for an intermediate program.

This program is all about teamwork, connection, and finding the right level of support so everyone can enjoy the ride!

We have a variety of bikes that offer different amounts of support. We will match up two riders (a Captain and a Stoker). The Captain will be the leader, and the Stoker is the other half of the team, who works with the Captain to enjoy the adventure of tandem cycling. Some of our bikes are more traditional upright bicycles that require teamwork and balance. We also have other models that are side-by-side or recumbent, low to the ground tandems. Some have two wheels and require more balance while others are quite sturdy with three wheels and supportive seats.

Our goal is to match each participant with the right bike and teammate, creating a supportive and enjoyable group experience. We'll take breaks along the way to rest, socialize and enjoy the surroundings.

Space is limited & pre-registration is required. Registration ends November 4, 2026.

What: Fall Intermediate Adaptive Tandem Cycling in Groton

When: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Nashua River Rail Trail; Meet at Broadmeadow Parking Lot—Corner of Broadmeadow Road and Court Street, Groton MA (look for the large white Waypoint bike trailer)

Cost: $20/Participant. Cost flexible based on need.

Questions: Email [email protected]

To Register: Visit https://waypoint-adventure.jumbula.com/

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12/09/2026

🆓 Adaptive Rowing in Holyoke continues through Fall! Experience autumn on the Connecticut River-it's empowering, peaceful, gorgeous and accessible for all thanks to our partner Holyoke Rows (who runs this program for us). 🚣🏾‍♀️

There's specialized equipment, modifications, and adaptations to meet your needs while rowing or sculling. Instruction, adaptations, and staff support are all provided. You will receive instruction and the opportunity to practice, and also have the chance to participate in competitions! Our program serves people of all capabilities, from beginners to leisure rowers, to competitive racers!

This program is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. Seniors are invited to register as well.

Pre-Registration is required so sign up today!

What: Fall 2026 Adaptive Rowing on the Connecticut River in Holyoke

Where: Meet at 25 Jones Ferry Road, Holyoke, MA

When: Thursday's by appointment only
• September 17 & 24
• October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
• November 5

Cost: Free

Questions & to Register: Contact Holyoke rows by calling (413) 320 3134 or emailing [email protected]

🔎Looking for more? Check out UAP's Fall 2026 Adaptive Program Schedule for inclusive, all-ability opportunities at DCR locations across the state: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program

07/09/2026

🚲🍂Fall Adaptive Cycling in Cheshire returns!! UAP is offering an accessible and inclusive way for people of all abilities to experience the best of the best....yep, autumn in the Berkshires! The views are stunning and our partner All Out Adventures, who runs this program, will set you up with some cycling equipment (we've got lots to choose from) and supports (if needed). So register with AOA for your your ultimate outdoor adventure.

We offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

This program is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. Seniors are invited to register as well.

Pre-registration required: Online registration ends at 5 p.m., two days before the program. After that time, call (413) 584 2052 to see if space is still available. You will receive email confirmation for participation

What: Fall 2026 Adaptive Cycling in Cheshire

Where: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Farnams Crossing; Meet at parking lot at 50 Farnams Road, Cheshire, MA 01225

When: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

• September 16, 2026
• September 30, 2026

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program.

Cost: $5–$20 sliding scale per session.

Questions & To Register: Contact AOA by emailing [email protected], calling (413) 584 2052, or registering online at https://www.alloutadventures.org/programs/universal-access

Looking for other options? Visit UAP online for our full Fall 2026 Adaptive Program Schedule: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/adaptive-program-schedule

Because inclusive outdoor recreation totally rocks 💖