The Healey-Driscoll Administration, continuing its efforts to make recreation more inclusive, has launched the Universal Access Program's (UAP) winter programming for Massachusetts residents of all abilities. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), as detailed on mass.gov, will have adaptive skiing, skating, snowshoeing, hiking, and sledding events available through March.
Working alongside local nonprofits and volunteers, DCR provides specialized equipment and support personnel to make popular outdoor wintertime activities accessible to everyone. Featuring programming at 15 locations, including parks, skating rinks, and ski areas, the initiative allows participants and their friends and family to join in the wintertime fun. Running now until March, these programs cater to a wide variety of participant needs and, according to a statement obtained by mass.gov, are mainly free of charge.
"Our outdoor spaces belong to everyone, and we want every resident to experience the joy of winter," DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle told mass.gov. Moreover, Tom McCarthy, UAP Program Director, encouraged individuals of all ages with any disabilities to "take advantage of DCR's Universal Access Program recreation offerings," highlighting the range of adapted activities from sit-skating to snowshoeing.
Among the many opportunities, participants can enjoy accessible skating in various rinks or delve into the serenity of nature via adaptive cross-country and seated skiing. Working with Holyoke Rows, Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, and other organizations, DCR has created these programs so that the participants can go out on the ice with their own mobility devices or enjoy the thrill of the mountains. Even though the programs are free, the participants looking forward to learning how to ski are offered individual coaching on the snowy slopes at Wachusett Mountain.
Last year, almost 1,500 participants with disabilities benefited from UAP offerings, and more than 1,200 family members, friends, and support staff joined in. Those wanting to join any of the winter programs must register in advance. The full Winter 2025-2026 Adaptive Program Schedule, complete with locations, dates, and times, is available on the UAP website, where interested individuals can also sign up to receive notifications of upcoming events and activities. For more information or to join the mailing list, you can contact DCR at (413) 461-7126 or email [email protected].
