Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom
2026-02-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Join us on the first and third Wednesday of every month to learn more about and how to apply for affordable housing options in your area. Our knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
This workshop will teach you about:
• Types of housing available in the Boston area
• Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
• Conducting a housing search
• Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
• Completing applications for state voucher programs
• How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability
Each workshop will include a period when you can ask questions.
To register: email Kat at kvilson@bostoncil.org with your full
name and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email from
Kat that will include the Zoom webinar link and password.
To request reasonable accommodations, please let Kat know when
you register.

Learner's Permit Exam Prep Group
2026-02-09 08:00 - 17:00
A Workshop Series for Youth (14-22) with disabilities
The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Transition to Adulthood Program is once again hosting our Learner’s Permit Prep Workshop series. This series will be 8 weeks of weekly study sessions, where students can go through the MA Driver’s Manual with a facilitator, as well as play review games and ask any driving-related questions they may have.

Study tips and how to stay motivated
Setting up testing accommodations for the exam
Review of the driver’s manual
Practice tests and review games

Dates: Mondays, December 8th – February 9th (No session 12/22 or 1/19)
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Virtual: On Zoom
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14-22 with a documented disability (i.e. Individualized Education Plan, 504 plan, other disability documentation). You are not required to submit your disability documentation to participate in this group.
To register: Click here. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link in your email.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org
Best,
BCIL Youth Services Team

Living Well in the Community workshop
2026-02-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-07 14:00 - 16:00 and 2 more dates
A FREE 8-week workshop that empowers people with
disabilities to learn the tools and develop the skills to
practice healthier life styles!
Workshop participants can:
• Identify what is meaningful to them and then set quality of life goals
around ways they want to make their lives better
• Make progress toward the goals they set by applying problem-solving
skills and managing emotions like frustration and discouragement,
feelings that can get in the way of reaching goals
• Discover tools and skills that can make goal achievement easier like
communicating effectively and finding important resources
• Explore ways to improve their overall health by changing daily habits
• Practice self-advocacy and systems-advocacy to help them make changes
that can support them and others in living well
Topics Include:
Goal Setting
Building Support
Healthy Communication
Seeking Information
Physical wellness and more!
Why should you enroll?
Enhance your physical and emotional well-being
Gain practical life tools
Join a supportive community
Enjoy refreshments
Receive up to $100.00 for participating in 6 or more sessions!
Session 1: February 3-March 24
Session 2: April 7-May 26
Every Tuesday from 2-4pm
Join us in person at 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor Boston, MA, 02111
-OR
Via Zoom
Contact Julie Tamayo for additional information:
(617)821-4398
jtamayo@bostoncil.org

Office closed
2026-02-16
The office will be closed Monday, February 16th, in observance of the President’s Day holiday.

Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom
2026-02-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-15 10:00 - 12:00 | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Housing Workshop – In-Person & by Zoom
Join3 us on the first and third Wednesday of every month to learn more about and how to apply for affordable housing options in your area. Our knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
This workshop will teach you about:
• Types of housing available in the Boston area
• Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
• Conducting a housing search
• Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
• Completing applications for state voucher programs
• How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability
Each workshop will include a period when you can ask questions.
To register: email Jackie at jmcglinchey@bostoncil.org with your full
name and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email from
Jackie that will include the Zoom webinar link and password.
To request reasonable accommodations, please let Jackie know when
you register.

Rally for PCA services on March 19th!
2026-03-19 12:30 - 15:30
The governor’s proposed budget again looks to reduce PCA services, seeking a cut of $68 million dollars. This could result in a serious loss of services and impact the income of PCAs, who already facing many challenges staying afloat. In response, BCIL, in conjunction with 1199SEIU and disability and senior groups, is rallying for PCA and home care services.
Thursday, March 19, 12:30 p.m.
Massachusetts State House
We fought off proposals that would have cut services in 2024 and 2025. And our voices are needed again!
For more information contact BCIL at contactBCIL@bostoncil.org or 617-338-6665.

Choose your own Path: Education Options after High School
2026-03-23 16:00 - 17:00
A virtual workshop for transition-age youth with disabilities looking to learn more about options for continuing education post-high school.
What to expect:

Learn about common paths after high school
Match scenarios to post-Secondary paths
Answer common questions students have about choosing a path
Research programs

Register by March 20th.
Questions? Contact: Maddie Heavey, Youth Services Program Manager at mheavey@bostoncil.org

RTAG General Meeting
2026-03-25 14:00 - 16:00
Thanks to the signing of the Next Generation Accessibility Agreement between the MBTA and Boston Center for Independent Living, RTAG’s role will be growing! In addition to serving as the MBTA’s official advisory committee on matters related to people with disabilities and older adults, RTAG will be responsible for monitoring the MBTA’s compliance with the new agreement and being the organizing force behind transportation-related advocacy.
New staff will be joining the RTAG team beginning in March and a number of discussions are underway regarding improving meeting formats and community engagement. Please join our next meeting in March, either in person or virtually, to learn more!
When? March 25, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where?

Join us in person: MBTA Boardroom, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, 2nd floor MA 02116

Join us virtually via Zoom

Register in advance for the RTAG virtual meeting.
All RTAG meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and people with limited English proficiency. Real-time captioning (CART) and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided for this meeting. Other accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge upon request, as available.
To request reasonable accommodation or language services, please email rtagboston@bostoncil.org or call Kat at 978-893-8100 at least two weeks before the meeting.
Sign up for the RTAG newsletter.

Oh, The Places They’ll Go: Supporting Independent Living Goals During Conflict
2026-03-25 16:00 - 17:00
A virtual workshop for families of transition age youth with disabilities navigating conflict as their child prepares for their future!
Wednesday, March 25th @4:00 – 5:00 PM
Learn about:

5 Rs of conflict resolution
Collaborative problem-solving during disagreements
Creating a support system post high school
Promoting independent living goals

Register by March 23rd
Questions? Contact: Maddie Heavey, Youth Services Program Manager at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Combating Ableism through Media Representation Workshop
2026-03-30 16:00 - 17:00
The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Transition to Adulthood Program is hosting a workshop on combating ableism through media representation. This workshop is designed for family members of individuals with disabilities and professionals interested in disability advocacy and media. Participants will discuss where they encounter ableism in their everyday lives, watch Stella Young’s TED Talk on “inspiration porn,” explore both positive and negative representations of disability in media, and examine ways to promote more accurate and empowering portrayals of disability
A virtual workshop discussing how we can combat ableism through media representation by:

Discussing encounters of ableism
Exploring positive and negative representations
Examining ways to promote empowering portrayals of disability

Date: Monday, March 30th
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Virtual: On Zoom
Eligibility: Family of transition-aged youth with disabilities and professionals.
To register: Click here or scan the QR code above. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link in your email.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Get Hired: Ready, Set, Apply!
2026-04-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-22 16:00 - 17:00
Build skills. Gain confidence. Get hired.
A 4-week workshop for youth (14-21) with disabilities
The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Pre-Employment Transition Services is hosting a four-week employment preparation workshop series. This series is designed to help students confidently search for, apply to, and interview for jobs. Participants will learn how to find job opportunities, create strong resumes and cover letters, complete job applications accurately, and develop essential interview skills.
The course focuses on practical, real-world strategies that employers expect, helping students build confidence and independence throughout the hiring process. By the end of the program, students will have the tools, knowledge, and materials needed to begin applying for jobs right away.
This series is offered at three different times. Participants will join one of the following groups:

Group 1: April 8–29
Group 2: May 6–27
Group 3: June 3–24

Time: Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Eligibility: Youth (ages 14–21) with disabilities who are in high school or a post-secondary education program
To register: Click here. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link via email.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Office closed
2026-04-20
The office will be closed Monday, April 20th, in observance of the Patriots Day holiday.

Advocacy In Action: From Boston City Hall to the Massachusetts State House
2026-04-21 10:30 - 13:00
Join the Boston Center for Independent Living and Easterseals Massachusetts for a week of learning about and engaging in legislative advocacy for the disability community.
During April break, we will be visiting Boston City Hall and participating in IL Education Day at the State House. Read below to find out more information about each fieldtrip!
Learn about:

Legislative Advocacy
Disability Rights
Access and Inclusion
Independent Living
Community Organizing

Visit Boston City Hall
Tour city hall and learn about the different departments and disability advocacy at the city level.
When: April 21st: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM
Where: 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201 (entrance near Government Center station)
Lunch will be provided
Eligibility: Highschool students with a documented disability (IEP, 504, medical documentation)
Registration: To register: Click here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Art Careers with Open Door Arts
2026-04-22 13:00 - 15:00
Explore Art Careers with Open Door Arts!
A Workshop for Students (ages 14-21) with Disabilities.
The Boston Center for Independent Living is hosting an art career workshop called Art Careers with Open Door Arts. Educators from Open Door Arts will teach youth ages 14-21 about careers in the arts and how to advocate for themselves through the arts. In addition, youth will create a visual art project as a form of self-expression.

Learn about different art careers
Learn how to advocate for yourself through art
Create a visual art project as a form of self-expression

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time:1-3 pm
Where: BCIL (60 Temple Pl, Boston)
Eligibility: High School and Post secondary students 14-21 with disability documentation. Please email documentation to Maddie Heavey at mheavey@bostoncil.org.
To Register: Click here. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Register by 4/16.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Advocacy In Action: From Boston City Hall to the Massachusetts State House
2026-04-23 10:00 - 16:00
Join the Boston Center for Independent Living and Easterseals Massachusetts for a week of learning about and engaging in legislative advocacy for the disability community.
During April break, we will be visiting Boston City Hall and participating in IL Education Day at the State House. Read below to find out more information about each fieldtrip!
Learn about:

Legislative Advocacy
Disability Rights
Access and Inclusion
Independent Living
Community Organizing

IL Education Day
Join people with disabilities of all ages in a day of learning and advocacy at the State House. We will learn about different causes that are important to the disability community (ex: accessibility of the MBTA) and then participate in advocacy work with our state legislators!
When: April 23rd, 10 AM- 3PM
Where: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133 (front of building)
Lunch will be provided
Eligibility: Highschool students with a documented disability (IEP, 504, medical documentation)
Registration: To register: Click here or scan the QR code above.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org
