Who We Are
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Barrier-Free is a non-profit, disability service organization that provides inclusive art, self-advocacy, and social programming to the community for neurodivergent adults. |
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Who We Serve
Barrier-Free serves neurodivergent adults 18+, including those with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism. We serve individuals and families from Maryland, Pennsylvania, & Virginia.
Locations
Barrier-Free's The Life Skills & Social Studio is located in Historic Downtown Sykesville, Maryland.
Inclusive Theater Company rehearsals are held in Westminster, Maryland.
Expressive Arts classes vary in location.
Inclusive Theater Company rehearsals are held in Westminster, Maryland.
Expressive Arts classes vary in location.
"Barrier-Free has given me friends similar to me and who I wouldn't have met under any other circumstances. I've formed deeper relationships from the skills I've learned. Being in a safe space to take small calculated risks which has transferred to my real life. I've gained more independence."
- Emily Wachter, Barrier-Free participant
Expressive Arts Class - Register Now!
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In-Person Option:
Zoom Option:
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Internship Opportunity
Barrier-Free offers a variety of internships for undergraduate and graduate students. Our internships provide college students hands-on, immersive experience with drama therapy work in the disability field.
Currently accepting applications for our 2024 - 2025 Inclusive Theater Season.
Currently accepting applications for our 2024 - 2025 Inclusive Theater Season.
Community Engagement
Barrier-Free is grateful for our community partners that support our mission of inclusivity! Check out some recent partnerships with horticulture therapist, Hannah, of Botanigal, Tidal Salt, Hatton Animal Rescue, MAKE Studio, Town of Sykesville, Carroll Arts Center, and the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism.
Performance Photos
Enjoy the photo galleries from Café Catastrophe & Love Unscripted, performed March 2024 at McDaniel College.
Photo Credit: Mort Shuman
Photo Credit: Mort Shuman
Barrier-Free's Impact
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"My favorite part of Barrier-Free is that it is an inclusive and supportive environment that allows me to learn new skills interactively with peers and in my community. Barrier-Free also encourages me to form natural, authentic relationship with my peers." |
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Participants Coy, Jaylan, Mike, & Geoffrey celebrating friendship at Barrier-Free's annual Valentine's Party.
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By the Numbers
4:1Inclusion
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2850Hours of Programming Per Year |
96%Participant Retention Rate* |
120+Participants served annually |
*Retention rate defined as- participants who attend any Barrier-Free program for a two-week trial and remain enrolled for the remainder of the program OR participants who attend The Life Skills & Social Studio 1x per week for a period of 3-months or longer.
Copyright © Barrier-Free 501(c)(3) All rights reserved.
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7520 Main Street #103 Sykesville, MD 21784 | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 301-799-8669 (text preferred) | EIN: 84-2964880
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We are proud to be funded in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council
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We are proud to be funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council
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Barrier-Free is committed to providing access to our web pages for individuals with disabilities. The content of this site has been tested for usability and accessibility using a combination of standards-based, automated procedures and accepted heuristic methods. We make every effort to comply with the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Compliance is an ongoing process and we encourage notification when information on our website is inaccessible. If for any reason you are having difficulty accessing any of our resources please contact Lauren Burr, Executive Director at [email protected].