Who We Are

Barrier-Free is a non-profit, disability service organization that provides inclusive art, self-advocacy, and social programming to the community for adults with disabilities.

Theater

We offer two inclusive theater companies where neurodiverse adults ages 18+ come together to create original full-production musicals.  Our shows are full-scale productions at McDaniel College's Theater with costumes, tech, music, and more!

We also offer expressive arts classes covering a variety of themes including improvisational acting, dance, and more!

Social

Barrier-Free offers social club outings for adults 18+ with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism. 

These are staffed events with the goal of building friendships, integrating into society, and developing independent life skills.
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We also offer social-skill based classes that provide intentional focus on developing our social skills.

Life Skills

At our Life Skills & Social Studio in Downtown Sykesville, we support the development of life skills and social skills for neurodiverse adults through an integrated-arts model with a focus on interpersonal interaction, authentic practice, and group collaboration.
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​A key component of The Studio is going out into the community to implement our improved life and social skills.

Toys for Tots Drive

Barrier-Free is hosting a Toys for Tots drive through Tuesday, December 14 at The Life Skills & Social Studio (7520 Main St #103 Sykesville, MD 21784).

Please bring any new, unwrapped toys to our Studio during business hours:
MWF 3-6pm
TR 12-6pm

Giving Tuesday - November 30

Giving Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."

This year, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity.

You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser!  PLAN AHEAD - On Tuesday, November 30 Facebook will be matching the first $8 million in donations made via their social network!

24th Annual Festival of Wreaths

Barrier-Free has submitted an entry into the Carroll Arts Center 24th Annual Festival of Wreaths!

Our wreath was handcrafted by Studio members - Amanda, Britt, Camren, Emma, Jenny, Lauren, Marcel, and Marie.

Thank you to whoever purchased our wreath, benefitting the Carroll Arts Center.  We hope you enjoy it!

Hey Westminster Grant Award

BIG NEWS! We are thrilled to share that Barrier-Free is the October recipient of the Hey, Westminster grant award for being AWESOME! 🌟
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We want to share a big thank you to the Hey, Westminster Board of Trustees for coming together to generously create this grant opportunity for our town. Also, a big thank you to GLBAL media for this incredible grant award video. You all are equally as awesome! ❤️

​The Hey Westminster Grant is a chapter of the Awesome Foundation, a global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1000 at a time.
Each fully autonomous chapter supports awesome projects through micro-grants, usually given out monthly. These micro-grants, $1000 or the local equivalent, come out of pockets of the chapter's "trustees" and are given on a no-strings-attached basis to people and groups working on awesome projects.

Community Arts Development Grant Award

MORE BIG NEWS! We are thrilled to share that Barrier-Free is the recipient of a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council! 🌟
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We want to thank the Arts Council Board for recognizing the incredible work Barrier-Free is doing to help neurodiverse individuals create, express, and achieve! ❤️

Life Skills & Social Studio - Now Open!

Barrier-Free proudly presents, The Life Skills & Social Studio, located in Historic Downtown Sykesville!

The mission of Barrier-Free's Studio is to support the development of life skills and social skills through an integrated-arts model with a focus on interpersonal interaction, authentic practice, and group collaboration.

Barrier-Free's Impact
If my son is "off" or quiet, never once have Barrier-Free staff given up, or gotten discouraged. They are patient, and know he'll find his words. Barrier-Free believes in him.... and continues to have an extraordinary impact on my sons world.

- Melanie Rawlings, mother of Alex White, Barrier-Free actor

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Barrier-Free participants Lauren, Sam, & Ian at "Spring Social Series," April 2021.

By the Numbers

​4:1

Inclusion
​Ratio

2650

Hours of Programming Per Year

​96%

Participant Retention Rate

75+

Participants in our Programs