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 neurodivergent adults.

What We Do

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!

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.

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 programs that provide intentional focus on developing our interpersonal skills.

Who We Serve

Barrier-Free serves neurodiverse 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.

"Awesome experience for Marcel! As a Mom I believe that this is the best group in Maryland for our Special-need Adults like Marcel."

- Karen Blanchard, mother of Marcel, a Barrier-Free participant

Purple Bucket Campaign

Get ready to give back to the community with Barrier-Free's largest direct donation campaign of the year, “The Purple Bucket Campaign”! Every March, we call on our supporters to help us keep our programs affordable and accessible for all families.

The name of the campaign is a nod to Barrier-Free's humble beginnings, where patrons used to purchase show tickets and their change was collected in a purple plastic bucket. Although we've come a long way since then, our commitment to serving our community remains the same.

Please make a donation to Barrier-Free this month and help us fill our bucket!

Sykesville Pride Festival

Join us Saturday, June 3rd in Downtown Sykesville to celebrate Pride Day!

Our Barrier-Free artists will have Pride art pieces for sale and a flag making activity, free for all to enjoy.

Summer Improv Now Full

Join us for a Summer Improv held at the Westminster Community Center! This class open to individuals of all abilities 18+ with a supportive environment for neurodivergent adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism.

​We invite new & returning Barrier-Free participants to register, no prior experience is required!

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, Integrative Dental Wellness, MAKE Studio, Town of Sykesville, Carroll Arts Center, and the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism.

Performance Photos

Enjoy the photo galleries from The Great Casino Caper & Check Matey, performed March 2023 at McDaniel College Theater.
​Photo Credit: Mort Shuman

Barrier-Free's Impact
"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."

- Aaron Leonard, Barrier-Free Studio member, actor, and social clubber

    Like what you see? We'll be in touch!
Participants Myles & Mike exploring Rhythm & Beats as part of Barrier-Free's Expressive Arts programming.

By the Numbers

​4:1

Inclusion
​Ratio

2850

Hours of Programming Per Year

​96%

Participant Retention Rate*

100+

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 6-months or longer.