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

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.

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 performed at McDaniel College 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

Our unique approach to social skill learning empowers individuals to build strong, lasting friendships, navigate societal intricacies successfully, and foster increased independence within our community.

Our programs encourage personal growth and social competency. Our focus on building strong friendships is rooted in understanding, empathy, and effective communication in a peer-based model.

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.

"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

Summer Expressive Arts Classes!

𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬! We have two exciting offerings!

First up, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯! Barrier-Free’s beloved summer class is back for ANOTHER round of acting fun! During the course of this 9-week class, participants will learn and engage in the basics of character-based improv and sketch comedy.
Engaging in improv acting promotes social skill development, risk-taking, and self-concept.

𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐔𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 We all love performing the script, but what about everything else that has to do with show preparation? From learning how to write blocking and script notes to understanding the "between the lines" meanings of a show, this class will guide you through the knowledge you need to level up your theatre skills. At the end of our course, the big finale will be a short performance for friends and family!

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 technical interns for our 2025 Inclusive Theater tech & show weekend.

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

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 Coy, Jaylan, Mike, & Geoffrey celebrating friendship at Barrier-Free's annual Valentine's Party.

By the Numbers

​4:1

Inclusion
​Ratio

2850

Hours 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.