Barrier-Free
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    • Mission & Vision
    • Our Story & Core Values
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    • Inclusive Theater Companies
    • Life Skills & Social Studio >
      • Intake for New Members
      • Weekly Registration
      • Studio FAQ
    • Individual Skill Coaching
    • Expressive Arts Programs
    • Music Studio >
      • Music Studio New Members
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Who We Are

Barrier-Free actors rehearsing.

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

Barrier-Free social clubbers at Dave & Busters February 2020

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!
Learn 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.
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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.
Learn More

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.
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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.
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"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
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Coming March 2023!

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Click Here for Advance Tickets

Black History Month Art Show

Join us at Barrier-Free to enjoy an art show to celebrate black culture and heritage. Event sponsored by The Downtown Sykesville Connection in partnership with Barrier-Free.
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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 S'mores Wars & One Star Resort, performed March 2022 at McDaniel College Theater.
​Photo Credit: Mort Shuman
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Co. A Photo Gallery
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Co. B Photo Gallery

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

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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.
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Copyright © Barrier-Free 501(c)(3) All rights reserved.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Web Accessibility Statement
Website Design by Lauren Burr
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 7520 Main Street #103 Sykesville, MD 21784   |   Email: info@barrierfreemd.com    |   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 Safeway Foundation Grant
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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 laurenburr@barrierfreemd.com.

  • Home
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • Our Story & Core Values
    • Meet the Team
    • Booking Barrier-Free
    • Calendar
    • Stay Connected
  • Programs
    • Inclusive Theater Companies
    • Life Skills & Social Studio >
      • Intake for New Members
      • Weekly Registration
      • Studio FAQ
    • Individual Skill Coaching
    • Expressive Arts Programs
    • Music Studio >
      • Music Studio New Members
      • Weekly Registration
    • OUT Loud
    • Social Club
  • Get Involved
    • Enroll
    • Attend an Event
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Jobs
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Donate
    • Sponsorship Levels