You've got questions, we've got answers.

Due to the overwhelming interest in Barrier-Free programs, we're currently unable to respond to general email or voicemail inquiries. For initial information, kindly complete our new member intake, join our waitlists, or consult our FAQ. For specific queries, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you for understanding!

Still have a question?  Email us at [email protected], contact us at 301-799-8669 (text preferred), or submit your question in the form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you with an answer.

General & Eligibility Questions

How do I join Barrier-Free?
Each Barrier-Free program has a different process for enrolling. Please visit the program page for comprehensive descriptions and outcomes. Most of our programs are on a waiting list status.

Our Life Skills & Social Studio program has a multi-step intake process due to the weekly, long-term design of this program. Visit our New Member Intake page for waitlist information and step-by-step directions for becoming a Studio member.

Our Inclusive Theater Companies are at a waitlist. We invite you to join our waitlist. If/when a space becomes available, families will be contacted directly. The next theater season will begin September 2024.

Expressive Arts Programs occur in the Spring/Summer (April - August). These classes enroll on a first-come-first basis. Class registration begins January 2024.

Our Music Studio is currently accepting new member for group jam sessions and one-on-one Music & Mentorship lessons. Complete the Music Studio new member intake form and our Music Director will be in touch!

Social Club & Skill Coaching are add-on programs for Life Skills & Social Studio members. Please compete the intake process for the Studio in order to become eligible.

OUT Loud is a once-per-month free neurodivergent, queer social support group. This group is open to all individuals who are part of these communities. You do not need to be a member of other Barrier-Free programs to attend.
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Do you require proof of disability/diagnosis?
No, come as you are! Barrier-Free has a variety of programs to support individuals of all abilities. Participants have the option to disclose diagnosis or medical details upon registering for our programs. Any information disclosed will be kept strictly confidential amongst team members. Information shared will only be used to help our team plan activities or respond to an emergency. 
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What is the age range of Barrier-Free participants?
The Life Skills & Social Studio is designed for adults aged 18+. Our current member's ages fall in the range of 18 years - mid 30s. The content of this program is best designed for young adults (40 or under). Social Clubs & Skill Coaching are add-on programs

Expressive Arts Classes, Inclusive Theater Companies, & Music Studio are designed for adults aged 18+ with no age cap.
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I am interested in your programs but not 18 yet, can I join Barrier-Free?
At this time, Barrier-Free does not offer programming for teenagers under the age of 18.  There have been occasions where an exception has been made for a participant that is 17 years old but turning 18 within six months.  Exceptions are granted to help facilitate the transition out of school, post-graduation, are handled on a case-by-case basis, and are not guaranteed.
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I am 18 but will be in school until I am 21, am I eligible for Barrier-Free programs?
Yes!  Many Barrier-Free participants remain in school beyond 18 and they are more than welcome at Barrier-Free.
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May I bring a one-on-one staff to Barrier-Free programs?
We are happy to accommodate one-on-one support staff for individuals participating in our Inclusive Theater Companies, Expressive Arts Classes, or Music Studio Jam Sessions. We ask that support staff be engaged in ALL class activities alongside the individual they are supporting. If you are planning to bring a one-on-one support, please let us know when registering.

If an individual has a support staff providing transportation, but does not require direct one-on-one support, their support staff may wait onsite at The Westminster Community Center in the downstairs conference room. 
What are the staffing ratios?
The Life Skills & Social Studio is a 10:1 staffing ratio.

Expressive Arts Classes & Theater Companies are a 4:1 staffing ratio.

Music Studio is an 8:1 staffing ratio.
Do you provide support with tasks of daily living? ie. Toileting, feeding, medication administration
Individuals attending Barrier-Free must be able to independently perform tasks of daily living, including hand washing, without reminders. If an individual is not able to attend to these tasks independently, they must have a staff member onsite to support them.

Individuals must be able to self-administer medication or have a staff member onsite to assist. We are happy to provide medication administration reminders for individuals. Please communicate any potential need for reminders directly to the team member leading the class. Barrier-Free team are CPR/First-Aid trained and Epi-Pen administration trained.
Does Barrier-Free provide behavioral support?
Social skill learning is an integral part of ALL Barrier-Free programs! Our highly qualified team members are here to facilitate group dynamics, friendship building, and social skill learning.

We do require that individuals attending not be a danger to themselves or others. We are unable to provide intensive behavioral or emotional supports.
I do not live in Carroll County, may I still join Barrier-Free?
Yes, we serve individuals from across Maryland and as far as Pennsylvania and Virginia! We do not have a geographical limitation.
What are the qualifications of Barrier-Free team members?
Barrier-Free's team is comprised of exceptionally talented individuals with a passion for inclusion. Read each team members bio on our Meet the Team page to learn more. All of Barrier-Free's team members receive extensive on-the-job training, continuous feedback, and support. Our lead teaching artists and directors all began as either an intern or an assistant director before moving into a leadership position.
Do team members receive a background check?
Yes, all Barrier-Free team members submit to a Criminal Background Check.

Payment, Funding, & DDA Questions

What if I am unable to afford program costs?
Barrier-Free remains committed to being affordable and accessible for all families.

Participants in our Inclusive Theater Company and Expressive Art Classes may apply for the Ernestine Rodgers Scholarship Fund to help offset the costs of attendance.

Due to the ongoing design of the Life Skills & Social Studio and Music Studio offerings, the cost of these programs must be paid in full via private-pay or funding sources.

Let us work with you to determine a program or schedule that works with your financial situation.
Contact info@barrierfreemd.com.
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Can I pay for Barrier-Free programs through my health insurance?
No, Barrier-Free services are not eligible to be paid via health insurance. Our programs fall under "recreation" or "continuing education" and are not a therapy program.
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What type of funding does Barrier-Free accept?
Barrier-Free operates as a 501c(3) private service opportunity for families.  We are not directly funded by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) as we are not a Maryland Medicaid provider.  Studio payments ​can be paid for with funding allocated by DDA by including us into your Self Direct plan under Individual & Family Directed Goods & Services. Studio payments can also be paid through Low Intensity Support Services funding, transition scholarships, and the Autism Waiver. 

Have additional funding not listed here?  Contact us directly to arrange invoices or paperwork needed to ensure funding can be used.
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Is Barrier-Free a DDA Service Provider?
No, we are not a DDA Service Provider. Barrier-Free operates as a 501c(3) private service opportunity for families.
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Is Barrier-Free a day program alternative?
No, we are not a day program. Barrier-Free's Life Skills & Social Studio is a part-time skill learning program for neurodivergent adults to continue their growth after graduating. Members attend on average 1-2 days per week. Our Inclusive Theater Companies & classes are therapeutic recreation programs that occur in the evenings or on weekends.
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How can I include Barrier-Free in a self-direct plan?
When a new member is starting their journey with Barrier-Free's Life Skills & Social Studio, they must complete our full intake process. This includes completing the New Member Intake Form, visiting our space for a tour/meet-and-greet, and completing the first two trial sessions when space is available. After completing the two free sessions, we will work with the new member to determine if they would like to continue attending Barrier-Free. The new member will then need to attend our program on a weekly basis for a minimum of eight weeks before pursuing Barrier-Free in their self-direct plan.

This multi-step process allows all parties to be sure that the new member enjoys our program before incorporating DDA. Inclusion in self-direct plans requires additional steps for our team if the member will ultimately decide not to continue with our programs.

If a prospective member is interested in our Inclusive Theater Companies, they may join the waitlist. When a spot becomes available, we will contact the family directly. Barrier-Free cannot be included in Self-Direct plans for theater companies until a space becomes available due to the long wait-list time.

If a prospective member is interested in our Expressive Arts Programs, they must enroll and complete a full class before pursuing Barrier-Free's inclusion in a Self-Direct plan. 

If a prospective member is interested in our Music Studio offerings, these are private-pay only unless combined with another program. This is due to the nature of supplying invoices for such a low-cost program.

All Barrier-Free group programs are included under Self-Direct budget line: Individual and Family Directed Goods & Services.
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Will you attend my Person Centered Planning (PCP) meeting?
Due to the high number of inquiries and individuals we serve, we are unable to attend individual PCP meetings. We will supply you the necessary information and/or documentation for your Self-Direct plan after attending eight weeks of the Life Skills & Social Studio or 1 full expressive arts program.
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Does Barrier-Free provide Community Development Services (CDS)?
At this time, Barrier-Free provides some CDS services as an add-on to The Life Skills & Social Studio program. Currently, we we do not have openings for new members to receive CDS services.
My child will be graduating this spring, can I include Barrier-Free in their Self-Direct plan prior to graduating?
Please see the above question, "How can I include Barrier-Free in a Self-Direct plan?"

Due to the waitlists for Barrier-Free programs, we are unable to accommodate requests to be included in Self-Direct plans prior to a space being available in our programs. This is due to our multi-step intake process in addition to DDA's process for inclusion in plans.
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What happens if I am unable to attend my Studio session but I have already paid?
If you are unable to attend your Studio session please let us know as soon as possible via email, text, or phone call.  We will be happy to apply your payment to your next Studio session.
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What happens if I am unable to continue with an Expressive Arts class or Theater Season?
Participants have the first two week of any Expressive Arts Class or Theater Season to "trial" our program. If after the first or second week of class a participant does not want to continue, we are happy to offer a full refund. After the first two weeks, we are unable to process refunds, even pro-rated, regardless of circumstance.

Life Skills & Social Studio Questions

How do I join The Studio?
Our Life Skills & Social Studio program has a multi-step intake process due to the weekly, long-term design of this program. Visit our New Member Intake page for waitlist information and step-by-step directions for becoming a Studio member.​
Why does this program have a full intake process?
The Studio has an intake process to ensure that The Studio is the right program fit for both parties. We want to ensure that each participant is receiving the best quality services possible - services that are the perfect fit for their needs.
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I am my own legal guardian. Am I required to have a parent/guardian attend the Studio Intake?
No, if you are your own legal guardian, you do not ​need to have a parent/legal guardian with you. Typically, we require parents/legal guardians be included in the intake process when they are rep payees or will be the lead contact in coordinating payment/funding sources.
What is The Studio's address?
The Life Skills & Social Studio is located at 7520 Main Street #103 Sykesville, MD 21784.
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Do I have to commit to the same days & times each week?
Yes, we ask that participants and families determine which weekly Studio session works with their schedule. Participants must attend a minimum of once per week. Many participants enjoy attending 2-3 days per week. Participants are not locked in long-term. Schedule modifications or adding additional days of the week is accommodated as group sizes allow.
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Can parents/guardians/support staff stay onsite during the Studio session?
Unfortunately, our Studio does not have a waiting room and is too small to host parents/support staff for the full session.  Downtown Sykesville or Eldersburg offers a variety of cafes/coffee shops, stores, and outdoor seating for parents/support staff to enjoy.

If a one-on-one support is required, we are happy to review this with your family during the intake process.
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Three hours seems like a long time, can I register for shorter sessions?
Each three-hour session at The Studio is broken into segments:
1. Social practice/integration component
2. Expressive arts opportunity
3. Life skils practice

In addition to the segments, there will also be frequent breaks, snack breaks, and outdoor time.  We will enjoy all Sykesville has to offer which includes local parks, shops and eateries, events, and more.

We will keep the pace energized to maintain the attention of the group.  We ask that participants attend for at least 3 full sessions to adjust to The Studio flow before making a final decision about length.

If three hours does not work for a participant, we invite you to explore our other Barrier-Free offerings, including our inclusive theater companies, classes, and music studio.
What if I'm not interested in all of the activities happening at The Studio during my three hour session? Can I come for just the times I like?
When registering for a Studio session, participants will be attending all listed activities.  Our activities will be interactive and follow an integrated-arts model to maximize engagement.  We encourage participants to come with a flexible and open mind, ready to create, express, and achieve with us at The Studio!
How long is the waitlist?
Each Studio session day has it's own waitlist. For example, Monday 3-6pm has a waitlist, Tuesday 12-3pm has a waitlist, etc. 

Currently, our Studio waitlists are short and have an approximate wait time of 3-6 months.
Who is leading The Studio? What are the qualifications?
Studio lead facilitators are Britt Burr & Lauren Burr.  Marie Angier and Michael Eaton are the Studio assistants.  To view the qualifications of Studio staff please visit our Meet the Team page.  All Barrier-Free staff must submit to a background check before working in-person at The Studio or in any inclusive theater company or class.
What happens if I arrive late or need to leave early?
If participants arrive late or need to leave early on occasion, that is no problem.  When registering, there is a notes section to share any timing conflicts that may happen that week.   Last minute changes can be communicated via text or email.  Studio session rates will not be prorated.
Is the space accessible for someone with mobility supports?
Yes!  We are located on the ground level of the building, with accessible parking directly in front of our building.  Our space is designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility supports, including our bathroom.
Do I need to bring extra money with me to Studio sessions?
Yes, we recommend having some extra spending money for community outings.  Approximately $10 - $20 per day is sufficient.  
How many people will be at The Studio each day?
Studio sessions are capped at 12 participants, with 2 - 3 staff per day.
Will snacks and drinks be provided?
Barrier-Free will not regularly provide snacks for participants.  We invite you to pack a snack and/or lunch as desired.  Participants have access to the refrigerator and microwave as needed.  We will have back-up snacks on hand in the event that a participant is hungry.
Can I attend Studio sessions via Zoom?
At this time, Studio sessions are only for in-person attendees .  Attending via Zoom may be an option we explore in the future.
I'm not sure if the Barrier-Free Studio is the right fit, can I try it out before committing?
Yes!  We offer a two session free trial offering to ensure the Life Skills & Social Studio is the best fit for all involved.  Participants seeking a two session trial will still need to begin the intake process, but is no pressure to commit beyond the trial.
How long does a participant attend The Studio?
Barrier-Free is designed to be a life-long support for our participants.  There is not a set "graduation date" for members.  Just as our diagnosis is lifelong, our need for support will also be lifelong.  Levels of support may vary over time and participants may change their frequency in attending over time but we recommend participants plan to attend The Studio for multiple years.

Studio members may also add on one-on-one support, social clubs, music studio offerings, and more!

Social Club Questions

How do I register for social clubs?
Social club registration is sent via email to Studio members. When traveling to further distances, priority registration for Social Clubs is given to our longest-standing social club veterans before being opened to all Studio Members.
Why do I have to be a Life Skills & Social Studio member to join Social Clubs?
Social clubs are exclusive to Studio members, as they apply the skills acquired at the Studio to broader social settings. Newcomers can find it overwhelming to integrate into a well-acquainted group of over 15 individuals. Our experience shows that optimal social integration is achieved when individuals first join The Studio, master necessary social skills, and establish connections. Thus, Studio membership is a prerequisite for joining social clubs. Additionally, before embarking on significant outings or traveling across state lines, we prioritize getting to know and understanding how to support each individual, ensuring both safety and alignment with our program's mission.
What does "carpooling" mean? Who will I be riding with?
Barrier-Free team members Britt, Lauren, & Marie offer their personal vehicles to provide carpooling transportation for social clubs. This means, our members meet at The Life Skills & Social Studio and then we offer transportation to and from The Studio to our monthly Social Club locations. There is an added fee to provide mileage reimbursement to our team members for offering their vehicles.
How are social club outings determined?
Barrier-Free team members Britt, Lauren, & Marie offer their personal vehicles to provide carpooling transportation for social clubs. This means, our members meet at The Life Skills & Social Studio and then we offer transportation to and from The Studio to our monthly Social Club locations. There is an added fee to provide mileage reimbursement to our team members for offering their vehicles.
Can I pay for social clubs with my DDA or other funding?
Social Clubs may be eligible to be paid for with DDA Self-Direct or other funding depending on the scope of allowable services. We are happy to work with you based on your unique funding arrangements.

Expressive Arts & Inclusive Theater Questions

Where are Expressive Arts Classes held?
Expressive Arts Classes are typically held at The Westminster Community Center - 25 Union St Westminster, MD 21157 on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Make sure you are following us on Social Media for any announcements regarding new classes/offerings that may pop-up!
Where are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals are held at The Westminster Community Center - 25 Union St Westminster, MD 21157 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30pm. The Inclusive Theater Season runs September - March.
How long are the Inclusive Theater Waitlists?
The waiting list for Inclusive Theater spans multiple years. For the 2023 season, we had 18 individuals waiting but could only accommodate 4 new actors.
Will you be adding more Inclusive Theater Companies?
At present, we don't intend to introduce more theater companies due to the substantial resources, team members, and time needed to create such large-scale musicals.
How many members are in each Theater Company or Class?
Company A & B each have 18 actors & 6-8 team members. Expressive Arts Classes are capped at 18 participants.
What happens if I am unable to continue with an Expressive Arts class or Theater Season?
Participants have the first two week of any Expressive Arts Class or Theater Season to "trial" our program. If after the first or second week of class a participant does not want to continue, we are happy to offer a full refund. After the first two weeks, we are unable to process refunds, even pro-rated, regardless of circumstance.
Can I pay for Expressive Arts Classes or Theater Companies with my DDA or other funding?
Yes, please see our "Payment/Funding Questions" below for further details.

Transportation Questions

Can Barrier-Free provide transportation to and from The Studio or other programs?
At this time, Barrier-Free is unable to provide one-on-one transportation to and from our programs.  If you are a Carroll County resident, families may use the Carroll Transit System door-to-door service for daytime Studio sessions.  We are happy to walk families through this transportation option. Unfortunately, the Carroll Transit System does not operate past 5pm or on weekends.

Barrier-Free does provide transportation from The Studio to our evening programs and classes located at the Westminster Community Center on nights they are offered.
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If attend a Studio session and an evening class will I be able to eat dinner in between?
Yes, participants attending a Studio session that backs to an evening class or rehearsal will have the opportunity to pack and eat dinner before being transported to rehearsal. We are happy to help heat up dinners as needed with our onsite kitchen.
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Will transportation from The Studio to the Westminster Community Center be provided on rehearsal nights?
Yes! Barrier-Free staff will transport Studio participants to the Westminster Community Center in time for rehearsal or classes.  Parents/guardians/support staff also have the option to pick-up and transport themselves.

Additional Questions

Is all Barrier-Free programming in Carroll County?
Yes.  Although we serve individuals and families from across Maryland and beyond, currently all programs are located in Carroll County.

Some social clubs outings do extend beyond Carroll County but these are not regular programs.
Are you hiring?
Visit our Jobs page for the most up-to-date information about potential job openings.
Can I volunteer with Barrier-Free?
Volunteer arrangements are made available based on enrollment and need.  Contact us at [email protected] for possible Studio volunteer opportunities.

Let's get started!

Visit our Studio Intake page to begin the process of enrolling in the Life Skills & Social Studio.

Want to see more?

Check us out Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

See what else Barrier-Free offers.

In addition to The Life Skills & Social Studio, Barrier-Free also offers inclusive theater companies, classes, and social clubs.