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SYKESVILLE, MD—The Life Skills & Social Studio is coming to Downtown Sykesville as an extension of Barrier-Free—a non-profit, disability service organization that provides inclusive art, self-advocacy, and social programming to the community for adults with disabilities. The Life Skills & Social Studio was created out of a need for more creative and innovative programming throughout the Howard, Carroll, Frederick, and Montgomery county areas. “Our premise surrounds neurodiversity” states Britt Burr, original founder of Barrier-Free. “Our goal is to combine elements of social practice and integration along with expressive arts opportunities.”  “It combines the best of both worlds” replies Lauren Burr, Executive Director, “It will have the inclusive practices we know and love along with that social club feel.” “With the added bonus of life skills heavily sprinkled in!” Adds Britt. Both Lauren and Britt encourage Sykesville and the surrounding communities to join them at The Studio’s Open Houses on Sunday, May 16th from 1-3pm and Tuesday, May 18th from 4-6pm. “Everyone has been really welcoming to us so far and we’d love the opportunity to meet them face-to-face. Just drop in and say hello and check out the space.” says Lauren. Interested parties are encouraged to check out The Life Skills & Social Studio at Barrier-Free’s website at www.BarrierFreeMD.com. “Please reach out to us with any questions.” states Britt, “We want to make this affordable and accessible for all.” Britt and Lauren can be reached at info@BarrierFreeMD.com or welcome a text/call anytime at 301-799-8669.  Join us at an upcoming Info Session or Open House.
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Jared Parrish is an all-star Barrier-Free"er" who participates in our Inclusive Theater Company B, social clubs, and numerous classes.
Recently, Jared played Robert in "I Do, I Think," Co. B's original show that premiered live on Youtube in March 2021. In addition to Barrier-Free, Jared attends post-secondary school, rides horses, participates in Special Olympics, and more! Thank you Jared for being willing to be a spotlighted Barrier-Free actor!
View the video interview or read the full transcript below.
Question 1: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?I'm Jared Parrish. I'm 20 years old and I live in Westminster, Maryland with my parents. 
Question 2: When did you become involved in Barrier-Free?I joined Barrier-Free in September of 2019 and participate in theater group, social club, and classes. 
Question 3: What is your favorite part of creating our original shows?Right now, since Barrier-Free is virtual, it's fun to choose costumes and watch everyone on screen with their costumes. Everyone has a lot of fun together! 
Question 4: Do you have a favorite character you've played?I like playing Robert in "I Do, I Think," right now since he's funny because he has trouble staying awake.
"I Do, I Think" begins at 44:48.
Question 5: How has Barrier-Free impacted your life?I've made new friends and also enjoy the theater productions. I even got to virtually meet people from England last year doing our drama productions. 
Question 6: What interests do you have outside of Barrier-Free?I attend post-secondary school in Carroll County. I also ride horses, do Special Olympics, watch TV, and read books. 
Question 7: What would you tell someone that is interested in becoming involved in Barrier-Free programs?I would tell them that Barrier-Free is a lot of fun and everyone is really friendly so you should definitely think about joining. Everyone has a place in Barrier-Free! 
Bravo Jared!!
Jorge Tirigall is a talented actor from Columbia, MD, and a member of our Art of Performing Company B. Catch him in his debut performance as Luigi Rodriguez in "I Do, I Think" premiering LIVE on our Youtube channel and Facebook on Friday, March 26 at 8pm.
Thank you Jorge for representing actors with autism and sharing about your experiences with Barrier-Free! View the video interview or read the full transcript below.
Question 1: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Jorge Tirigall. I am 23 years old. I was born on October the 24th 1997 in Baltimore, Maryland to my mom Roxanna Caruso and my dad Luis Tirigall.
Both my mom and dad were born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States. I describe myself as an American autistic who is descended from both Spanish ancestors and Italian ancestors. 
Question 2: When did you become involved in Barrier-Free?
I became involved in Barrier-Free since January of 2021.
Question 3: What is your favorite part of creating our original shows?
To be quite honest, my favorite part is that I get to propose my own story ideas and to listen to the ideas of others. What I think around here is that, well, collaborating with others is I think a time of prosperity for the organization.
Question 4: Do you have a favorite character you've played?
My favorite character that I played was Luigi Rodriguez. Luigi Rodriguez is the groom in the play "I Do, I Think" created by Britt Burr. I really think that the part that I played, Luigi Rodriguez, is I think wonderful because I play a leading role and I'm very humbled myself to do it.
Question 5: How has Barrier-Free impacted your life?
Barrier-Free has allowed me to collaborate with Lauren Burr and come up with negotiable story ideas. In other words, everything I come up with is really accepted, but I think that all kinds of story ideas need to be very negotiable.
Question 6: What interests do you have outside of Barrier-Free?
I like making movies, writing, drawing pictures, and saving money. I am saving my money for any purpose like vacation, renting an apartment, and I think that saving money is really important for anybody whether they be self-employed or working in another job,
Question 7: What would you tell someone that is interested in becoming involved in Barrier-Free programs?
I would tell my friends to join the Barrier-Free organization if they want to do activities and expand their creative, artistic, and acting skills.
Question 8: What do you want people to know about individuals with autism?
I want people to know that individuals with autism like me are not some sort of wild animal but rather intelligent creatures that can create new ideas and new innovations to the theater arts. I really think that people with autism like me can have the ability and comprehension to make that kind of contribution.
Fantastic Job Jorge!!
Final thoughts from Jorge Tirigall, "I want to thank you personally for giving me this interview so that everybody could know more about me and so that everybody can share my story."
Don't forget to tune in Friday March 26 at 8pm to catch Jorge in "I Do, I Think" as Luigi Rodriguez on Youtube or Facebook!
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Copyright © Barrier-Free 501(c)(3) All rights reserved.
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Website Design by Lauren Burr
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Mail: 23219 Stringtown Rd #373 Clarksburg, MD 20871 | Email: info@barrierfreemd.com | Phone: 301-799-8669 | EIN: 84-2964880
We are proud to be funded in part by an Arts Opportunity Mini-Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council.
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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.