Barrier-Free
  • 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

Barrier-Free Blog

For Immediate Release: Cordially Invited IV

10/16/2022

0 Comments

 
NOW IN ITS 5th YEAR: MAKE STUDIO PRESENTS CORDIALLY INVITED

For Free Fall Baltimore -- Invitational exhibition showcases progressive art studios
Baltimore, MD – Make Studio is pleased to present the 5th installment of Cordially Invited, our
invitational exhibition and set of complementary programming featuring artworks created in
innovative U.S. and international studios that serve artists with disabilities. Cordially Invited
celebrates the exciting and thought-provoking art produced in progressive art studios as a way to better understand and appreciate our neuro-diverse world.

This year’s event includes a feature exhibition in our Showroom Gallery and a virtual exhibition.
With especially exciting timing this year, the exhibition coincides with some completed renovations in the gallery and the recent launch of our newly reconstructed website!

Participating artists come from 18 diverse studios including Art Enables (DC), National Access Arts Centre (Canada), Fresh Eye Arts (MN), Momentum Creative (CA), Project Ability (UK), Taller de Arte Terapia (Chile), Artists First (MO), and Gateway Arts (MA). Select works from Make Studio’s roster of member artists will also be on display.

Cordially Invited will be on view online and in-person beginning October 7th. The physical
exhibition closes November 5th, and a reception with refreshments, artist remarks, and music from Baltimore surf rock greats The Flying Faders, will be held on October 14th from 5:30 – 8:30 PM in our gallery. Special workshops and other programming will be offered during the run of the show -- further details for this event and other programming, including extended gallery hours, will be provided online at make-studio.org , as well as on social media.

About Make Studio
Make Studio is a 501(c)3 community-based arts organization located in Baltimore, MD. Founded in 2010 with the aim to put art and abilities to work, Make Studio’s mission is to empower artists with disabilities to grow as professionals with visibility and voice in their communities. We create opportunities for everyone to connect through art.
Picture
0 Comments

October Bulletin

10/1/2022

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Logo

October Bulletin

Contents:

  • Save the Date - Performances

  • Art Gallery Recap

  • Tidal Salt Collaboration

  • Cordially Invited Art Exhibition

  • Giving Tuesday

  • Community News

Barrier-Free Buzz

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! Our Barrier-Free actors return to the stage in March 2023!

We are mailing out Save the Date cards to interested community members.

Request your Save the Date below.

Missed your chance to enroll? Join our 2023-2024 season Waiting List.

Click Here to Request a Save the Date
Inclusive Theater Waiting Lists

Art Gallery Recap

THANK YOU to our wonderful community for turning out to support "See the Ability," our Fall Art Exhibition. Your presence and support affirm that #InclusionMatters in our society.

We welcomed over 100 guests to our Art Gallery and sold over 100 pieces of original art & jewelry!

A special shoutout to local community leaders - Mayor Link, Julie Della-Maria, Dana Alonzi, Hannah Brookfield aka BotaniGal, Amanda Jozkowski, & Tom Scanlan for your continued support!

Barrier-Free + Tidal Salt

Did you miss our Art Gallery last month? No need to fret, you can now shop Barrier-Free art and jewelry made by our Studio Members at Tidal Salt Co. right on Main Street in Downtown Sykesville!

Proceeds from all sales directly benefit Barrier-Free’s Life Skills & Social Studio program.

“Tidal Salt is a boutique shop that curates fun, beautiful things for the community to enjoy. The shop is filled with hand-selected, locally-made apparel and gifts. Whenever possible, items are sourced from other women-owned businesses and fellow local makers.”

Shop Barrier-Free + Tidal Salt

Cordially Invited IV

Barrier-Free is proud to be part of Make Studio's exhibition, Cordially Invited IV!

Cordially Invited is an invitational exhibition and set of complementary programming featuring artworks created in 18 unique & innovative U.S. and international studios that serve artists with disabilities.

Cordially Invited celebrates the exciting and thought-provoking art produced in progressive art studios as a way to better understand and appreciate our neurodiverse world.

This year’s event includes a feature exhibition in the Showroom Gallery and a virtual exhibition.

Cordially Invited will be on view online and in-person October 7th - November 5th.

Thank you to Make Studio for this phenomenal opportunity!

Join us in congratulating Barrier-Free artists Emily (left) & Katie (right) with their art pieces Rainbow Lion & Regulus that will be on display in the in-person exhibit.

Aaron, Mike E., Mark, Rosemary, & Emily will have artwork on display in the online exhibit.

#GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

This year, on Tuesday, November 29th, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity and help us reach our $5000 goal.

You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser.

Join us at Greene Turtle

Join us Thursday, November 17 at The Greene Turtle Westminster to support Barrier-Free!

The fundraiser lasts ALL-DAY and is dine-in or carry-out eligible. Barrier-Free will receive 20% of all checks including beverages!

All proceeds will directly fund our Inclusive Theater production budget.

Save this flyer to show your server when paying.

We'll see you there!

Community News

Howard County Autism Society Monthly Speaker Series

Megan Rusciano of Disability Rights Maryland will present on guardianship and how supported decision-making can serve as an alternative to guardianship or allow adults with disabilities more decision-making autonomy under guardianship.

Click here for details and registration.

Sykesville Fall Fest

The Main Street Fall Fun Festival is back! The Festival is a community event that draws families to downtown Sykesville. The Festival features crafts, games, demonstrations, food vendors, and live entertainment. The festival represents an opportunity for local businesses to highlight their presence within the community and support our nonprofit Main Street program.

Click here for details.

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Studio Members enjoying an outing in Downtown Sykesville

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon YouTube icon
Logo

0 Comments

Loss within the Disability Community

9/5/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
I recently experienced loss of someone I knew from one of my social groups I am a member of. Let's call him A. A was sweet and always smiling young man. A probably understood the world in ways other people couldn't. A passed away on Sunday at the age of 17. A was entirely too young for anyone to pass away. Because of his passing, I'm reminded of the unique loss within the disability community. 

Grief can take many forms. Grief is described as a loss of some sort, psychological distress, confusion, shock, yearning, and/or anxiety about the future. Loss takes many forms within the disability community.

​Some examples include: 
  • Loss of physical health or mental capacity due to aging or disability ​
  • Loss of caregivers/parents/family members or supporters who work individually with the person with a disability
  • Loss of those within the disability community (activists, friends, social media influencers, etc.) 
  • Losing a job, retiring from work, changing homes 

We also must recognize that older people with developmental/ intellectual disabilities may have a cumulative loss. Cumulative loss can be referred to as multiple losses in a short period. In people with disabilities, we must look at a loss within a person's lifetime.Some things to think about if you support someone with a disability
  • How well do you know their life story?
  • How well is their history documented?
  • Are you aware of significant events that happened in their life? 
  • Does the individual have a way to express their feelings and experiences?
  • Are we seeing ways to get access to this information?
  • Are we discussing their histories with essential team members? 

What can grief look like? 
For individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities and autism, grief can be hard to understand and/or difficult to express. They may also struggle to make sense of loss. They may have difficulty finding the silver lining or benefit of that loss. They may need extra support during that time, and whoever is taking care of them may not be able to know how to support them. There is not much research about those with intellectual disabilities and whether or not they can find the benefit in the loss or if they're unaffected by it. 
A study conducted by Harper and Wadsworth found that over half of the respondents with a developmental disability reported at least one death that was very disruptive to their lives; more than a year after the deaths, the majority of these respondents were still suffering from feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness, as well as from behavior problems. I think this study points to the isolation felt by living with a disability. Often people with disabilities are isolated and spend lots of time in the mind. If you cannot express your grief to those around you, it encourages self-harm and harm to others. 

How do we support those with disabilities in their grief? 
  • Be ready to have open, honest conversations on an appropriate level. 
  • Be able to provide social stories and visual supports 
  • Encourage the use of coping skills 
  • Seek extra support from a therapist, if needed​
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/05/26/we-know-theres-a-disability-community-because-we-mourn-our-losses/?sh=5555c70f98c4​
Brickell, C., & Munir, K. (2008). Grief and its complications in individuals with intellectual disability. Harvard review of psychiatry, 16(1), 1–12.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166634/​
Harper DC, Wadsworth JS. Grief in adults with mental retardation: preliminary findings. Res Dev Disabil. 1993;14:313–330. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 
http://www.intellectualdisability.info/mental-health/articles/managing-grief-better-people-with-intellectual-disabilities​
https://www.mylepage.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Guidebook-for-People-with-IDs-.pdf​​
Picture

​Written by Emily Wachter

​Emily Wachter is the owner and entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a college student at Carroll Community College with dreams of being a case manager. Emily has spoken on a number of disability panels on living with autism and experiences of bullying. She is involved with a number of disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.

0 Comments

September Bulletin

9/1/2022

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Logo

September Bulletin

Contents:

  • “See the Ability” Art Exhibition

  • Inclusive Theater Season

  • Supportive Independent Living

  • Make Studio

  • Team Announcements

  • Fresh off the Press

  • Internship Opportunity

  • Community News

Barrier-Free Buzz

“See the Ability” Art Exhibition

We invite you to our Studio Art Gallery, to celebrate the work and artistic achievements of our neurodiverse community!

This an open-house style event with a suggested $5 donation.

Thursday, September 8
• 6 - 8pm
Friday, September 9 • 6 - 8pm
Saturday, September 10 • 12 - 4pm

A variety of art pieces will be available for sale with proceeds shared between the artist and Barrier-Free.

Location:
The Life Skills & Social Studio
7520 Main St #103
Sykesville, MD 21784

Click Here for Details

Inclusive Theater Season

Inclusive Theater rehearsals begin September 12 & 14th! What creative ideas will our actors bring to life this season?

Mark your calendars, our performances will be:

Friday, March 17

Saturday, March 18

Sunday, March 19

Inclusive Theater Company A & B are FULL but you can still join our Waiting List.

Inclusive Theater Waiting Lists

Supportive Independent Living

We've been a bit busy here at Barrier-Free, focusing on our Supportive Independent Living program!

Supportive Independent Living is part of our Skill Coaching program and provides individuals with the opportunity to live independently with plug-in support while increasing participation in their community.

This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment in Sykesville, MD is now home sweet home for one of our Studio Members! They'll be living independently with daily check-ins and support, plus 24-hour on-call emergency response.

Learn more about Supportive Independent Living at https://www.barrierfreemd.com/skill-coaching

Supportive Independent Living Booklet

MAKE STUDIO Collaboration

We are thrilled to share that Make Studio has selected Barrier-Free artist’s pieces for inclusion in the upcoming exhibit - Cordially Invited V.

Cordially Invited V

Barrier-Free will be featured in this art exhibition alongside other exciting and thought-provoking art produced in progressive art studios around the country and around the world.

Cordially Invited V will run from October 7 - November 5 2022 in Make Studio's Showroom Gallery in Baltimore, MD.

Join us in congratulating Barrier-Free artists Emily (left) & Katie (right) with their art pieces Rainbow Lion & Regulus.

Team Announcements

We are delighted to add two new team members to Barrier-Free - Tianna & Kelly!

Tianna (she/her) joins us as a mentor in Company A and is excited to be part of Barrier-Free! Tianna works full time for Target Community and Educational Services as an Employment Specialist. She has a passion for giving back and helping others live their best and fullest life. Tianna's family is her world and she enjoys spending most of her time traveling or attending events and shows with her fiancée Kelsey and step-son Oliver. She also enjoys photography, being outdoors and being an active member in the LGBTQ community!

Kelly Young (she/her) joins us as a Graduate Intern for Company A and The Studio. Kelly is currently pursuing her MA in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy at Lesley University. She loves the multi-faceted world of theatre and has spent years working on shows as an actor, director, crew member, prop designer, set designer, and dramaturg. Outside of school, theatre, and Barrier-Free, Kelly works as the Office Manager for a Maryland-based private practice, where she strives to make mental healthcare more accessible and connect people with the best possible services to meet their needs. Kelly is also a proud member of and passionate advocate for the Disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, making art, reading, and playing board games and video games. Kelly is immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Barrier-Free team and is excited to learn new skills and give back to her community!​

Fresh off the Press

Faces of Westminster

Barrier-Free's very own Michael Eaton was featured in Faces of Westminster! Mike shares about his journey helping to found Barrier-Free and other fun facts about himself!

Click Here to Read

Carroll Magazine LIVE!

Barrier-Free was recently featured in Carroll Magazine LIVE. We are thankful for the opportunity to share about inclusion in Carroll County!

Click Here to Watch

New Blog

Emily Wachter, shares her first-hand experiences with loss through the lens of a young adult with autism.

Click Here to Read

Last call for interns!

Barrier-Free is seeking undergraduate or graduate interns to join our Inclusive Theater Companies beginning September 2022. Our internships provide college students hands-on, immersive experience with drama therapy work in the disability field.

Internship applications open now through September 10th

Fill our the application on our website and we will be in touch to schedule an interview!

Internship Details

Community News

Howard County Public School Transition Fair

Learn about community and school resources available for individuals with specials needs to prepare for adult life.

Click here for details.

Theatre Training Program

Queens Theatre presents its 5th annual Theatre for All Professional Training Program for Deaf/Disabled actors aged 18 or older. This year's workshops and events will be held October 17 – 28, 2022, online via Zoom. The program is free of cost for the students. Applications are due by Friday, September 23rd, 2022 at 5:00pm EST.

FREE Arts Lecture

Longtime Carroll County Arts Center Visual Arts Coordinator, Susan Williamson, presents From the Shadows to the Spotlight, a new lecture focused on 20th Century female artists like Alice Neel, Faith Ringgold, Ana Mendieta, and more!

Catch it Tuesday, September 20 at 1pm or 7pm.

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Studio Members with Mayor Link touring Sykesville’s Local Government building, “The Town House”

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon YouTube icon
Logo

*

0 Comments

July Bulletin

7/25/2022

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Logo

July Bulletin

Contents:

  • Inclusive Theater Returns

  • Upcoming Events

  • Make Studio

  • In the Community

  • OUT Loud

  • Internship Opportunity

  • Community News

Barrier-Free Buzz

Inclusive Theater Season Returns!

We're back!! Our Inclusive Theater season kicks off in September where we will work collaboratively to create ALL-NEW, ORIGINAL musicals!

We will once again be performing on stage, for a live audience in March 2022 at McDaniel College.

Inclusive Theater Company A has 6 spots remaining.

Inclusive Theater Company B is FULL but join our Waiting List.

​In some instances, you may join BOTH groups if you have a dual diagnosis.

Click here to learn more about our drama-therapy-based, Inclusive Theater process.

Register for Co. A
Co. B Wait List

Upcoming Events

Join us at an upcoming event to meet our Barrier-Free"ers" and support their work by purchasing art pieces, enjoying a performance, or allowing us to share about Barrier-Free's work and mission.

Click any image below to learn more!

MAKE STUDIO Collaboration

We are thrilled to share that Make Studio has invited Barrier-Free to submit art pieces for inclusion in the upcoming exhibit - Cordially Invited V.

Cordially Invited V

Barrier-Free will be featured in this art exhibition alongside other exciting and thought-provoking art produced in progressive art studios around the country and around the world.

Cordially Invited V will open in October 2022 in Make Studio's Showroom Gallery in Baltimore, MD.

In the Community

Our Barrier-Free”ers” have been busy connecting with our community!

This month we participated in the Let Freedom Ring Parade in Downtown Sykesville, visited the Howard County Center for the Arts, welcomed Serrina Davis of Damara Yoga, enjoyed Spongebob the Musical at Toby’s Dinner Theater, and have been watering & caring for the Eileen M. Merkle Community Garden in Downtown Sykesville.

New Group - OUT Loud

LGBTQ+ & Neurodiversity

We are proud to present OUT Loud, a social and peer-support group for neurodiverse LGBTQ+ folx to gather, build community, and make supportive connections. We meet on the Third Thursday of the month in Downtown Sykesville.

Learn More

Seeking Interns!

Barrier-Free is seeking undergraduate or graduate interns to join our Inclusive Theater Companies beginning September 2022. Our internships provide college students hands-on, immersive experience with drama therapy work in the disability field.

Internship applications open now through August 1st

Fill our the application on our website and we will be in touch to schedule an interview!

Internship Details

Community News

Howard County Public School Transition Fair

Learn about community and school resources available for individuals with specials needs to prepare for adult life.

More details coming soon!

Sip & Support Pathfinders for Autism

Pathfinders for Autism has some great events planned so you can come out to SIP AND SUPPORT PFA! PFA will be all over the state hosting great events where you can have delicious food and drink all while supporting the mission of
Pathfinders for Autism.

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Jackson & Jenny taking a selfie at The Life Skills & Social Studio

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon YouTube icon
Logo

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    About our Blog

    The Barrier-Free blog exists as a space to share Barrier-Free news, helpful information, and a creative sharing space.

    ​Enjoy!

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019

    Categories

    All
    Actor Spotlight
    Disability Awareness & Activism
    Grant Announcement
    Life Skills Studio
    Newsletters
    Social Club
    Theater

Barrier-Free Logo
Copyright © Barrier-Free 501(c)(3) All rights reserved.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Web Accessibility Statement
Website Design by Lauren Burr
Donate
 7520 Main Street #103 Sykesville, MD 21784   |   Email: info@barrierfreemd.com    |   Phone: 301-799-8669 (text preferred)   |   EIN: 84-2964880
Picture
Picture
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
Picture
We are proud to be funded in part by a Safeway Foundation Grant
Picture
Picture

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