Programs
All of our programs support people with special needs, and their families, to pursue their goals and aspirations. Check out our events calendar to see a full listing of upcoming events from SNSC and our partners.
Please call SNSC at 603-448-6311 or email our Program Coordinator to learn more or register for programs.
Happenings is a series of social activities for adults with disabilities. Activities include dances, apple picking, book club, self-advocacy, cooking, and many other events throughout the year. Happenings offers a different approach to the provision of services with an emphasis on the development of relationships, friendships, and joy.
Art Lab (hybrid in-person and on Zoom)
Join us for this weekly open studio art program for adults with special needs implemented in collaboration with SNSC and the AVA Gallery and Art Center. The participating artists get a chance to explore different media with an emphasis on creative self-expression while socializing.
Cooking Club (in person)
Come join SNSC and Co-op Food Educator Lindsay Smith at the Lebanon Coop for a monthly in-person/hands-on cooking class for teens and adults with special needs! All ingredients and equipment will be provided. If you have dietary and/or accessibility needs, please reach out so we can make the proper adjustments. We look forward to cooking with you!
Cooking Club (on Zoom)
Join the Special Needs Support Center for cooking classes for adults with special needs. Weekly on Fridays at 10:30am, we will get together to learn important cooking skills, kitchen safety, and of course create delicious food to eat! Each class we will try new techniques and develop a go-to recipe box! We welcome all suggestions and ideas…so we can grow and learn together.
Book Club (hybrid in-person and on Zoom)
Join the Special Needs Support Center and Bobbi Perez on Monday mornings at 10:30am, for the chance to explore new books, learn, and make new friends in a relaxed setting from home. You do not have to be able to read to join this book club! Books will be read aloud in a small group setting. Together we’ll be transported to different worlds where we meet interesting characters and learn about exciting new things. Taking that journey with a group of friends makes it even more delightful and fun. Join us at SNSC, Zack’s Place, or from your own home!
Let’s Talk About Sex, Sex Education Class (in person)
Adults over age 18 can join us in a safe space with facilitator and educator Mary to discuss various issues that come up in relationships, learn how to be safe and smart, and connect with their peers. Held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, each session will focus on a different topic.
Parent Educational Support and Advocacy supports parents in all aspects of the special education and Section 504 process to promote understanding of the relevant state and federal rules, regulations while supporting parents in clarifying their ideas and concerns regarding their child’s education.
Our Parent to Parent Peer Support Group takes place every other week on Zoom. SNSC provides a welcoming, safe and open space for parents to share struggles and triumphs, form relationships, and gain resources. Check out our calendar for the link!
Aspire (in-person and Zoom)
Aspire is a recreation program for children with disabilities which is offered regularly throughout the year. Children enjoy activities that encourage the development of communication and social skills through modeling and practice. Individualized skills and goals are identified and worked on through group play and exploration in the community.
Aspire Summer Camp (in-person)
Thank you for a wonderful summer 2023 Camp Aspire!!
Camp Aspire is an extension of our year-round Aspire program for school-aged youth with disabilities. This summer, campers will have opportunities to experience boating, cooking over a fire, hiking, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and most importantly, developing friendships in a sensory-friendly, innovative, fun, and safe space!
Art Lab for Teens (in-person)
This is a new weekly open studio art program for Teens with special needs implemented in collaboration AVA Gallery and Art Center. The participating artists get a chance to explore different media with an emphasis on creative self-expression while socializing. We are partnering with the Regional Resource Center on travel training for teens coming from school. The class is taught collaboratively by SNSC staff and a certified art therapist.
New Teen Programming
We offer a variety of social recreation program for teenagers with special needs which is offered monthly throughout the year. We will enjoy activities such as movie night, sledding, hiking, and swimming throughout the year.
Special Needs Information Program (SNIP)
Over the last 12 months the Special Needs Information Program (SNIP) expanded from one town to 24 towns in our region. This voluntary safety program helps emergency responders identify and respond to vulnerable residents with special needs. The benefits of the program to our most vulnerable citizens and to law enforcement make it an invaluable safety tool for our community. The tool is free to residents and provides local law enforcement with essential information prior to an emergency. Learn more or sign up here.
NH Towns Served by SNIP
Canaan, Cornish, Dorchester, Enfield, Etna, Grafton, Grantham, Hanover, Lebanon, Lyme, Meriden, Orange, Orford, Plainfield, and Springfield
Vermont Towns Served by SNIP
Bradford, Corinth, Fairlee, Hartford, Norwich, Strafford, Thetford, Topsham, Vershire, and West Fairlee
Sensory Friendly UV
In partnership with the Dartmouth Autism Research Initiative, we support partners in creating accessible spaces that accommodates and supports the physical, sensory, communication, and social/emotional needs of people with disabilities. We offer site assessments with written recommendations to adjust the auditory, visual and olfactory stimulation. Next, we offer venue-specific training that increases understanding of disabilities and explains difficulties that may be experienced in that particular setting, why they arise and offer ways to address or overcome them. As leading experts in the field, we provide high quality training and create customized supports for businesses and community organizations. Recent partners include VINS, Montshire, Vital Communities, the Lebanon Opera House, and the Upper Valley Music Center.