Virtual Resources for Families

It’s okay to be feeling anxious about the state of the world during this unprecedented pandemic. But know that we will get through this! Times like this are when we all need to come together, but social distancing and self-quarantine practices make that impossible. But there are other ways for the I/DD community to virtually convene and engage in activities from the comfort of your home. We are pleased to share a compiled list of resources for the Incompass community from our dedicated staff.

If you have something to add, we’d love to hear from you! Send your suggestion to atorres@incompasshs.org and we’ll post it. We want this to be a dynamic resource, so bookmark the page and check back frequently for new additions!

Livestreams / Audiobooks

Audible Stories

“For as long as schools are closed, we’re open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.”

Click here to learn more.

Special Stars Adaptive Dance & Music Class

“We will be hosting an Online ADAPTIVE Music and Dance class to hopefully help while you adjust to life at home during COVID-19. A performing arts class, just for YOU!”

Click here for more information.

Sing & Share Time with Joshua from Minute Man Arc

“This is a recurring meeting that will occur every weekday from 10 – 10:40 a.m. It will also happen again from 3:30 – 4:10 p.m. I will log on about ten minutes ahead of time each day to greet people. Let’s take some time to share the joy of seeing one another and sing a happy tune!”

Click here to join. 

Meeting ID: 201 858 137 

Password: 064223

Dance Classes — Riverside & Bridgewell Family Support Centers

“Come and check out the New and Exciting classes being offered virtually. We have gathered some Very Fun Instructors and Super Fun Activities for you to do at home! You can do a little dance, have a little fun, and get down tonight! Don’t miss out on the Fun – check it out.”

SoulWorks Rhythm — Drumming Group

Friday 3/27 at 7 p.m.

“Making music and rhythm supports the immune system, reduces stress and builds community. We all need this right now! Drums and traditional instruments are not necessary! You can make music with objects you have at home or at work. This is what Found Sound is.”

Click here to join. 

Meeting ID: 235 738 228
Password: 027571

 

Art Classes — Riverside & Bridgewell Family Support Centers

“Come and check out the New and Exciting classes being offered virtually. We have gathered some Very Fun Instructors and Super Fun Activities for you to do at home! You can do a little dance, have a little fun, and get down tonight! Don’t miss out on the Fun – check it out.”

LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems

“Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together.”

Click here for more information.

Talent Show — Riverside & Bridgewell Family Support Centers

“Come and check out the New and Exciting classes being offered virtually. We have gathered some Very Fun Instructors and Super Fun Activities for you to do at home! You can do a little dance, have a little fun, and get down tonight! Don’t miss out on the Fun – check it out.”

The Metropolitan Opera

“During this extraordinary and difficult time, the Met hopes to brighten the lives of our audience members even while our stage is dark. Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met website, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day.”

Click here for more information.

New England Aquarium

“Our doors are temporarily closed, but we’re still here! Join us for live presentations, new videos, and activities to try from home.”

Click here for more information.

Cincinnati Zoo: Home Safaris

“While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let us help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational. Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each day at 3 p.m. EDT where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home.”

Click here for more information.

explore: Nature and Wildlife Footage

“explore features a wide range of topics—from animal rights, health and human services, and poverty to the environment, education, and spirituality. Delivered in short, digestible bites, explore films appeal to viewers of all ages, from children learning about other cultures for the first time to adults looking for a fresh perspective on the world around them.”

Click here for more information.

Food Resources

Market Basket — UPDATED Designated Shopping Hours for Seniors & Immunocompromised

Every day from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m.

“Beginning March 27, 2020, Market Basket will expand its senior shopping hours to accommodate the needs of our customers 60 and older in accordance with newly placed guidelines. Every day the stores will be open ONLY to serve customers 60 and older from 6am – 7am.”

Click here for more information.

Stop & Shop — Designated Shopping Hours for Seniors & Immunocompromised

Daily from 6:00 – 7:30 a.m.

“As you may have heard, beginning tomorrow all Stop & Shop stores will open early to service our most vulnerable customers from 6:00am – 7:30am daily. During those hours, we look forward to welcoming customers who are age 60 and over as well as customers who may have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to COVID-19.”

Click here for more information.

Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB) and Member Agencies

“If you, a family member or friend are in need of food please refer to the appropriate links below for a food pantry and meal program near you.”

Click here for more information.

Fitness

Healthy Balance Exercises

In collaboration with Merrimack College and made possible by funding from New Balance, tune in to see how our Healthy Balance program plans to keep you moving while we all practice social distancing! Make sure to subscribe for weekly videos.

Click here to check out their weekly videos on YouTube. 

Fitbod App

“During these extraordinary times, we believe that Fitbod has a responsibility to help people remain active while at home. To help, we’re making body weight-only workouts completely free to log.”

Click here for more information.

Planet Fitness Free At-Home Workouts

“United we move! On Monday, tune in to Facebook Live for FREE at-home workouts for everyone to stay active and stress free.”

Click here for more information.

Peloton Free 90-day Trial

“Feeling a little overwhelmed? Yeah, us too. If you’re in need of a supportive community and a way to clear your mind, we invite new users to try the Peloton App free for the next 90 days. In addition to our cycling and running classes, you’ll have yoga, meditation, strength, stretching, and body weight cardio and strength training.”

Click here for more information.

OPEN — Tools for Creating an Active Home

“There are 2 types of tools on this page. On the left, you’ll find games and calendars for families to use to make their home an Active Home. On the right, you’ll find resources to help teachers and parents partner together to provide meaningful movement opportunities that progress students toward physical education and social & emotional learning outcomes.”

Click here for more information.

Utilities & Streaming Services

Comcast Internet

“As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect low-income families to the Internet at home. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month plus tax. Apply by April 30, 2020.”

Click here for more information.

Netflix Party

“Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows.”

Click here for more information.