Maplewoodstock is thrilled to be partnering with local non-profit Together We Bloom to prioritize and strengthen disability inclusion and accessibility at this year’s event. SOMA’s diversity is its strength, and this includes neurodiversity and disability. Maplewoodstock has long had a deep commitment to creating a thoughtful, fun-filled event that is “of and for the community.” Maplewoodstock is committed to learning from the disability community and to centering their experiences.
Some of this year’s Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Supports:
- Maps and programs showing the locations of the below access supports (available below and on our Map Page)
- Social Stories for kids and adults
- Picture Communication Board
- Sensory-Friendly Zone
- Sensory Activation Vehicle
- ASL interpretation with “Deaf Access Area”
- Accessible Seating Tent for disabled and senior attendees in partnership with SOMA’s Two Towns for All Ages
- Physical accessibility information including accessible bathrooms
Maplewoodstock Social Stories
Social stories/social narratives are first-person narratives written to introduce a new, unexpected, or challenging situation with concrete language and pictures. They help the reader know what to expect and provide options for support.
Anyone can benefit from learning about situations ahead of time but social narratives are often particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals including Autistic people or people with anxiety.
Social narratives should be used as a tool to empower and support inclusion and access, not to force compliance with social norms.
The online version and the downloadable PDF version include alternative text for images for accessibility with screen readers for the Blind and individuals with low vision.
These accessibility resources are free to download. If you’re able, please consider a donation to Together We Bloom, so that they may continue their work to make our community more inclusive.
- Download PDF of Adults/Adolescents version or view online
- Download PDF of Kids version or view online
Maplewoodstock Communication Board
Some individuals with intellectual, communication, or developmental disabilities use or benefit from Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) to support their language comprehension and expression, such as communication boards, speech-generating devices, or sign language. Some people who use spoken language some of the time, may prefer alternative communication during a sensory-intense or overwhelming experience like a music festival.
Communication partners can model and use this Maplewoodstock communication board by pointing to the pictures as you talk about the festival both before and during the event. An individual should never be required to point to the board, but communication partners can model and provide opportunity.
Downloadable PDF version includes alternative text for images for accessibility with screen readers for the Blind and individuals with low vision.
These accessibility resources are free to download. If you’re able, please consider a donation to Together We Bloom, so that they may continue their work to make our community more inclusive.
Sensory-Friendly Zone
The sensory-friendly zone, strategically placed away from the live stage and crowded areas, provides a less-intense, more sensory-friendly experience to support neurodivergent or disabled attendees or anyone with sensory-sensitivities. This area will include a canopy tent and ample shade with room to sit in the shade or to move around to help meet a variety of sensory needs and preferences. Kids and adults are welcome to come and stay as long as they like. Picnic blankets, fidgets, and ear defenders will be available to borrow. For an even quieter, low-light environment, the sensory vehicle will be parked nearby.
Sensory Activation Vehicle
To increase the accessibility of the event for neurodivergent individuals, the sensory-friendly Sensory Activation Vehicle (SAV) will be parked in the field behind the stage and over the walking bridge in the sensory-friendly area. The SAV has low lighting, reduced sound, and regulating tools and toys to provide a quiet space for individuals with disabilities and sensory differences.
ASL Interpretation and Deaf Access Area
The festival will be accessible in American Sign Language (ASL), with onstage Sign Language Interpreters for the full duration of the event for anyone who is Deaf or uses sign language to communicate.
The Deaf Access Area is directly in front of the stage (to the right side when facing the stage) and allows unobstructed visual access to the ASL interpreter and performers on stage.
Physical Accessibility
Maplewoodstock is held in Memorial park in Maplewood which is a large, grassy park with paved walkways throughout.
The viewing area in front of the live stage is mostly on a grass hill but there is a flat grass area directly in front of the stage. The area on the top of the hill across from the train station, by the accessible seating tent, is mostly flat with paved paths and grassy areas.
The paved walkways in the park are visible on the festival map. While paved paths do provide access to all areas of the festival grounds, food and vendor tents, the kids zone, and sensory-friendly zone are
There is a significant incline on the path in front of the stage – from the top of the hill (across the street from the train station) down to the level of the stage. The sidewalks on Oakview and Dunnell provide a more gradual slope.
Accessible parking and porta potties are available and indicated on the map.
Accessible Seating Tent
This tent, located adjacent to the accessible parking, has space and seating reserved for individuals with physical disabilities, senior citizens, or pregnant individuals (and their families) with a direct view of the stage. This is presented in partnership with SOMA Two Towns for All Ages.
