CHAMP at Good Hope Farm offers group or individual therapeutic lessons Monday thru Saturday. CHAMP serves individuals with physical, emotional, behavior and cognitive challenges. Each rider progresses according to his or her own skill and comfort level. A horse leader and up to two side-walkers are available to be with the rider as needed.
CHAMP also has a wonderful summer camp option for riders of all abilities age 6 and up.
The Community Sailing Center in Burlington offers an Adaptive Watersports Program (AWP). AWP supports individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities and uses adaptive teaching methods and specialized equipment to teach individuals to sail. They offer group recreational sailing, individual lessons, and kayak and canoe rentals. The Community Sailing Center also partners with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.
Offers weekly classes and summer camps. Allows children to express themselves in an artistic way. The staff are amazing at accommodating kids who have special needs. One of the best summer camps my child has attended.
Wondering what to do with your children since school has been pushed back? Check out the cops that the Echo Center is offering. They also have some fun on-line activities and are offering free admission for a period of time.
ECHO also has noise cancelling headphones to access if your child has sensitivity to noise. And finally, if you want to explore the Burlington waterfront you can access the adaptable stroller that is at the ECHO center. This is for families to use free of charge!
Check out ECHO Center.
Edaville Family Amusement park has gone above and beyond to accommodate children with autism and/or sensory concerns. They have installed a quiet room for children to access, trinkets to help kids wait in line, and have put in a sensory friendly bathroom.
This is an incredible organization that offers several clinics a year for children and adults with disabilities. They run soccer clinics with the support of St. Michael’s College women’s soccer team and basketball clinics at Castleton State College. The clinics are very well run, safe, and fun!
Essex Cinema offers “Sensory Friendly” movies throughout the year. They turn the sound down, keep the lights up, and let individuals move and talk as during the movie. These are a wonderful way for children to enjoy a movie in a stress-free environment.
Check out their latest movies: Sensory Friendly Movies
This is a wonderful organizations that promotes the arts for individuals with any disability. Through education, trainings, programs, and exhibits they offer a variety of opportunities to enhance the magic of art to all individuals.
Kindermusik offers music classes for children ages birth through 5. Kindermusik is a national program that uses the power and joy of music-making to help children learn and grow during the years most critical to brain development. Since 1978, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for a lifetime love of learning.
Rachel Smith offers classes in South Burlington and comes highly recommended by a couple of parents who have young children with special needs. Parents have said that Rachel does a wonderful job at making sure their children are incorporated into her class, engaged in the music, and have a positive experience.
Yes, the MLB has teamed up with Autism Speaks to offer particular baseball game “Sensory Friendly” and raise awareness for autism. Many of the Autism Awareness games will provide special opportunities and a safe, friendly environment for families and individuals affected by autism, allowing them to experience a game like never before. If you want to check out if your baseball team offers a game during April check out Major League Baseball.
The NDAA enhances opportunities and provides support for individuals with physical disabilities who wish to participate in recreational and competitive athletics.
Norwich offers a wonderful Unify Fitness program that occurs throughout the school year. The group will be meeting every Sunday between 2:30 and 4:00. During the meeting time, they will be conducting physical fitness together as well as hosting mentor meetings to set weekly goals for each other to ensure healthy living. This is meant for all abilities and each child is matched with a Norwich cadet. Siblings are also welcome! This program is geared towards 4th grade and older. The program begins September 9, 2018.
“Donkey Day” camp provides children with the opportunity to engage with animals, do farm chores, and have a lot of fun. This was by far the best summer camp in the area!
Partners In Adventure day camp groups young people, ages 7 through adults, who have disabilities, with their non-disabled peers for a summer camp experience. There are 9 weeks of Summer Camp (four, 2-week and a one-week).
Activities are adaptive and designed by special educators and physical therapists for the success of all abilities and include: horseback riding, swimming, boating, zip line, archery, African drumming and dance, cooking, arts & crafts, science and nature, games, dance, life skills, music, beach parties and more. Each 2-week session will include field trips to a variety of locations.
There is a one-week Winter Camp during February break as well as other activities throughout the year.
Reinbow Riding Center is a therapeutic riding facility located in Shrewsbury, Vermont. Our PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified instructors, along with the assistance of many volunteers, provide therapeutic horseback riding lessons for special needs children and adults.
Sesame Place is the first theme park in the United States to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. This means that their staff receives specialized training to cater to all children with special needs, they offer the Ride Accessibility Program, quiet rooms, noise cancelling headphones, low sensory areas, and much more. You definitely want to check out this great theme park!
Shelburne Farms is not only a great place to visit for a day, they offer some great camps throughout the year! They do a remarkable job working with ALL kids, regardless of their differences. From the animals, hands on activities, and their delicious bakery; it is definitely a place you want to visit.
Shelburne Farms also has an adaptive stroller to access their grounds!
Shelburne Museum is a wonderful place for the entire family. They have wonderful buildings to explore, beautiful paths to walk, and a wonderful marry-go-round. Every week Shelburne Museum offers a creative art activity for children of all ages. Shelburne Museum does a great job at including ALL children in their activities and facilities. The staff at Shelburne Museum are wonderful and remember they have an adaptive stroller you can access!
Offers a few weeks of camp throughout the summer. They have made several accommodations to assist special needs children who are attending the camp. The staff is very patient and engaging. The camps provide a fairly calm environment with lots of creativity.
Social Adventure Group supports young adults ages 18-29 who have difficulty with social relationships and wish to connect with others. We have a general meeting the 4th Thursday of each month at Vt. Family Network, 600 Blair Park Road, suite 240, south entrance (facing the Superstore) 6:30-8:30pm. The members plan events and play games at the meetings. Some of the events include: movies, dinner, comedy, game nights at people’s homes, theater, biking, Church Street, Anime, mini golf, rock climbing, and more. New members always welcome.