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.
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.
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!
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.
Special Olympics Vermont offers year round sports training and competition opportunities in 13 Olympic-type sports for individuals ages 8+. In 2016, the sports seasons were reorganized into four distinct seasons culminating in four statewide competitions: Winter Games, Summer Games, Fall Games, and Holiday Games.
This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to participate in sports, make friends, and have fun!
The Special Olympics Young Athletes program is an innovative sports play program for children with and without disabilities ages 2 through 7, designed to provide opportunities for young children to be active, have fun, and learn foundational sports skills. The program supports physical, cognitive and social development — skills important on and off the sports field. It also offers families connections to local Special Olympics Programs. There is no cost for your family for participating. The program offers 1 hour classes that meet for 6-8 weeks throughout the year.
Story Land has teamed up with Autism Speaks to offer a “Sensory Friendly” weekend in September. Many of the staff members at Story Land are getting trained on how to recognize, understand, and act compassionately when assisting families dealing with Autism in the Park. Check out Story Land & Autism Speaks
We recently went to Stowe and had a wonderful experience. From the lodging, activities, skiing, to the incredible staff; this is definitely a place that accommodates children with special needs.
The skiing at Stowe goes above and beyond to accommodate individuals with special needs. Stowe Adaptive is an incredible program that offers lessons and equipment to make sure that every individual can get out on the mountain. And Stowe also offers a “Buddy Pass”! Here is some great information that Donna Barton (Operation Manager) at Stowe offered:
The idea of the Buddy Pass is that if you are unable to meet the minimum Essential Eligibility Criteria, you qualify for our adaptive lesson program or the Buddy program. Check out the EEC requirements on their website.
In addition, here at Stowe…if you do not meet the minimum requirements of the EECs and you apply for a scholarship through Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports, you may be granted a scholarship to use toward lessons or access. For more information click here
Equine Therapy Program is up and running, at Lily Bud Farm in Hinesburg, VT. They currently offer lessons on Wednesday and Sunday mornings for children under 150 lbs.
A scholarship program for students who need financial assistance is available. Qualifying students can take a lesson for $25 instead of $45.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a 6 week program for kids who have all types of disabilites. During this 1 1/2 hour weekly program, each child is usually paired with a local Vermont high school soccer player. It is a great program that is very well run. It usually begins in the beginning of September.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a 4 week program for kids who have all types of disabilites. During this 1 1/2 hour weekly program, each child is usually paired with a local Vermont high school soccer player. It is a great program that is very well run. It usually begins in the beginning of September.
Central Vermont TOPSoccer will take place on the Woodstock High School soccer field and is supported by Vermont Soccer Association, Woodstock High School and surrounding communities. This 4 week program begins Sunday 9/10/17.
Located in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, Tradewinds has been rated a top destination for families. It has specifically been recommended for families who are traveling with a cild who has special needs. As a designated special needs friendly resort by Be Friendlier, our staff undergoes continuous training to ensure we understand sensitivities, developmental disabilities and unique situations so we’re equipped to help. From room safety kits to gluten-free menu options, we take all of your needs into consideration so you can “Just Let Go!” Make sure to check out their wonderful kids program.
“The Horses Touch” which is held at Twitchell Hill Farm in New Haven offers therapeutic horseback riding for people of all ages and disabilities. Susan Guran comes highly recommended for teaching children how to connect and ride horses. They offer individual lessons as well as a wonderful summer camp.
Unified Sports is a program that is run through Special Olympics of Vermont and is offered in several schools throughout Vermont. This is an incredible program that allows children with disabilities to participate in sports through their schools. The programs are offered from elementary school through college level. They focus on bowling, snowshoeing, and bocce during the school year.