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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Stowe Rocks is an indoor rock climbing facility that has both auto-belay courses for kids to climb as well as 8 manual belay sections. The staff that is on site to help is incredible. They are patient, friendly, and great at encouraging kids to climb and take chances!
$26.00 for kids 12 and under to climb for 2 hours.
If your child is not up to climbing they can always take the gondola up to the top of Mt. Mansfield.
Definitely a fun place to visit!
Annie Cooper has been teaching children to swim for years. Her enthusiasm, patience, and encouragement helps children enjoy the water. Swim lessons in Shelburne are held in a therapeutic (very warm) pool which can be ideal for children with disabilities. Swim lessons offered in Shelburne and Essex.
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.
“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.