Mostly local and regional resources for parents and other caregivers of individuals with special needs, with a recreational and social focus; details are provided for informational purposes and should be confirmed. Inclusion below is not considered an endorsement of any product or service. Note that not all programs and resources are geared specifically to individuals living with different abilities, but most or all may be successful or adapted for success for this population.
NATIONAL PARKS ACCESS PASS
Free National Parks access pass for individuals with disabilities.
CAMP HARKNESS
Free access to beach and recreational facility in Waterford, CT exclusively for use by families with members with special needs. Day passes available for non-residents of CT. A summer camp program is also available.Â
CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS ACCESS
Accessibility details for Connecticut State Parks to assist with trip planning.
BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUNDSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
A directory of boundless playgrounds, or playgrounds with improved accessibility, within Connecticut. Descriptions of playground features and locations included.Â
NEW LONDON COUNTY ADAPTIVE RECREATIONÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The Groton Department of Parks & Recreation offers a selection of adaptive recreational programs, including kayaking and rowing.
SAUGATUCK ROWING COURSES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Saugatuck Rowing & Fitness Club offers multi-week winter and spring rowing classes for middle and high school students with special needs.Â
TOP SOCCER
Intended for young athletes with disabilities and sponsored by US Youth Soccer and the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, these programs are geared toward boys and girls with an interest in soccer, to develop athletic skills, teamwork and social skills. There are programs in at least Madison, Wallingford and Bristol.Â
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STORM SPECIAL HOCKEY
Hockey training for age 5 through young adult adapted to individuals with developmental disabilities. This therapeutic program aims to provide these children and young adults with an opportunity to get on the ice, develop hockey skills, engage in a team sport and learn life skills. No prior skating or hockey experience is required.
CONNECTICUT DANCE STUDIO: DANCE 4 ALL ABILITIES CLASSES
Fairfield dance studio offering adaptive classes for students with special needs with limited group sizes. Check the link above for schedule and registration information.
DOREEN’S DANCE STUDIO
Adaptive dance classes for children; studio located in Colchester.
MUSIC TOGETHER
Music classes, including classes geared toward children with special needs up to age 8, in Simsbury.
INFINITY MUSIC THERAPY
Music therapy classes offered in-home or on site in Stonington, early intervention services and birthday parties.
CHILDREN OF THE SOUND ADAPTIVE SWIM PROGRAM
With locations in Norwalk, Wallingford and Hamden, Children of the Sound is offering an adaptive swim program including both one-to-one and small group instruction.Â
BUBBLES TO BUTTERFLIES SWIMMING
Swimming lessons in a supportive environment. Bubbles to Butterflies does not provide lessons exclusively to individuals with different abilities, but teaches swimming to individual students’ strengths. Call to inquire about lessons.
ADAPTIVE SKIING LESSONS AT SKI SUNDOWN
Private and group ski and snowboard lessons for individuals between the ages of 8 and 21 with physical, cognitive and developmental needs in New Hartford, CT. Ski Sundown staff can provide one on one support, and is affiliated with STRIDE, Inc., a nonprofit adaptive skiing and recreation organization for individuals with disabilities.
HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING
Private and group weekly therapeutic horseback riding lessons in OLd Lyme, CT. Semesters are 28 weeks long.
MYSTIC SEAPORT ACCESS AND DISABILITY DISCOUNTS
Mystic Seaport offers a 50% admission discount for individuals with disabilities, from invisible needs like autism to mobility issues, as well as an accompanying caregiver. For those limited to wheelchairs or walkers, note that some structures will not be accessible.
LESSARD LANES
Bowling and mini-golf discounts are available for individuals with special needs.Â
TDF AUTISM THEATER INITIATIVE
This initiative coordinates sensory-friendly performances on Broadway as well as in other parts of the country for individuals of all ages. It is intended to provide theater exposure in a welcoming environment.
ACCESS PROGRAMS AND ACCESSIBILITY AT MOMA (NYC)
The Museum of Modern Art provides a variety of free programming for individuals and families with developmental disabilities or dementia (separate programs). Accommodations also available to other needs, such as partially sighted, blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or mobility supports.
NEW VICTORY THEATER AUTISM FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES (NYC)
Sensory friendly performances in the theater district, with lighting and sound modifications, calming areas, a welcoming environment to natural noises from patrons, designated gender neutral bathrooms to help with toileting needs and autism specialists on hand.
ACCESS PROGRAMS AT THE INTREPID MUSEUM (NYC)
A range of free programming, including a camp, geared to families with children with developmental and other special needs. Small group tours for families affected by dementia are also available. ASL/interpreted and verbal description/touch tours are available for free with advance registration.Â
ILLUSTRATED BOOKS TO HELP CHILDREN EMBRACE THEIR DIFFERENCES
Book recommendations with book and theme descriptions from the New York times.Â
OVERVIEW OF ACCESS PASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT ORLANDO THEME PARKS
A description of access passes at Universal Studios, Sea World and the Disney Parks from website Autism at the Parks, including an overview of how each program operates. Â
Shoreline Special Parents 