Tag Archives: Accessible Recreation Programs

Recreation Opportunities For People With Disabilities

Leave a reply

All Out Adventures
All Out Adventures provides outdoor accessible recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts for people of all abilities, their families and friends. Summer programs include accessible kayaking, canoeing, hiking and cycling. Winter programs include snowshoeing, x-country skiing & sit-skiing, ice skating, sled skating and snowmobile rides.

Accessible Swimming Pools
Accessible Swimming Pools outdoor swimming pool lifts are available at all of the State Parks and Recreation Department’s 20 swimming pools. The pools are free. Contact pool directly for information about other site factors affecting accessibility.

AccesSport America
AccesSport America is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery of higher function, fitness, and fun for children and adults with disabilities through high-challenge sports, which include kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing.

Arcs.
Local Arcs provide a variety of social and recreational activities for children and teens with developmental disabilities.

Bostnet / Guide to Boston’s Before & After School Programs
Build the Out-of-School Time Network (BOSTnet) has built a network of out-of-school time (OST) resources and opportunities for all children and youth, including those from low-income families and youth with disabilities.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary offers nine miles of walking trails guiding through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. A quarter-mile, handicap accessible trail and boardwalk along the bank of Indian Brook. Universally accessible facilities: Nature Center, Restrooms, All Persons Trail.

BSC (Boston Sports Club) Adaptive Swim Program
On Monday and Wednesday evening, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm, BSC Waltham (840 Winter Street) offers an adaptive swim program for children, youth, adolescents and adults with disabilities in our 93 degree therapy pool. Volunteers between the ages of 16-20 from neighboring schools and organizations offer their time to pair with an individual seeking to increase range of motion, flexibility, and strength but most importantly to socialize with other individuals and families. Our adaptive swim program is offered during the school year (September thru May) in 8-week sessions at a cost of $200 per session. Our 120,000 square foot, state of the art facility can accommodate families in our men’s, women’s or family changing rooms, fully equipped with showers, lockers, restrooms, towels, and other amenities.

  • 781-522-2054
  • 781-522-2512

CAPEable Adventures
offers adaptive sports & therapeutic recreation activities to local residents and vacationers to the Cape.


Cape Cod Challenger Club
Cape Cod Challenger Club offers noncompetitive sports and recreation opportunities for children with disabilities.

Challenger Sport League
Some towns have challenger teams. The goal of the challenger team is to play with no pressure and to educate typical peers and their parents about sportsmanship. The program is available for boys and girls, ages 3 – 19 with all types of physical and developmental disabilities. Call your local town recreation department to find out if they offer challenger sports.

Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic at Bridgewater State University
BSC students from all majors have opportunities to volunteer as clinicians and work with children and youth with disabilities, ages 18 months to 18 years. Clinic dates are to the right on website’s homepage.

Choral / Community Voices
Open to individuals 16 years of age and older. Must be willing to be committed for 12 weeks. Provides a choral opportunity for adults and young adults with developmental delays. Singing in an ensemble, individuals will have the opportunity to develop and refine vocal technique, listening skills, and team-work. Repertoire will include songs from the masters, traditional and folk favorites, as well as pop and Broadway tunes. Performances are scheduled in December and June. Fee $156/fall, $243/spring.

Compelling Fitness
Compelling Fitness in Hanover provides group and / or individual physical fitness training for children and adults with special needs.

Fitness Program / Special Needs Training
Call your local YMCA.

Horseback Riding – PATH International Centers in Massachusetts
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, PATH International was formally known as North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Though PATH Intl. began with a focus on horseback riding as a form of physical and mental therapy, the organization and its dedicated members have since developed a multitude of different equine-related activities for therapeutic purposes, collectively known as equine-assisted activities and therapies (or EAAT).

JF&CS Sunday Respite Program
JF&CS Sunday Respite Program for Children with Developmental Disabilities including those on the Autism Spectrum. Program includes swimming, music and art therapy. The program meets at the Striar JCC in Stoughton from 1:00 -4:00. This program is run by JF&CS with additional funding from Eastern Bank.


Kids In Disability Sports (K.I.D.S)

  • Kids In Disability Sports (K.I.D.S) Thirteen specialized athletic programs are available. K.I.D.S. hosts dances, sports banquets, social activities and recreational events throughout the year. Serves individuals and families throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Participants range in age 5-40 and have varying disabilities. http://www.kidsinc.us/
  • info@kidsinc.us
  • 1-866-712-7799

LIAM Nation Athletics (formerly known as FOSEK, Friends of Special Education Kidz)
sports leagues for special needs children in Tewksbury and surrounding communities in Merrimack Valley. Accomodates athletes of all abilities. Bombers Baseball, Striker Soccer, Little Reds Basketball.

Mass Dept of Conservation & Recreational Universal Access Program
Mass Dept of Conservation & Recreational Universal Access Program provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility to Massachusetts State Parks is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and accessible recreation programs.

Massachusetts Hospital School Wheelchair Recreation & Sports Program
Wheelchair sports and recreation program for children ages 9 to 21. Horseback riding, swimming and , Wheelchair Athletes Program.

Miracle League of Massachusetts
Miracle League of Massachusetts provides baseball for special needs children. Free to participate (includes uniform). Located at Blanchard Memorial Elementary School Ball Field in Boxborough.

New England Wheelchair Athletic Association (NEWAA)
Volunteer organization that helps individuals with physcial disabilities participate in recreational
and sports activities. The NEWAA provides opportunities for athletic competition by sponsoring
regional and local meets.

Partners for Youth With Disabilities Provides mentoring programs that assist young people reach their full potential. Partners provides several types of mentoring programs including one-to-one, group mentoring and e-mentoring.

Piers Park Sailing
Piers Park Sailing provides programs for disabled youth and adults aboard 23-foot sonar sailboats on a no charge basis. Serves those with amputations, paralysis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism, hearing impaired, sight impaired and other disabilities. Successfully integrates youth with disabilities into summer youth sailing programs. Scholarships are available for all Adaptive sailing programs. “Yes You Can Sail” program Friday eves for $35.

  • (617) 561-6677

Senseability Gym
Senseability Gym serves special needs children in greater Hopedale area. Our mission is to provide a parent-led sensory gym, giving children with special needs a safe, fun, indoor area where they can play and accommodate their sensory needs.

Spaulding Adaptive Sports
Spaulding Adaptive Sports offers adaptive sports and recreation activities in Boston, Cape Cod and the North Shore. Includes wheelchair tennis, hand cycling, adaptive rowing, waterskiing or windsurfing.

Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA)
Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) provides year round sports training and athletic competition for all persons with intellectual disabilities. Minimum age requirement is eight years of age. There is no maximum age requirement. SOMA summer games offers aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, sailing, tennis and volleyball. Go to above link to search SOMA region that covers your town.

Sudbury Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Programs for all ages and abilities.

Super Soccer Stars Shine
Our unique program uses soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our innovative curriculum, designed by licensed educators and therapists, promotes the complete growth and development of each player. Our low player-to-coach ratios encourage and empower players to increase social potential with teammates, build self-awareness and confidence and advance gross and fine motor skills — all while each individual improves at his or her own pace! Located at 1 Thompson Square, Suite 301 in Charlestown. Call for information. Low pricing options and scholarship applications available.

Therapy and the Performing Arts – Cape Cod
Provides children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enjoy various arts and recreational programs in addition to receiving therapeutic benefits from their participation. Children gain new and rewarding experiences from which they develop self-confidence, increase motor function, and have fun. Offers age appropriate programming on Cape Cod for children and young adults diagnosed with down syndrome, chromosomal abnormalies, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders and othe cognitive and physical disabilities. Classes are taught by certified instructors/ therapists with expertise in various disciplines. Programs are offered on a sliding scale fee based on the family’s ability to pay.


TILL Autism Support Center
TILL Autism Support Center has social programs for those with autism spectrum disorders. Programs include exciting Family Fun Days that include apple picking, rock climing, sledding, in-door gym time, zoo trips, holiday parties and much more.

Town Recreation Departments
Most programs are open to participants from neighboring towns. Call area town recreation department to find out if it has special programming for children with disabilities.

Wheelchair Sports & Recreation Assn.
Wheelchair Sports & Recreation Assn. offers information about beach wheelchairs, biking, boating and more!

TopSoccer Program / Outreach Program for Soccer
is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with a mental or physical disability. For additional information or would like to start a TOPSoccer Program in your community contact:

YMCAs
YMCAs are accessible and offer a range of classes. Call your local YMCA to find out what programs are available.

The Lowell YMCA “Adaptive Aquatics Program” accommodates children with mild to moderate neurological, physical, or social challenges.

  • (978) 454-7825.

Oak Square YMCA of Greater Boston at 615 Washington St, Brighton has a new adaptive fitness room & offers Adapted Adult Speciality Fitness Partnership Program on Wednesday and Saturday 11AM – 12:30PM on the Fitness Floor.

Hopkinton YMCA offers seasonal specialized programs. “Aim High” archery program and “Rock On!” is an outdoor ropes course and rock climbing for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or related social communication disorders.

  • 45 East Street in Hopkinton.

WaterFire Access Program
A water-taxi program at Dyer Street Dock in Providence Rhode Island which provides an unforgettable experience of the art work for children and adults with disabilities to assure that they can join in the most popular arts event in the state and share the experience with their families and friends. Reservations are required. Each Water Fire Access passenger can bring along one companion.

Waypoint Adventures
Adventures for people of all ages and abilities

Whole Children offers movement, art, recreation and music programs for infants, children and teens of all abilities. Located in Hadley.

Recreation Opportunities For People With Disabilities

Leave a reply

All Out Adventures
All Out Adventures provides outdoor accessible recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts for people of all abilities, their families and friends. Summer programs include accessible kayaking, canoeing, hiking and cycling. Winter programs include snowshoeing, x-country skiing & sit-skiing, ice skating, sled skating and snowmobile rides.

Accessible Swimming Pools
Accessible Swimming Pools outdoor swimming pool lifts are available at all of the State Parks and Recreation Department’s 20 swimming pools. The pools are free. Contact pool directly for information about other site factors affecting accessibility.

AccesSport America
AccesSport America is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery of higher function, fitness, and fun for children and adults with disabilities through high-challenge sports, which include kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing.

Arcs.
Local Arcs provide a variety of social and recreational activities for children and teens with developmental disabilities.

Bostnet / Guide to Boston’s Before & After School Programs
Build the Out-of-School Time Network (BOSTnet) has built a network of out-of-school time (OST) resources and opportunities for all children and youth, including those from low-income families and youth with disabilities.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary offers nine miles of walking trails guiding through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. A quarter-mile, handicap accessible trail and boardwalk along the bank of Indian Brook. Universally accessible facilities: Nature Center, Restrooms, All Persons Trail.

BSC (Boston Sports Club) Adaptive Swim Program
On Monday and Wednesday evening, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm, BSC Waltham (840 Winter Street) offers an adaptive swim program for children, youth, adolescents and adults with disabilities in our 93 degree therapy pool. Volunteers between the ages of 16-20 from neighboring schools and organizations offer their time to pair with an individual seeking to increase range of motion, flexibility, and strength but most importantly to socialize with other individuals and families. Our adaptive swim program is offered during the school year (September thru May) in 8-week sessions at a cost of $200 per session. Our 120,000 square foot, state of the art facility can accommodate families in our men’s, women’s or family changing rooms, fully equipped with showers, lockers, restrooms, towels, and other amenities.

  • 781-522-2054
  • 781-522-2512

CAPEable Adventures
offers adaptive sports & therapeutic recreation activities to local residents and vacationers to the Cape.


Cape Cod Challenger Club
Cape Cod Challenger Club offers noncompetitive sports and recreation opportunities for children with disabilities.

Challenger Sport League
Some towns have challenger teams. The goal of the challenger team is to play with no pressure and to educate typical peers and their parents about sportsmanship. The program is available for boys and girls, ages 3 – 19 with all types of physical and developmental disabilities. Call your local town recreation department to find out if they offer challenger sports.

Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic at Bridgewater State University
BSC students from all majors have opportunities to volunteer as clinicians and work with children and youth with disabilities, ages 18 months to 18 years. Clinic dates are to the right on website’s homepage.

Choral / Community Voices
Open to individuals 16 years of age and older. Must be willing to be committed for 12 weeks. Provides a choral opportunity for adults and young adults with developmental delays. Singing in an ensemble, individuals will have the opportunity to develop and refine vocal technique, listening skills, and team-work. Repertoire will include songs from the masters, traditional and folk favorites, as well as pop and Broadway tunes. Performances are scheduled in December and June. Fee $156/fall, $243/spring.

Compelling Fitness
Compelling Fitness in Hanover provides group and / or individual physical fitness training for children and adults with special needs.

Fitness Program / Special Needs Training
Call your local YMCA.

Horseback Riding – PATH International Centers in Massachusetts
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, PATH International was formally known as North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Though PATH Intl. began with a focus on horseback riding as a form of physical and mental therapy, the organization and its dedicated members have since developed a multitude of different equine-related activities for therapeutic purposes, collectively known as equine-assisted activities and therapies (or EAAT).

JF&CS Sunday Respite Program
JF&CS Sunday Respite Program for Children with Developmental Disabilities including those on the Autism Spectrum. Program includes swimming, music and art therapy. The program meets at the Striar JCC in Stoughton from 1:00 -4:00. This program is run by JF&CS with additional funding from Eastern Bank.


Kids In Disability Sports (K.I.D.S)

  • Kids In Disability Sports (K.I.D.S) Thirteen specialized athletic programs are available. K.I.D.S. hosts dances, sports banquets, social activities and recreational events throughout the year. Serves individuals and families throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Participants range in age 5-40 and have varying disabilities. http://www.kidsinc.us/
  • info@kidsinc.us
  • 1-866-712-7799

LIAM Nation Athletics (formerly known as FOSEK, Friends of Special Education Kidz)
sports leagues for special needs children in Tewksbury and surrounding communities in Merrimack Valley. Accomodates athletes of all abilities. Bombers Baseball, Striker Soccer, Little Reds Basketball.

Mass Dept of Conservation & Recreational Universal Access Program
Mass Dept of Conservation & Recreational Universal Access Program provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility to Massachusetts State Parks is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and accessible recreation programs.

Massachusetts Hospital School Wheelchair Recreation & Sports Program
Wheelchair sports and recreation program for children ages 9 to 21. Horseback riding, swimming and , Wheelchair Athletes Program.

Miracle League of Massachusetts
Miracle League of Massachusetts provides baseball for special needs children. Free to participate (includes uniform). Located at Blanchard Memorial Elementary School Ball Field in Boxborough.

New England Wheelchair Athletic Association (NEWAA)
Volunteer organization that helps individuals with physcial disabilities participate in recreational
and sports activities. The NEWAA provides opportunities for athletic competition by sponsoring
regional and local meets.

Partners for Youth With Disabilities Provides mentoring programs that assist young people reach their full potential. Partners provides several types of mentoring programs including one-to-one, group mentoring and e-mentoring.

Piers Park Sailing
Piers Park Sailing provides programs for disabled youth and adults aboard 23-foot sonar sailboats on a no charge basis. Serves those with amputations, paralysis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism, hearing impaired, sight impaired and other disabilities. Successfully integrates youth with disabilities into summer youth sailing programs. Scholarships are available for all Adaptive sailing programs. “Yes You Can Sail” program Friday eves for $35.

  • (617) 561-6677

Senseability Gym
Senseability Gym serves special needs children in greater Hopedale area. Our mission is to provide a parent-led sensory gym, giving children with special needs a safe, fun, indoor area where they can play and accommodate their sensory needs.

Spaulding Adaptive Sports
Spaulding Adaptive Sports offers adaptive sports and recreation activities in Boston, Cape Cod and the North Shore. Includes wheelchair tennis, hand cycling, adaptive rowing, waterskiing or windsurfing.

Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA)
Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) provides year round sports training and athletic competition for all persons with intellectual disabilities. Minimum age requirement is eight years of age. There is no maximum age requirement. SOMA summer games offers aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, sailing, tennis and volleyball. Go to above link to search SOMA region that covers your town.

Sudbury Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Programs for all ages and abilities.

Super Soccer Stars Shine
Our unique program uses soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our innovative curriculum, designed by licensed educators and therapists, promotes the complete growth and development of each player. Our low player-to-coach ratios encourage and empower players to increase social potential with teammates, build self-awareness and confidence and advance gross and fine motor skills — all while each individual improves at his or her own pace! Located at 1 Thompson Square, Suite 301 in Charlestown. Call for information. Low pricing options and scholarship applications available.

Therapy and the Performing Arts – Cape Cod
Provides children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enjoy various arts and recreational programs in addition to receiving therapeutic benefits from their participation. Children gain new and rewarding experiences from which they develop self-confidence, increase motor function, and have fun. Offers age appropriate programming on Cape Cod for children and young adults diagnosed with down syndrome, chromosomal abnormalies, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders and othe cognitive and physical disabilities. Classes are taught by certified instructors/ therapists with expertise in various disciplines. Programs are offered on a sliding scale fee based on the family’s ability to pay.


TILL Autism Support Center
TILL Autism Support Center has social programs for those with autism spectrum disorders. Programs include exciting Family Fun Days that include apple picking, rock climing, sledding, in-door gym time, zoo trips, holiday parties and much more.

Town Recreation Departments
Most programs are open to participants from neighboring towns. Call area town recreation department to find out if it has special programming for children with disabilities.

Wheelchair Sports & Recreation Assn.
Wheelchair Sports & Recreation Assn. offers information about beach wheelchairs, biking, boating and more!

TopSoccer Program / Outreach Program for Soccer
is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with a mental or physical disability. For additional information or would like to start a TOPSoccer Program in your community contact:

YMCAs
YMCAs are accessible and offer a range of classes. Call your local YMCA to find out what programs are available.

The Lowell YMCA “Adaptive Aquatics Program” accommodates children with mild to moderate neurological, physical, or social challenges.

  • (978) 454-7825.

Oak Square YMCA of Greater Boston at 615 Washington St, Brighton has a new adaptive fitness room & offers Adapted Adult Speciality Fitness Partnership Program on Wednesday and Saturday 11AM – 12:30PM on the Fitness Floor.

Hopkinton YMCA offers seasonal specialized programs. “Aim High” archery program and “Rock On!” is an outdoor ropes course and rock climbing for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or related social communication disorders.

  • 45 East Street in Hopkinton.

WaterFire Access Program
A water-taxi program at Dyer Street Dock in Providence Rhode Island which provides an unforgettable experience of the art work for children and adults with disabilities to assure that they can join in the most popular arts event in the state and share the experience with their families and friends. Reservations are required. Each Water Fire Access passenger can bring along one companion.

Waypoint Adventures
Adventures for people of all ages and abilities

Whole Children offers movement, art, recreation and music programs for infants, children and teens of all abilities. Located in Hadley.

Adaptive Sports and Accessible Recreation Programs for Massachusetts residents with disabilities

Leave a reply

Adaptive Sports and Accessible Recreation Programs
for Massachusetts residents with disabilities

Wheelchair Vans Massachusetts

NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.

What are adaptive sports and recreation programs?

Adaptive and accessible sports and recreation programs are recreational activities that are modified or designed to allow people with disabilities to participate. Almost any type of recreational activity can be adapted or made accessible for people with physical, visual, cognitive, or emotional disabilities.

 

 

Adaptive and accessible sports and recreation programs include a wide range of activities:

  • indoor and outdoor
  • cold weather and warm weather
  • team and individual
  • inclusive and disability-specific
  • for children, for adults, for families
  • for people with physical, intellectual, and/or emotional disabilities
  • competitive and leisure

Adaptive and accessible programs give children and adults with disabilities the freedom to participate in mainstream activities, to gain self-confidence, and to develop physical abilities and social skills.

Am I eligible?

Many adaptive and accessible sports and recreation programs are open to everyone. Open programs customize their activities to meet the needs of participants, regardless of the type of disability.

Some programs are disability-specific. Disability-specific programs may limit participation to people with certain types of impairments.

You should check with the programs that interest you to see if they have any restrictions.

How much does it cost?

Many adaptive and accessible sports and recreation programs are free, but some charge fees. Financial aid, scholarships, or sliding fee scales are usually available for families and individuals who need assistance.

You should check with the programs that interest you to see if they charge fees. If they do, ask about financial assistance if you need help paying.

What programs are offered in the state parks and recreation areas?

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees the state’s Universal Access Program. The Universal Access Program provides adaptive and/or accessible outdoor recreation programs for people of all abilities in state parks and recreation areas throughout Massachusetts.

Activities vary from park to park. Programs include adaptive skating, skiing, sledding, and bicycling; accessible beaches with beach wheelchairs; sensory nature walks; accessible trails, fishing sites, camping, and boating; and adventure games. All of the state outdoor swimming pools have pool lifts for accessibility.

For information about specific activities, visit the following DCR web site pages:

The DCR works together with nonprofit organizations to offer some of the state park adaptive recreation programs. (SeeAll Out Adventures below.)

Where can I find adaptive sports and recreation programs?

The Massachusetts Universal Access Program offers a wide range of activities in state parks and recreation areas.

Other adaptive sports and accessible recreation programs in Massachusetts include:

(Note: For additional programs, see Directories below)

  • AccesSportAmerica
    Web site: AccesSportAmericaAccesSportAmerica, a national nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts, offers high-challenge sports and training programs for children and adults of all disabilities. Programs are offered year-round in the Greater Boston area. High-challenge sports include adaptive windsurfing, outrigger canoeing, surfing, water skiing, sailing, rowing, wall climbing, tennis, soccer, and cycling.Contact: 978-264-0985; Contact Us
    Programs: AccesSportAmerica: Participate
  • All Out Adventures
    Web site: All Out AdventuresAll Out Adventures is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round outdoor activities for people with disabilities and their friends and family. Programs are inclusive, allowing children and adults of all abilities to participate together. All Out Adventures runs programs for the state Universal Access Program and the Statewide Head Injury Program.Programs: Our Programs
    More information: Frequently Asked Questions about eligibility, waivers, costs, and types of equipment
    Contact: Contact Us
  • CHD Disability Resources Adaptive Sports and Activities
    Web site: CHD Adaptive Sports and ActivitiesCHD Disability Resources’ barrier-free sports and recreation programs are open to anyone with physical disabilities or visual impairments in the Springfield MA area. Adult and junior sports programs include sled hockey, swimming, cycling, golf, wheelchair basketball, soccer, and more. Adaptive sports equipment is available for borrowing for personal use.Telephone: 413-788-9695
    Brochure: CHD Disability Resources
    Facebook: CHD Facebook Wall
  • Kids in Disability Sports (K.I.D.S.)
    Web site: K.I.D.S.K.I.D.S. is a volunteer-run non-profit organization based in Lowell MA that provides a wide range of sports and recreation activities for children and young adults with special needs. K.I.D.S. specialized athletic programs serve families throughout the Merrimack Valley, and include team sports such as basketball, baseball, and soccer; as well as swimming, horseback riding, martial arts, golf, bowling, and many other activities.Programs: Our Activities
    Signups: Join K.I.D.S. – New Member Registration
  • Little League Baseball – Challenger Division – Massachusetts
    Web site: Massachusetts Little League: Challenger ProgramThe Challenger Division is a special division of Little League baseball for boys and girls with physical and intellectual disabilities, ages 5 through 18 (or completion of high school). Players are placed on teams according to ability, not age, and volunteer ‘buddies’ help out as needed.More information: Challenger Division
    Locations: Find a Challenger Division
  • Paralympics USA and Paralympic Sport Clubs
    Web site: U.S. ParalympicsU.S. Paralympics is the division of the U.S. Olympic Committee for athletes with physical and visual disabilities. The U.S. Paralympic Team participates in the Paralympics, a competition for elite paralympic sport athletes, held at the same time and place as the Olympics.Paralympic Sport Clubs are community-based programs where youth and adults with physical and visual disabilities can take part in paralympic sports regardless of skill level.

    Locations: Find a Program Near You

  • Special Olympics – Massachusetts (SOMA)
    Web site: Special Olympics MassachusettsThe Massachusetts Special Olympics offers a wide range of Olympic-style individual and team sports and training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Activities are year-round, and include Winter Games, Summer Games, special tournaments, and training. The cost is free.Sports and Dates: Sporting Events
    Sign up: Get Involved as an Athlete
    Local programs: Find a Program Near You
  • Sudbury Inclusive and Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program (not limited to Sudbury residents)
    Web site: Inclusive and AdaptiveSudbury’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program provides year-round affordable recreation activities for children and adults with disabilities, regardless of hometown. Programs include adaptive skiing, skating, fencing, power soccer, yoga, Taekwondo, and dance. Scholarships are available.Telephone: 978-443-1092
    Signups: Online registration
  • TOPSoccer – Massachusetts Youth Soccer
    Web site: TOPSoccerThe Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer) is a community-based youth soccer program for children with physical or mental disabilities. Each program is different and is designed to meet the needs of its team members. The emphasis is on learning skills and having fun.Leagues: TOPSoccer Leagues and contacts
    More information: TOPSoccer resources
  • Ultimate Sports Program
    Web site: Ultimate Sports Program – Association for Community LivingThe Ultimate Sports Program (USP) – “Social Inclusion Through Sports” – teaches sports to children with disabilities alongside their friends. The USP runs programs in various Western Massachusetts locations. All programs are free, and include swimming, basketball, sled hockey, baseball, Taekwondo, wiffleball, bowling, rock climbing, and more.Current Programs: Ultimate Sports Program Current Programs
    Signups: Contact Us

Directories

Other Massachusetts adaptive and accessible sports and recreation programs are listed in the following directories:

Local YMCAs and ARC Chapters also offer adaptive and accessible recreation and sports programs for their members and the community.

What are the laws regarding adaptive and accessible sports and recreation?

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. In Recreation Access Rights Under the ADA, the National Center on Accessibility outlines some of the rights created by the ADA with respect to sports and recreation:

  • right to the most integrated setting:
    People with disabilities and those without disabilities should be able to participate in activities alongside each other to the maximum extent possible
  • right to participate:
    People with disabilities should be able to take part in any type of activity available to people without disabilities, as long as all essential eligibility requirements are met
  • right to reasonable accommodations including adaptive equipment:
    The provider of an activity must make reasonable adjustments to allow people with disabilities to participate
  • right to an assessment or evaluation:
    People with disabilities should not be prohibited from an activity due to a perceived safety risk without an evaluation of actual risk after accommodations
  • no disparate impact:
    Any change in rules or policies (for example, budget cuts) cannot have a greater impact on people with disabilities than people without disabilities
  • same fees:
    People with disabilities cannot be charged more than people without disabilities for inclusive activities, whether or not special accommodations have been made
  • no substantial public support for discriminatory programs:
    State and local governments cannot provide substantial support (e.g. free or reduced cost use of public facilities) to organizations that discriminate based on disability
  • reasonable changes to rules and policies:
    If a rule or policy change does not fundamentally change the nature of an activity and allows people with disabilities to participate in that activity, then the rule change should be allowed. This includes allowing disability-related unusual behaviors that do not pose a direct threat to participants.

Exceptions to the ADA rules can be made in three cases: if the accommodation costs too much; if the accommodation is too difficult to make; or if the accommodation fundamentally changes the nature of the activity.

The ADA rules apply to government facilities and programs, nonprofit organizations (such as YMCAs), and private organizations (such as health clubs and gyms). The only exempt organizations are private membership clubs and religious organizations.

Other ADA guidelines related to sports and recreation include: