AutismUpOffers classes designed to build social, recreation, sensory, and readiness skills for individuals with autism, and their entire families.
CDS MonarchOffers person-centered recreation and leisure activities to individuals ages 5 to adulthood living at home with their families. Services are provided by partnering with community-based programs to deliver specialized programming to fit individual needs.
CP RochesterOffers recreation programming that helps to develop an individual’s skills and interests. Individuals are provided with community-based opportunities that encourage group interaction and provide instruction and personal development. Specific programs include athletic, youth, and fine arts programs.
Pieters Family Life CenterA recreation center that offers educational, social, and wellness support that is inclusive to all people.
(585) KidsHas resources for families with special needs children that include recreation and camps in the Rochester area
The Family Autism CenterHome to Camp Puzzle Piece, the center provides traditional family experiences to families in Rochester, NY and surrounding areas dealing with ASD and other developmental delays. They provide arts, recreation, skill-building, and social opportunities, and are skilled in working with children who have significant communication and behavioral difficulties.
United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP)Provides links to information on sports and activities that one with cerebral palsy may participate in along with the necessary additions such as equipment to make participating in these activities possible.
YMCA of Greater RochesterAs a community organization, the YMCA is focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Parks & Museums
New York State Parks Access PassPermits residents of New York State with disabilities, as defined in the application, free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Camp Good DaysA 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges through summer camping experiences and year-round events and activities.
Camp Puzzle PieceProvides camping recreation opportunities for families.
Sport & Exercise
AbilitYogaWas started by a team of two experienced occupational therapists to provide unique adaptive yoga therapy for children with special needs, either developmental disabilities or special healthcare needs, in the metropolitan Rochester, NY, area.
Cape Ability Outrigger OhanaAims to provide the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through participation in paddle sports, recreation, and related educational programs.
Empire State GamesOffers competition in a variety of adapted sports, plus fitness for young people with physical challenges. The program is free to athletes and spectators through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and supported by local volunteers. Open to ages from 5-21 years with many different divisions available.
Gliding Stars of RochesterGives individuals with disabilities the chance to increase their physical abilities and self-determination through development of ice skating skills. Participants are involved in a regular program of instruction and practice within their local community. An end of season public performance is part of the program.
Rochester RookiesThe Rochester Rookies Junior Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports offers children with physical disabilities from age 6 to 22 to participate in recreational and competitive wheelchair and ambulatory sports.
Shared Ski AdventuresAn adaptive learn to ski program that helps people with disabilities to learn to become independent skiers. SSA is a recreational program of CP Rochester that takes place at Swain Resort in Western New York. SSA is the largest adaptive ski program in the greater Rochester area.
SportsNetrovides inclusive sports and recreation opportunities for people with physical challenges. Working with area organizations, sports clubs, recreational facilities, and sports professionals, the goal of the program is to create a great sports experience for people of all abilities.
Webster Central School District/SEPTA SportsWith SEPTA, sponsors sports programs for children with special needs-ages 5 - 21. Provides a list of various sports opportunities with the appropriate contact information.
Music & Dance
Expressions of DanceDance classes for children with and without special needs. Young adults may also attend.
Music Education CenterLocated in Penfield, MEC has an array of musical enrichment programs and breaks down musical tasks into basic components to make things easy for students. Their programs are ideal for students with developmental challenges.
Abilities MovementProvides fitness, wellness, sports opportunities, and community integration for people of all abilities through fitness and sports classes
Rochester Accessible AdventuresRAA partners with the community to train recreation businesses to operate inclusively whenever their doors are open so that individuals with and without disabilities can participate together; supports adaptive sports teams; and operates as a Regional Resource Network to connect families to the resources they need.
Together Including Every Student (TIES)Promotes the participation of students with developmental disabilities in extracurricular and community activities by creating effective natural support provided by trained student volunteers. TIES is supported in various school districts. Visit the TIES website to find the coordinator in your district.
Pet Therapy
Heritage Christian StablesOffers an accredited therapeutic riding program for children and adults. Participants receive support from highly skilled riding instructors and physical therapists.
Purple PonyA therapeutic horsemanship program located near Rochester, NY. They provide equine opportunities to persons with disabilities and diverse needs.
The EquiCenterLocated in Honeoye Falls, NY. Offers therapeutic riding, hippotherapy (health professionals assist a client and horse), vaulting, and horsemanship sessions. The center is committed to providing a safe, appropriate, and enjoyable group atmosphere where all participants can work toward their individual goals.