Children and teens with special needs and disabilities need to remain active and participate in athletic activities. Though the opportunities might seem scarce, they are out there and thriving; many programs are funded through grants and government funds in addition to donations. The San Francisco Bay area has a good number of organizations that provide activities for youth with special needs.
Support for Families of Children With Disabilities
Support for Families of Children With Disabilities, a nonprofit in existence since 1982, has a program called the Arts and Activities for All. This program provides information and resources for special needs families and sponsors Arts and Crafts and cultural programs like ceramics, sculpture-making, concert-attending, musical events and festivals geared specifically toward children with special needs. These programs allow the children to remain active in their communities.
Janet Pomeroy Center
The Janet Pomeroy Center is a recreational program for kids with disabilities. A nonprofit since 1952, the center provides therapeutic swimming, instructional and adaptive physical education in the pool, playground activities, dance and outdoor sports. The certified staff gives exercise classes and supervises all swim time and other activities. Providing you have a doctor's note, children may also be able to use the weight room. There is an application process and the programs do require a fee, though scholarships are available. Participants must be signed up with an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, which you may do through your child's school.
Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the Blind
Self-esteem and empowerment are the focus at these after-school and weekend programs put on by the Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the Blind. This organization provides ASL programs, rock climbing and career workshops for teens who are interested in working at the Lighthouse. They work with Project Insight, a division of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks department, on Saturday outings for children with special needs. The program is free, although you do need to attend an orientation and meet with a social worker before participating. Ages 6 to 19 are welcome.
Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors
The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors reaches children and adults alike, although they prefer all children who participate be at least 6 years old for safety reasons. This organization provides outreach programs for children who use wheelchairs or canes, or have other types of physical disabilities. They teach sailing, cruising and even racing. The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors makes sailing accessible to children and adults with physical disabilities through the use of adaptive equipment, and they also offer classes on the basics of sailing and knot-tying. Try it for free; dues for the year are $36 (price current as of 2010).
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program
This organization reaches out to children with physical and visual disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and a variety of sensory and visual disabilities. Founded in 1976, they seek to create access to recreation for those who often aren't offered active and athletic options. They offer fitness programs and sports opportunities year round like adaptive cycling, their Adventures and Outing Program, and their Youth Sports Program. They do provide transportation, which is a definite plus, and children and youth ages 5 to 19 are welcome.
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