You don't have to go far to get your child with special needs involved in the right sports program. We did the legwork for you. Here are some highlights in the Fairfield County, CT, area:
BounceU
305 Hathaway Drive, Stratford
(203) 375-2700; stratford.ct@bounceu.com
While known primarily as a party destination, the inflatable bounce houses can also provide specially geared fun with their Sensory Bounces: Sessions are limited to 15 participants at a time (including those with disabilities with a sensory component such as as autism and Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and their siblings) and work on balance, auditory and tactile sensitivity, strength building, motor coordination, and cooperative play.
Dynamic Martial Arts
606 Post Road East, Westport
(203) 454-7766; www.westportkarate.com
Hosts weekly summer camps through the end of August and year-round classes for children with disabilities led by black belt instructors.
Fairfield Parks & Recreation
75 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield
(203) 256-3191; www.fairfieldrecreation.com
Offers youth leagues for children of all ages, including basketball, soccer, football, baseball and softball. The Challenger Division in various sports caters specifically to children with disabilities.
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme
(860) 434-1974; www.highhopestr.org
Accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, the year-round program has served people with physical, emotional and developmental disabilities for more than a quarter of a century. Camps available in the summer.
Special Olympics
999 Oronoque Lane, Stratford
(203) 380-9990; www.soct.org
Their mission is to provide year-round athletic training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.
Find special needs sports programs in other areas.
