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Camps | Music, Dance & Sports | Special Needs Vacations | Other Special Needs Info

Socializing and participating in group activities is an important part of life for anyone, and it can be difficult for those with special needs or developmental disabilities to find appropriately paced activities. A big part of special education is not only providing academic learning opportunities for those with special needs, but helping them to develop social skills. There are many camps that offer special needs oriented programs, as well as athletic organizations, therapeutic horse riding groups, and purely social groups that can entertain those with special needs and help them grow socially and emotionally. Special needs focused travel agencies and vacation planners also provide the valuable service of opening up the world to travelers of varying physical and mental ability levels.

This collection of sites is not a ranking, but it represents some of the most useful resources for special ed teachers, parents of those with special needs, and even special needs individuals themselves. Anyone who is on a mission to provide great opportunities for learning and interaction to those with special needs will find something useful here.

Camps

Summer camps, and even camps with year-round programs, provide a great opportunity for young people with special needs to spend time with peers and have fun socializing. Many camps cater specifically to campers with autism spectrum disorder or other more generalized special needs.

1. Friendship Circle Camps

   

   Friendship Circle Camps are designed for children with special needs. The non-profit organization also is an advocate for anti-bullying campaigns and other various programs to support the families of children with special needs.

   Additional Information — Programs

2. Camp Kirk

   

   Camp Kirk helps children with learning disabilities to have a community and place to go that is safe and fosters an increased understanding of themselves and their own learning disability. For parents, the site is useful because it provides an outlet for their special needs children.

   Additional Information — Testimonials

3. Camp Ramapo

   

   Camp Ramapo offers a traditional residential summer camp experience for children with social, emotional, and learning challenges. Ramapo for Children focuses on helping children develop the skills to succeed in the classroom, at home, and in life. Ramapo also has a unique, residential transition-to-independence program for young adults who face obstacles to
   learning. Decades of experience and a highly developed methodology are the key to Ramapo’s consistent success.

   Additional Information — About Ramapo

4. Camp Greentop

   

   Parents looking to keep their child with special needs active should look no further than Camp Greentop in Catoctin National Park in Maryland. They’ve built impressive services with special needs children that include canoeing, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding, among other options.

   Additional Information — Summer Programs

5. Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp

   

   The Amputee Coalition holds a special Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp for children who have lost limbs or were born with limb differences. For parents looking to keep their kids active and want to enable them to be an environment to feel confident and empowered, this camp is strongly recommended.

   Additional Information — About Camp

6. Camp Wapiyapi

   

   Camp Wapiyapi has taken on a valiant effort to provide children with cancer a camp to have fun, worry less, and get engaged with other children. The camp does a great job of incorporating all the children together and not having any signifiers to indicate whether the child has cancer or not.

   Additional Information — Programs

7. Deaf Camps, Inc.

   

   Deaf Camps, Inc is a volunteer-run organization that provides camps to promote interaction and a sense of connectedness among its attendees. If you’re a parent looking to enroll your child who is deaf into a camp that promotes communication, it’s highly recommended to check out their page.

   Additional Information — For Campers and Parents

8. Camp Boggy Creek

   

   Camp Boggy Creek is a year-round camp that works with very ill children throughout Florida, all at no cost to families and their children. The camp provides an intuitive environment for families to spend time together and parents should check out the website if their child is seriously ill.

   Additional Information — Our Campers

9. Easter Seals New Hampshire

   

   Easter Seals New Hampshire is an incredible organization that advocates on behalf of those with special needs to ensure they are able to live the life of equal opportunities they’re entitled to. Easter Seals page also highlights camps they offer that cater to various special needs.

   Additional Information — Autism Services

10. Asperger’s Team Camp

    

    Asperger’s Team Camp brings together children and young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome through a camp that promotes physical activity with hiking and other outdoor exercise. Dense with insightful content, the site is worth looking at because they explain the benefits of camp on social skills and how it may help with symptoms associated with Asperger’s.

    Additional Information — Team Living

11. Camp Kodiak

    

    Camp Kodiak focuses on providing children between the ages of 6 and 18 an environment in which they can feel comfortable and be themselves. One of the notable aspects is the fact that they incorporate children with and without various learning disabilities, which makes it intuitive for building social skills with others.

    Additional Information — Tour Camp Kodiak

12. Dragonfly Forest

    

    Dragonfly Forest has two unique options for families, both providing to others in unique ways. They provide an after-school program year-round for children with Autism to focus on their social skills. Additionally, they have a summer camp that gives these children a safe environment in which to feel engaged and happy. With one of the most thorough sets of resources we’ve seen, it’s strongly encouraged, for any parent, to check out their page.

    Additional Information — Friends

13. Camp Bon Coeur

    

    Camp Bon Coeur is an incredible outlet for children between 7 and 16 to have a camp to attend that accommodates to congenital heart defects. Since many camps depend largely on physical activity, they’re unable to incorporate this distinct group of children, which is why it’s such a highly recommended page.

    Additional Information — Facilities

14. Aaron’s Acres

    

    Aaron’s Acres has been around since 1998 providing children between 5-21 years old with the social and recreational programs that allow for further engagement. The organization advocates on behalf of these children as well and the site has incredibly worthwhile reads.

    Additional Information — Partnerships

15. Camp Huntington

    

    Camp Huntington is a summer camp dedicated to providing children with special needs an environment that is safe, fun, and promotes the development of their strengths. Parents should definitely consider their site if you’re unsure about what it’s like to send your special needs child to camp.

    Additional Information — Our Program

16. The Double H Ranch

    

    The Double H Ranch is based in Adirondack Park in New York and has served over 20,000 children with life-threatening illnesses who otherwise may not be able to engage in some of these activities. With content that is explicitly tailored to the individual, parents should definitely look into sending their child to this free camp if they have an illness that threatens their life.

    Additional Information — Summer Residential Camp

17. The Children’s Association for Maximum Potential

    

    The Children’s Association for Maximum Potential is an organization founded by Air Force physicians in the late 70’s and understands the immense benefits associated with physical activity of any kind. The organization helps to empower those with disabilities to have a worthwhile and lasting camping experience, so it’s definitely a great site for parents to check out.

    Additional Information — Volunteer Staff

18. AmicA Camp

    

    AmicA Camp focuses their efforts on children and young adults that have high-functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and non-verbal learning disabilities. The camp works on social skills with these individuals and promotes more connectedness between them all. Parents love the camp because of their expertise in working with children with these conditions, so it’s definitely a worthwhile site to read.

    Additional Information — Community

19. Aspen Education Group

    

    The Aspen Education Group is a leader in working with troubled or underperforming youth across the country to help get them back on the right track academically and emotionally. Parents are strongly encouraged to check out this site if their child is in need of help, including boarding schools, wilderness therapy, and residential treatment.

    Additional Information — Residential Schools

20. Camp Victory

    

    Camp Victory is a safe haven for children with various special needs, chronic health problems, or with physical and mental disabilities. They understand the stresses associated with day-to-day life when there are disabilities that must be taken into account and the camp really helps to make these kids feel great.

    Additional Information — Calendar

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Music, Dance & Sports

Organizations offering music, dance, and sporting activities often have programs that allow those with special needs to compete and collaborate with peers at the same level of skill as them, which provides a nurturing environment for both socialization and developing particular skills.

21. Little League Challenger Division

    

    The Little League Challenger Division focuses on providing those with physical and developmental disabilities a league in which they can have fun and play baseball. The league has been around for over 25 years, so for parents looking for a well-established team that appeals to all children, their organization is strongly recommended.

    Additional Information — Challenger Jamboree

22. Path International

    

    Path International is an organization created explicitly to apply the therapeutic values of riding a horse to special needs children. The organization has over 850 centers around the world and 4,500 PATH-certified instructors. Parents should check out the page for great information on how horse riding can benefit their child.

    Additional Information — Resources

23. Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center

    

    Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center is the only therapeutic riding center in the United States that offers services free of charge in their six different programs. They provide a truly incredible support group for special needs individuals, but also victims of abuse, battered women, and even Youth After-Drug rehab. If you’re a parent looking for the most positive environment for your child, this is a worthwhile organization, for sure.

    Additional Information — SpiritHorse Overview

24. Rainier Therapeutic Riding

    

    Riding and working with horses has been shown to have therapeutic effects for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health challenges. Ranier Therapeutic Riding provides carefully crafted therapeutic horsemanship training for soldiers who have returned from war with visible or invisible wounds that need to heal.

    Additional Information — Horsemanship Programs

25. Hearts & Horses

    

    Hearts & Horses provides therapeutic riding opportunities with the goal of promoting “the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of people with special needs.” They are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, and have been operating since 1997.

    Additional Information — Videos

26. it’s a Sensory World!

    

    It’s a Sensory World dives into the issues that those with Autism face and addresses them with a comforting setting for care and services that are therapeutic, recreational, and educational. As a parent, it’s great to look at what a good care facility for children with autism looks like, even if you don’t live close enough to utilize the facility or services.

    Additional Information — Educational Programs

27. Friday’s Kids Respite

    

    An awesome outlet for alleviating some of the stress and rigor associated with being a caregiver for special needs children is Friday’s Kids Respite. They have volunteers who take children on for some quality bonding time, allowing those who take care of them to get a break. Parents will find it useful, as well as teachers, who commit extra time and efforts many times to these children.

    Additional Information — Can I Help?

28. Making Friends Social Center

    

    Making Friends Social Center does an absolutely wonderful job of addressing special needs children who may need help with their social skills. Classes throughout each day focus on different age groups and the most beneficial ways to go about educating children on increasing their social skills.

    Additional Information — Services

29. Kidnetic Energy

    

    Kidnetic Energy is an awesome initiative based in Columbus, Ohio that provides special needs children dance and gymnastics classes to stay healthy, active, and happy. The classes stay fun and engaging, making it incredibly worthwhile for parents who want to keep their kids active.

    Additional Information — Programs

30. Temecula Valley Dance Connection

    

    When it comes to young adults with special needs, there is often a lack of options relating to being social and this is why Temecula Valley Dance Connection is so crucial. If you live in the area and are looking to keep your child active physically and socially, their page is a great portal through which to get involved.

    Additional Information — Gallery

31. Grand Jete Dance Studio: Special Needs Program

    

    Grand Jete Dance Studio: Special Needs Program works to promote basic movement skills, ballet, along with jazz and creativity. It’s a great way to ensure that a special needs child is getting the physical activity and creative stimulation that can often improve quality of life.

    Additional Information — Studio Classes

32. Owensboro Dance Theater: Special Needs Dance Therapy

    

    Owensboro Dance Theatre has a fantastic special needs dance therapy program and they work ardently to incorporate special needs students into this engaging class. Just as music therapy has various cognitive benefits, dance therapy incorporates physical activity in as well and it helps establish Owensboro Dance Theater in their community.

    Additional Information — The Nutcracker

33. Orlando USA Dance: Special Needs Programs

    

    Orlando USA Dance: Special Needs Programs helps to include individuals with special needs into dance classes with their Ballroom Dance Program. It highlights the numerous social benefits to the program and has a wealth of supplementary information as well.

    Additional Information — Dancing Around Town

34. Therapeutic Riding, Incorporated

    

    There are numerous benefits to riding a horse and Therapeutic Riding Incorporated works with special needs individuals to allow them to work on social skills, form a bond with a horse, strengthen muscles and more. The competitive aspect of many sports is disengaging for many and this is a great way for parents to get their special needs children active and engaged.

    Additional Information — Riders

35. Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center

    

    Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center emphasizes the benefits to riding horses and uses special programs to work with individuals with disabilities. From the bond developed with the horse to learning to control different aspects of riding one, the site showcases how to approach improving the quality of life for those with special needs.

    Additional Information — Riders

36. Back Mountain Music Therapy

    

    Our brains connect to music in unique ways, which is why Back Mountain Music Therapy is so effective in working with special needs children. Teachers can use the site to see what a career is like in music therapy, while parents can utilize the information pertaining to music therapy.

    Additional Information — Music + Play = Recipe to Override Developmental Delays

37. Ambler Music Academy: Music Therapy

    

    Ambler Music Academy has impressive music therapy options that help those with various special needs. The benefits of music therapy are well documented and parents should consider enrolling their children in this particular program because of their outstanding commitment to those with special needs.

    Additional Information — Standing Ovations

38. Coast Music Therapy

    

    Coast Music Therapy details the ways that music therapy is integral to the development of those with disabilities and why you should consider enrolling your child. Their site has a wealth of resources concerning those with special needs, so parents should definitely check out their page.

    Additional Information — How Music Helps

39. The Rhythm Tree: Music Therapy

    

    The Rhythm Tree: Music Therapy has dedicated their resources to connecting with special needs children and helping them further cognitive abilities as it pertains to musical development. Parents should definitely consider enrolling their special needs child into a program such as this because of the benefits it has.

    Additional Information — Video Blog

40. Harmony Music Therapy

    

    Harmony Music Therapy showcases the numerous ways music can benefit people, and particularly how it helps those with special needs. The site uses a really great blog to supplement with great material detailing different aspects of being special needs and what you can expect to gain from music therapy.

    Additional Information — Our Services

41. Music Therapy for all Ages

    

    The benefits of music therapy have long been established and Music Therapy for All Ages provides a great avenue through which those with special needs can develop unique pathways neurologically. The site itself is worth checking out as well to get information on music therapy in general.

    Additional Information — Music Therapy

42. Miracle League of Frisco

    

    The Miracle League of Frisco is a sports organization designed to give special needs children an outlet through which they can have fun and be active. Based in North Texas, parents in the area are strongly recommended to enroll their special needs children into the organization. They offer 6 different sports in which children can play.

    Additional Information — History

43. New York Sports Connection: Special Needs Options

    

    The Special Needs Options page from New York Sports Connection is an incredible page for residents of New York City who are looking for sports-related activities to get their child involved in.

    Additional Information — Find a Sport and Start Playing

44. Hoops and Stars, Inc.

    

    The primary mission of Hoops and Stars, Inc is to empower those with developmental disabilities to have a basketball league in which they feel equal to everyone else. The environment is very encouraging and is comprised completely of volunteers.

    Additional Information — Testimonials

45. Texas Cheer Allstars

    

    Texas Cheer Allstars has a program that incorporates special needs children and provides a large self-esteem boost for many in their community. The page highlights how successful they’ve been at working with special needs children and is great to read up on how to be a cheerleader, even with special needs.

    Additional Information — News

46. Balance 180

    

    Balance 180 is a non-profit gymnastics and sports academy that has an intent desire to focus on inclusion and make sure that children of all abilities are able to stay active through sports. This is great for parents looking to get their special needs child active in a welcoming and safe environment.

    Additional Information — Programs

47. Sky High Sports: Special Needs

    

    Sky High Sports has a Special Needs Day in which they open their trampoline center to special needs children on the first Tuesday of each month. Their goal is to make sure that any child has access to a fun space in which to be physically active and play with other children. The page is highly recommended for parents who are trying to locate all the best resources for their children.

    Additional Information — FUNdraising

48. Acting Antics, Inc.

    

    Acting Antics, Inc aims to work with those who have special needs through theatre and music. It’s a great way to expand social skills and help keep children active with others.

    Additional Information — Speaking

49. Ability First

    

    Ability First has 25 locations throughout Southern California and helps individuals with a range of developmental disabilities to live productive lives. They help to minimize the special needs and empower these individuals to be the happiest possible.

    Additional Information — Programs

50. The Miracle League

    

    The Miracle League helps children with disabilities to play games of baseball together and encourage overall teamwork and unity among the children. This page is worthwhile even if you do not live in the area to see a functioning little league team that helps others and how you too could begin one.

    Additional Information — History

51. Adaptive Sports Foundation

    

    The Adaptive Sports Foundation helps individuals with mild-to-severe disabilities to stay active through various physical activities, educational tools, and support. They stress equality and are an awesome source for parents who want to get their special needs child engaged physically and socially at the same time.

    Additional Information — Programs

52. Action Karate: Special Needs

    

    Action Karate’s Special Needs page showcases the beneficial ways to improve a child’s emotional and mental stability through such means as karate. Their page goes into more detail on why it’s important to stay physically active and why karate is so beneficial, which makes the site worth the visit.

    Additional Information — Adult Karate

53. CNNH Creative Arts/Social Skills Classes

    

    The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health has a great section that explains their Social Skills Classes and how they are able to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities. The site is one of the foremost sources on brain-related disabilities and injuries, so it’s a very important page to check out if you’re wondering how to assist your child with problems they may be having.

    Additional Information — Autism Spectrum Disorder

54. Happy Hearts Yoga

    

    Happy HeARTS Yoga works to engage special needs children through the calming activities of yoga. They specialize in Autism and parents with special needs children should definitely inquire to the benefits yoga can have for their child on this site.

    Additional Information — Services

55. Yes, You Can Dance: Special Needs

    

    Yes, You Can Dance Special Needs page shows how to go about engaging special needs individuals through dance. Many times people respond significantly better to music, compared to social interaction, so dancing provides a bridge into social interaction.

    Additional Information — Events

56. Kennedy Dance Center: Special Needs

    

    Kennedy Dance Center has a Special Needs Program that helps students with Down Syndrome, Autism, and other developmental disabilities stay active and have fun. The classes are offered free of charge, with the teachers and assistants volunteering their time to improve motor skills, social skills, and each child’s own confidence.

    Additional Information — Press Releases

57. Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center

    

    The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center is one of the largest and oldest therapeutic riding centers in the country and cater to the needs of individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. For parents who are not aware of the benefits of therapeutic riding, this site is a worthwhile read.

    Additional Information — Our Therapy Herd

58. Therapeutic Riding

    

    Therapeutic Riding focuses on giving special attention to special needs children, specifically Autism, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and many others. Therapeutic Riding helps these individuals through their environment for building a relationship with an animal, strengthening core muscles, and engaging the senses. Parents should at least read the many different information sections on the site that detail the numerous benefits for children therapeutic riding can have.

    Additional Information — Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

59. Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship

    

    Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship understands the various ways that riding a horse can benefit individuals and this relationship with special needs children should not be understated. The organization is able to foster lasting and memorable relationships between special needs children and these horses.

    Additional Information — Hippotherapy

60. Ride Your Horse

    

    Ride Your Horse impressively details how special needs children can find increased sensory skills and build an emotional connection to these horses. Their site has information on how to get further involved, along with useful events for engaging special needs children more.

    Additional Information — Ride with RYH

61. Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

    

    Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding Inc uses their site to detail how effective therapeutic riding can be for many different children, particularly special needs ones. The site has a wealth of information on how the organization works to engage children and improve their quality of life.

    Additional Information — Programs

62. Center for Therapeutic & Educational Riding

    

    The Center for Therapeutic & Educational Riding works extensively to offer the most affordable care for special needs children or those who are at risk in the state of Delaware and the surrounding area. They strongly desire to improve the lives of those with special needs and therapeutic equine activities have proven very effective.

    Additional Information — Events/News

63. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

    

    Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center incorporates special needs children into their lesson plans and is an integral part of providing children increased emotional stability. The site has great information on how others in the community can help with volunteering and giving special needs children the most opportunities possible.

    Additional Information — Our Services

64. Carousel Farms: Special Programs for Exceptional People

    

    Carousel Farms: Special Programs for Exceptional People is a day camp for those with special needs. It’s useful because it integrates the children into a safe environment, complete with horseback riding, instructional and recreational swimming, gardens, a petting zoo, various sports fields, along with music and art activities. The camp is incredibly dense with activities and parents are strongly encouraged to read more on the programs available as well.

    Additional Information — Summer Program

65. The Groovy Garfoose

    

    The Groovy Garfoose emphasizes music therapy and its benefits in the context of special needs children. Since many special needs children just need to be engaged in a different manner, music therapy provides a wonderful avenue to do this. Parents are strongly recommended to check out this site and their wide array of information about how music therapy will be able to help their special needs child.

    Additional Information — Music Therapy

66. Daniel’s Music Foundation

    

    Daniel’s Music Foundation is a truly incredibly non-profit organization that provides musical instruction to those with disabilities in the New York City area. They emphasize that their goal goes beyond even this, extending into building a community for these individuals to gather around. The end result is an organization that fosters social engagement, while simultaneously teaching music.

    Additional Information — Our Members

67. MusicWorks

    

    MusicWorks is a music therapy service provider for children and young adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays and genetic abnormalities. Through the use of music, our Board Certified Music Therapists work on learning and communication, focus and attention, fine and gross motor skills, and socialization through the use of music. MusicWorks accepts Medical Assistance for residents of Delaware and Montgomery Counties that qualify.

    Additional Information — For Children

68. Special Needs Gymnastics

    

    Special Needs Gymnastics gives individuals who wish to stay physically active, but may have a disability that inhibits this to an extent. Their programs work around these aspects and ensure that all students are able to have fun. Parents who check out this page will be pleased to read through the information on how the organization operates.

    Additional Information — The Coach

69. Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC)

    

    Renowned for their commitment to helping include those with special needs or disabilities, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center is a worthwhile site to check out. Parents will find the site very useful because of all the programs they outline and the engaging content related to camps on their website.

    Additional Information — Adaptive Ski and Ride School

70. Disabled Sports USA

    

    Disabled Sports USA is a really amazing organization that helps over 60,000 individuals per year with disabilities to stay involved in sports and recreation opportunities. The site is a worthwhile read for a number of reasons, ranging from in-depth programs to great meet-up events, and more.

    Additional Information — Get Involved

71. Adaptive Sports Center

    

    Adaptive Sports Center aims to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities by offering various outdoor activities. Parents should check out the page for their children of any age, really. While they have summer programs and camp sessions catered towards younger individuals, they also have activities directed at older individuals as well.

    Additional Information — 2013-2014 Winter Programs

72. STRIDE Adaptive Sports

    

    Stride Adaptive Sports works to fulfill the dreams of the special needs individuals they support by giving them a range of options that increase self-esteem and enable them to participate in different sport and recreational activities.

    Additional Information — Sports Programs

73. Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio

    

    The Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio is an organization that empowers those with special needs to have the health and wellness they deserve. The site details the impressive array of sports offered and awesome events to get involved in.

    Additional Information — Get Involved

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Special Needs Vacations

Travel can be downright inaccessible for people with special needs, and a cottage industry of special needs focused travel agents and trip planners has sprung up to help provide opportunities that those without special needs take for granted.

74. Accessible Journeys

    

    Accessible Journeys has operated since 1985 to give those with disabilities the resources to book handicap accessible vacations, group tours, cruises, and much more. They have licensed travel companions plenty of other disability resources. Families can use their page to cater to various disabilities they may impact vacations.

    Additional Information — Accessible Scotland

75. Special Needs Vacation by V

    

    Special Needs Vacation by V works with families to get them all the resources and options concerning going on vacation with an individual who has unique mobility needs. It’s useful to families of special needs individuals.

    Additional Information — Services

76. Los Angeles Tourist Accessibility Guide

    

    The Los Angeles Tourist Accessibility Guide is a great tool for anyone travelling with someone who has a disability. The page breaks down some of the best and most accessible places to visit, along with a great description of the attraction.

    Additional Information — Los Angeles Transportation

77. Autistic Globetrotting

    

    Autistic Globetrotting is a website founded and edited by Margalit Francus, a well-traveled mother whose son is on the autistic spectrum. Particularly for parents, this site is an invaluable resource for getting tips on traveling with someone who is autistic. The site breaks down lodging, transportation, dining, and shopping, while also providing useful travel stories.

    Additional Information — International Hotels

78. Gimp on the Go

    

    Gimp on the Go is the most notable travel publication focused exclusively on working with those who have disabilities. Content on the site details some of the most integral ways to make the most of a disability and still see the world.

    Additional Information — Letters to the Editor

79. Autism on the Seas

    

    As the premier developmental disability services supplier to the cruise industry, Autism on the Seas enables many families to go on cruise vacations across the world. If you have a special needs child and want to know what you can do in terms of having a care provider while on vacation, consider this site.

    Additional Information — Autism Travel

80. People and Places

    

    People and Places has many different resources relating to vacation options for those with special needs. They have a vacation catalog and even provide vacation escorts/care providers to assist families. It’s a great way to take the vacation that previously may have been thought impossible.

    Additional Information — Vacations

81. Sprout

    

    As an adult with a disability, it can be incredibly hard to find a vacation that is accommodating, which is why what Sprout does is so integral. They help adults go on fun vacations and provide a leader to help get them around. The site is great to get information about vacationing with a disability in general.

    Additional Information — New York City Programs

82. Trips Inc. Special Adventures

    

    Trips Inc. Special Adventures focuses on all-inclusive vacation packages for those who are 16 and older with disabilities. It’s a great source for vacations of all sorts and the chaperones that accompany each person reinforce a fun trip and keep travelers entertained.

    Additional Information — Why We’re Special

83. Ventures Travel

    

    Ventures Travel specializes in supervised vacations to help people with disabilities to have access to the fun they deserve and be uninhibited from the obstacles that might get in the way of their trip. Since Ventures Travel is so experienced with helping special needs individuals, they’re a definite recommendation.

    Additional Information — Vacations

84. HILLS

    

    HILLS is a non-profit organization that has designed various programs for adults with developmental disabilities and they focus on teaching others to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Based in Colorado, their programs are incredible well put-together and their site is loaded with useful information to parents on policy practices and a dense Resources section.

    Additional Information — Trips

85. Sundial Special Vacations

    

    Sundial Special Vacations has been organizing and executing vacations and excursions for those with developmental disabilities since 1968 and they work ardently to ensure all individuals have access to recreational endeavors that improve their quality of life. They come with a recommendation for their nearly unparalleled amount of experience in this field.

    Additional Information — Tours

86. Access 2 Africa Safaris

    

    Travelling options are more limited for handicapped and disabled individuals, which is why Access 2 Africa Safari is such a valuable source. Their ability to include these people helps to improve their quality of life. The site is particularly useful because of the in-depth explanations of various trips.

    Additional Information — Safaris

87. TravelinWheels

    

    Travelin Wheels understands the particular obstacles that face those with disabilities who wish to travel, so their site is a dedicated resource for these individuals and has a large array of accessibility guides for cities across the country, along with great stories and tips. If you’re disabled or plan on traveling soon with someone who has a disability, this site is strongly recommended.

    Additional Information — Booking Tools

88. Shared Adventures

    

    Shared Adventures gives people with disabilities a wealth of information and how-to concerning traveling with disabled individuals. Their section of Quick Links is useful as well for finding information on various vacation options. It’s a worthwhile read for families preparing to travel with someone who has a disability.

    Additional Information — Our Adventures

89. Splore

    

    One of most compelling aspects of Splore is their philosophy for treating clients and how they touch on previous practices of sheltering those with disabilities for fear of encountering one of many inevitable risks. Their approach is centered on equality and the notion that our lives are most fulfilled when we’re willing to engage in these risks. They’re recommended as an organization to check out because the reputation they’ve built from building worthwhile experiences with clients.

    Additional Information — Activities

90. National Sports Center for the Disabled

    

    The National Sports Center for the Disabled is one of the most accredited organizations for keeping those with disabilities active, as well as engaged physically and socially. The site has all the information on various summer camps, sports programs, and in-depth information on how disabled people can stay active.

    Additional Information — Programs

91. National Ability Center

    

    The National Ability Center works to make sure that everyone has the options at their disposal to stay active and not feel as if they’re unable to engage in activities due to a predisposed condition. Their mission of helping others attain individual achievement is very impressive and useful to parents and disabled individuals themselves.

    Additional Information — Programs

92. Adaptive Sports Association

    

    Adaptive Sports Association helps those with disabilities to get outside and involved with sport and recreational activities. They also have summer and winter programs, in addition to a comprehensive scholarship program.

    Additional Information — Summer Activities

93. ASD Vacations

    

    ASD Vacations focuses on the unique obstacles families face when trying to vacation with one who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Founder Alan Day’s son has Autism, so designed this organization and site for individuals, such as his son. They’re largely successful and for this, the site is a necessity for parents trying to vacation with a special needs individual.

    Additional Information — Autism Friendly Resorts

94. Special Vacations

    

    Special Vacations is a comprehensive source for preparing to go on vacation with an individual who has special needs. Their information includes destinations, photos, a useful FAQ, and more. If you have a child with special needs, this site is very much worth looking into.

    Additional Information — Destinations

95. AbilityTrip

    

    Ability Trip emphasizes that vacationing should be accessible to all. It details all of the places and trips that are handicap accessible, making it one of the best resources for parents.

    Additional Information — Travel Tools

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Other Special Needs Info

From regional social services organizations to blogs about special needs activities, a wide variety of great resources is available online for anyone who wants to help provide opportunities for those with special needs.

96. The Arc Alliance

    

    The Arc Alliance works to ensure that special needs individuals have access to all the resources to live the most independent and self-sufficient lives possible. Through a comprehensive network of programs and events, the organization is able to aptly foster a more positive environment for those they serve.

    Additional Information — Programs

97. Johnny’s Rainbow Foundation

    

    Johnny’s Rainbow Foundation works with families to get their special needs children various holiday gifts, such as communication devices, camps, sensory equipment, and more. As a parent who may be looking for ways to afford various items for a special needs child, Johnny’s Rainbow Foundation can help tremendously.

    Additional Information — Grants

98. Fantastic Friends

    

    Fantastic Friends understands the difficulties of being a teenager and having a special need immediately makes it harder to find an environment that is intuitive to fostering social skills. That’s why they focus on giving teens and tweens the best events and activities to socialize and lead happy, productive lives.

    Additional Information — Calendar

99. Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality

    

    The Society of Accessibly Travel & Hospitability is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the needs of travelers with disabilities and help promote travel opportunities in the United States. Parents and teachers alike will find the site useful for promoting beneficial travel procedures for their loved ones.

    Additional Information — NEED TO KNOW FACTS

100. Advancing Opportunities

     

     Advancing Opportunities has impressive offering when it comes to resources that are in place to help enrich the lives of those with disabilities and promote equality among all. The site breaks down all the different ways their services are able to impact those with special needs and should be used as a guide.

     Additional Information — Services

101. Allies, Inc.

     

     Allies, Inc. is a non-profit that works to provide housing, healthcare, employment, and engaging social/recreational activities for their clients. Parents should check out this site for their special needs child as adulthood approaches and strives for more independence are attempted.

     Additional Information — Events

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