RECREATIONAL Resources

I Can Shine

An international non-profit organization that provides learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.

They have "I Can Bike" programs in which 80% of the participants will learn to ride a conventional 2-wheel bike (at least 75 feet with no assistance) by the end of the 5-day program (75 minutes/day).

There are a few Massachusetts camp locations, but they will partner with local organizations to host local camps.

Link: I Can Shine

Special Olympics

Special Olympics Massachusetts offers year-round sports training and competition to athletes with intellectual disabilities. Through 23 sports and across all four seasons in every county of the state, athletes develop athletic skills, personal responsibility and leadership.

The Young Athletes Program introduces children, ages 2-7, to the benefits of movement and play. For all athletes 8 and older, our traditional programs deliver a real sports experience that can become part of an ongoing healthy lifestyle.

Link: Young Athletes

Mass.gov

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a great deal of information and other resources through Mass.gov.

They provide a list of resources and locations for Adaptive Recreational Programs and Events as well as other locations within the Commonwealth for accessible outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, golfing, etc.

Link: Accessible Recreation

Easter Seals

Easterseals Massachusetts provides essential programs and services to children and adults with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth. Our mission is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play.

Our occupational, physical and speech therapists, assistive technology specialists, as well as our youth employment and transition teams, are experts in their fields and provide services in a wide range of settings.

Link: Easterseals of MA

DisabilityInfo.org

DisabilityInfo.org provides resources for accessible travel and recreation in the Commonwealth. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)'s Universal Access Program (UAP) is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in MA State Parks for visitors of all abilities (e.g., accessible beaches, pools, fishing, hiking trails, etc.).

Link: DisabilityInfo.org

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

The Federation provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.

They are committed to listening to and learning from families, and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.

Link: fcsn.org

Pediatric Physical Therapy on YouTube

BMRSD Physical Therapist Tara Franzosa created a YouTube channel with quite a few videos for parents and students.

These include yoga videos that students can follow, and ideas for parents on how to work various skills (balance, ball skills, CORE strength, creating indoor obstacle courses, etc.).

Link: Tara Pedi PT Channel

Local Fenced In Playgrounds

• Dacey Field Playground (Franklin)

• VFW (Upton)

• Choate Park (Medway)

• Oakland Park (Medway)

• Dean Park (Shrewsbury)

• Route 16/Henry Street (Uxbridge)

• North Street (Douglas)

• Treasure Land (Oxford)

• Blithewood Park (Worcester)