August 28, 2007
Travel Services for Kids with Cerebral Palsy and Special Needs
Came across service- care giver for your child when you are travelling. Not a babysitter - but some one who will come with you on your trip and help all the members of your family enjoy the trip.
This could mean taking a swim with your child while you build a sandcastle with another or helping at a busy crowded theme park. The idea is to take a family vacation where in some cases it may have been difficult or impossible because of a child with special needs.
The offer supportive services that will enable all family members to enjoy a travel experience.
Special Travellers Website: http://www.specialtravelers.org/location.htm
Overview:
Our founder, Meghan Mulvenna, has ten years of experience serving children and adolescents with special needs and has seen the tremendous benefit of traveling support. Recognizing the uniqueness of each child with a disability, we are eager to work with you in determining an individualized plan of support for your child, leading to a productive and enjoyable vacation. While we have provided a highlighted Caribbean location, we are willing to travel to the destination of your choice and welcome suggestions of places that meet your family’s interests. Having fun is a big part of a family vacation and that should be no different for your child with special needs. We have included some activities in the description of services that have served families well in the past, and are open to further suggestions that fit your child’s interests. Our dedication is to helping you create a successful travel experience and we welcome any of your questions and thoughts toward achieving that goal.
June 12, 2007
Swimming Aids and Pool Floats for Kids with Cerebral Palsy
All kids love swimming, and kids with cerebral palsy are no exception! However the swimming aids available for kids are usually made for babies and toddlers.
One idea- using a PFD (life jacket) in combination with ankle weights ( about 2.0 lbs depending on child). The weights will help them control their kicking.
Try also the PFD with a swim ring or water wings.
You can also find TONS of products for kids with cerebral palsy to use for swimming (though pricey!) at Abilations under the category “aqua splash.”
Here is more information about aquatherapy (water therapy) for children with cerebral palsy.
June 10, 2007
Let’s play Buddy Ball! Buddy Ball Special Needs Althletic Leagues
I am looking to amass a National List of Buddy Ball Leagues Available.
Do you belong to a Buddy Ball league or know of one that is NOT on our list? Please let us know! Post in comments section so we can add to tthe list!
What is Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League?
Buddy Ball provides individuals with a mental or physical disability the opportunity to sports, regardless of their limitations. Buddy Ball helps individuals learn teamwork and promotes self-esteem, one of the tools needed to help overcome the stigma often associated with a disability. The Buddy Ball league is aware of the extra expenses on the families of disabled children.
Buddy Ball does not charge any fees to participate.
Buddy Ball League List
North Carolina:
WIlson County
Mickey Davis, athletic director for the Wilson County Youth Athletic Association, at 239-0652 or 230-2467.
Virginia:
Bambino Buddy Ball League
http://herndonbaseball.com/buddyball.html
Jay MCann janajama@att.net
May 22, 2007
Yoga for Children with Cerebral Palsy: “Yoga for the Special Child”
I came across this book, Yoga for the Special Child also available at Amazon.com website.
It is a therapeutic yoga program for special needs kids, including those with cerebral palsy, Microcephaly and Autism.
Lots of gentle FUN exercised for children with special needs.
From their website,
Yoga for the Special Child is a comprehensive program of Yoga techniques designed to enhance the natural development of children with special needs. Our style of Yoga is gentle and therapeutic — safe for babies and children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Microcephaly, Autism and other developmental disabilities. These methods also provide an effective treatment for children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
Yoga can not only help with flexibility but also raise self awareness and self esteem. If you are able, borrow copy of this book or request from your local library.
Why exercise is so important for children with cerebral palsy.
April 25, 2007
Cerebral Palsy: Learn to Ride a Two Wheel Conventional Bike!
The program “Lose the Training Wheels”
is taught at several different locations and camps throughout the United States using different adaptive bikes. The goal of Lose the Training Wheels is to have children- and adults- with physical limitations such as cerebral palsy be able to ride a 2 wheeled conventional bike.
You can visit their site to get a current list of camp locations and where you can sign up for the program.
April 11, 2007
Special Needs Daycare and Respite Care in Austin, Texas- Sammy’s House
Sammy’s House is a unique daycare, fully equipped to accommodate special needs children. The day care is all inclusive, both special needs and typically developing children.
The day care, which offers child care services for special needs kids with conditions ranging from cerebral palsy to down syndrome , just re-opened in a new 12,000 square foot location.
Sammy’s House offers medical care, therapy and learning under one roof. While primarily a day care center for working families, respite care can be arranged on an occasional basis.
Sammy’s House is a non-profit organization that makes every attempt to offer care to all children. Families help with fundraising to the best of their ability, which allows us to keep our rates competitive. Scholarships are available for qualifying families. For more information on current childcare rates and enrollment please contact info@sammyshouse.org or call 512-453-5258. More local assistance and recources for cerebral palsy and special needs children is available.
December 27, 2006
Finger Chewing: Neat Device to Help with Finger Chewing
Here is a neat little “toy” for kids with high chewing needs. It is called a “Jiggler”
From their website: Now, here are some fun facial and oral massagers that children can’t help but love! The low intensity vibration has a calming effect. Plus, the elephant’s ears are also great as a spoon for orally defensive children. Easy to clean with 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. AA Batteries included! Each Jiggler is 8 1/4˝ tall and latex free.
I know several moms who SWEAR by these!
For more information on Jigglers visit : http://www.superduperinc.com/O_Pages/om988.htm
November 23, 2006
Special Needs Therapy and Respite Camps for Kids
Compiled below is a list of special needs camps. If you know of one that isn’t here please let us know so I can update and share with other families looking for camps for their children with cerebral palsy or other special needs.
Connecticut
- Kris’ Camp
- Camp Horizons provides winter weekend get-a-ways, a week long holiday event, and 8 weeks of residential summer camp for children and adults who are mild to moderately mentally handicapped. In South Windham, CT.
- Camp Hemlocks, in Hebron, is a rustic, barrier-free, year-round camping facility which provides recreational, educational and social programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families.
- Time for Life
Holds a summer camp in Martha’s Vineyard for kids with cancer and their families.
Delaware
- Camp Fairlee provides recreational camping for children and adults with disabilities, and respite for caregivers, in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
- Atlantic Coast Special Educational Services provides full time, summer & respite residential services for people with learning related disabilities (Ocean View, DE).
- PECS Two Week Intensive Summer Program is designed to enhance the lives of children (2yr-6yr) with autism and related developmental disabilities.
- Summer at the Cedars, Bridgeview, DE. Please call 302/337-3200 for more info [ADHD/ADD focus].
District of Columbia
- Summer Adventure Camp, Washington, DC. Sensory integration, ages 4-9. (202) 986-9896.
- Washington Parent Summer Camp Guide lists all types of summer camps.
Maine
- Camp Sunshine, in Casco, provides a respite for children with life threatening illnesses and their families.
Maryland
- Camp Fairlee provides recreational camping for children and adults with disabilities, and respite for caregivers, in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
- National Speech/Language Therapy Center, Bethesda. Speech, OT.
- Therapeutic Summer Camp, in Silver Springs, is operated by The Boys’ & Girls’ Homes and Community Services, Inc.
- Camp Greentop, Physical and multiple disabilities, Ages 7+.
- Capital Camps, Rockville, MD. Jewish Program. Special needs, ages 9-13. (301) 468-CAMP.
- Life Horse, in Frederick, helps terminally and chronically ill children under the age of 21 find happiness and companionship through emotional and spiritual healing using horses.
- Kamp Akomplish, in southern Maryland, has a camp and also provides respite services. 301-870-3226.
Massachusetts
- Camp Starfish serves emotionally, behaviorally, and learning disabled children by providing a safe therapeutic milieu in a natural camp setting. By providing a one-to-one camper to staff ratio the unique demands of each camper may be met while forging individual trusting relationships. Camp Starfish is located on 12 private acres in Brewster, MA.
- Camp New Connections is a Pragmatic Language Group program that serves children and adolescents who are high functioning, but struggling with the social deficits associated with Asperger’s Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and other Developmental Disorders.
- YouthCare runs a therapeutic summer camp for children with asperger’s, PDD and ADHD Associated with Massachusetts General Hospital in Charlestown.
- Camp Arrowhead, on Lake Cochituate, is a day and residential camp that serves children and adults with disabilities.
- Handi-Kids, in Bridgewater, provides recreational and therapy services for mentally and physically challenged children.
- Camp Safe Haven, children with AIDS, in Vineyard Haven, MA.
- Autism Treatment center of America’s Sonrise Program for families with special children (Option Institute, Sheffield, MA).
- Camp Echo Bridge, Newton, integrates children with special needs with more typical children, and serves kids ages 3-15.
- Time for Life holds a summer camp in Martha’s Vineyard for kids with cancer and their families.
- Camp Carole, in West Roxbury, is a camp for children with cancer.
- Camp S.T.A.R. is for children ages 5 through 22 with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, and/or multiple disabilities. For more information, please call the YMCA of the North Shore at 978-922-0990, ext 129.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Here is a listing of other web sites that list camps.
New Hampshire
- Camp Fatima’s Special Needs E.C. Week, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
- Camp Without Barriers for Children and Adults with Disabilities. Camp Sno-Mo is an inclusive camping program that partners the Boy Scouts with children who have physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Wediko Summer Program in the Monadnock region, is focused on children whose learning, social development and self-direction is lagging.
- Camp Sno-Mo is an inclusive camping program that partners the Boy Scouts with children who have physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Camp Carpenter offers a Manchester-based residential or day camp in collaboration with the cub scouts.
New Jersey
- PECS Two Week Intensive Summer Program, designed to enhance the lives of children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities.
- Camp Merry Hearts focuses on respite for families, achievement in challenges, building of self-esteem in a safe environment, opportunities to have friends and to get along with others.
- Harbor Haven, in West Orange, is a 7-week, co-ed day camp for children ages 3-15 with mild special needs.
- Round Lake Camp/New Jersey YM-YWHA Camps, Fairfield, NJ. Please call 973.575.3333 ext 122 for more info [focus on ADD/Learning Disabilities].
- Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside runs both summer camps and day camps.
- Camp Oakhurst serves physically challenged adults and children in Oakhurst, NJ.
- Summer Learning Programs, provides alternative education for students with Attention Deficit Disorder and behavioral concerns. It is run by the Windsor Schools in Morristown, Patterson, and Pompton.
- Camp Star, in Rahway, is a day camp for special needs kids 8-21.
- Camp Excel, in Howell, is a specialized day camp for children ages 5-17 with ADHD and others with Social Skills Challenges.
- Camp Nejeda, in Stillwater, is a residential summer camp for children with diabetes with an emphasis on providing diabetes self management and nutrition education in a traditional camp setting.
- New Jersey Elks Camp Moore is a recreational camp for handicapped children in the Ramapo Mountains. Email Easter Seals Camp, in Mt. Juliet Tennessee, offers several summer sessions for various disabilities as well as some integrated camp experiences. Easter Seals, TN also holds Respite Weekends throughout the year.
- Camp Mockingbird is a free summer camp for blind youth, ages 7-17, of the Mid-South. Full camping activities are offered for one week in late July or early August. Supervision with qualified teachers and counselors. A resident doctor is provided. Sponsored by Memphis/White Station Lions Club. For more info: 901-767-3896 or 1-800-767-9752.
Louisiana
- Med Camps of Louisiana offers a 3 day
camp for children with autism. - The
BREC, in Baton Rouge,
runs several day camps, each of which is open to children with challenges.
Camp
Sunshine is
a day camp specifically for children with challenges. - Camp Quality is a
summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
cancer.
Mississippi
- Kamp
Kaleidoscope is a one week summer camp for children with an autism
spectrum disorder and their neuro-typical peers.
North
Carolina
- The Autism Society of North
Carolina sponsors two Summer Camps,
Camp Royall, in Chatham
County, and Montain Adventure, in
Black Type
Mountain. Each is a residential
summer camp for individuals with autism, ages 4 to adult, and you can
learn more about both camps at the link above. - SIGHT is
a two-week outdoor residential program for children and adolescents with
autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s
Syndrome. SIGHT is one of the Talisman Summer
Programs which also serve ADHD and other populations. - Camp G.R.A.C.E, in City
Raleigh, is a day
camp for kids with autism aged 6-13. - Camp Free Spirit, in
Gibsonville, N.C., offers day camp throughout the summer for kids with and
without disabilities, ages 5 years and up. - SOAR (success oriented achievement realized) is a non-profit therapeutic
adventure program for AD/HD and LD youth in Balsam, N.C. - White Harvest Camp, in
Jefferson, is an inter-denominational Christian
camp/summer camp for children with special needs. - Camp Timberwolf,
in Hendersonville,
serves children diagnosed with LD, ADD/ADHD, OCD, and similar behavioral
challenges. - Type
Camp Name
Sky Ranch
in Blowing Rock, N.C. 828-264-8600 Write to: Jack and Betty Sharpe, address
515 Hobbs Road, City
Greensboro, NC PostalCode
27403 - The Goldsboro Parks
& Recreation Dept. offers a two week camp for children with
special needs. This camp is no cost to the participants, and kids will
learn social skills, bond with friendship old and new. 919-739-7489
or email Lorice
Smith, Special Population’s Program Leader. - Camp
Dogwood is owned and
operated by the North Carolina Lions Foundation, Inc. NCLF serves as a
wide resource for the blind and visually impaired residents of State
North Carolina. For
more information, please call 1-(800) 662-7401.
South
Carolina
- Camp Adam
Fisher for kids with diabetes and their siblings.
Tennessee
- The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
is an Internet based community for persons seeking disability resources.
Click on the Recreation and Summer Camps building. - For the Middle Tennessee
region you might try the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital’s Summer Camp directory. - Camp Discovery, located on the
Flynn’s Creek area of Cordell Hull Lake in Jackson County, provides summer camping opportunities for people with special needs. - River’s Way, in Bluff City, provides opportunities for youth of all abilities to work, learn and have fun together in educational and outdoor adventure settings.
- The ARC of
the mid-south sponsors one-week residential camp in Memphis for
campers with developmental disabilities, age 8 years and older. - UCP of Memphis holds
Camp Name
Livitup, an eight-week day camp for persons ages 5-18 with any
disability. - The Speech and Name
Hearing Center
in Chattanooga
holds a summer
day camp for deaf children and their siblings from 3 to16 years of
age.
Virginia
- Camp
Holiday Trails, in Charlottesville,
believes that all children with special health needs should be given an
opportunity to enjoy a summer camp experience. - Camp
Easter Seals East & West, in
Virginia. - Bright
Moments is a camp in Virginia
that is designed to offer children living with sickle
cell disorders the opportunity to enjoy physically challenging
tasks in a supportive and cooperative atmosphere. - Camp Baker, Chesterfield,
VA., is run by the Richmond ARC
and serves mild to severe MR/autism/ADD/ADHD/ED/LD. Ages 6+. (804)
748-4789 or CampBaker at RichmondARC
dot org. - Burgundy Farm
Summer Day Camp, Alexandria.
Ages 3¾ to 15, mild disabilities on a case-by-case basis. (703) 329-9495. - George
Mason University
Compu-Play/Compu-Write,
Fairfax, State
VA. Severe disabilities. (703)
993-3670. - Camp Sunshine YMCA,
Stafford, State
VA. Special needs. Ages 8-21. (540)
371-9622. - Good Beginnings,
Falls Church, State
VA. Sensory Integration group classes,
ages 3-8. (703) 536-1817. - Kellar
Camp and Challenge Camp, Fairfax,
VA. ADD and ADHD, ages 6-16.
(703) 218-8523. - New Directions
Â?Quality vacationsÂ? for people with
DD. (805) 967-2841. - Parent
Educational Advocacy
Training Center
maintains a list of summer
camps in the Virginia
area.
Camps in the Midwest USA
Illinois
- The Association for Individual
Development, in Aurora,
runs a one week residential camp for children with disabilities. Phone
Laura McNeece at 630.844.5040, xt203. - The Illinois Tourette
Camp is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting camping
opportunities for children with Tourette
Syndrome (TS) and its associated disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(OCD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). - Camp Quality, in City
Frankfort, is a
summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
cancer. - Camp Little Giant is a
summer camp for individuals with disabilities run by the Touch of Nature
Environmental Center of Southern Illinois University in
Carbondale. - Touch of Nature’s
Therapeutic Recreation Program is designed to help individuals
experiencing physical and developmental disabilities, visual and hearing
impairments, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, and traumatic
brain injuries. It is run by the Touch of Nature Environmental Center of
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. - Easter Seals Camp in Hudson, Illinois serves kids with disabilities. 309/365-8021; Rr 2 Box, Hudson, IL PostalCode 61748.
Indiana
- Bradford Woods, City
Martinsville, Indiana
runs a number of summer camps including a residential camp for persons
with disabilities. - Camp Isanogel
is a summer camp and year round program serving children and adults ages
5-70+ years of age. Located in Muncie,
Indiana. - Red Cedar in
Fort Wayne, IN,
is a therapeutic horse back riding camp. - Camp Awareness, in
Noblesville, IN,
is a unique camp experience for children on the autism spectrum. - Camp Millhouse,
in South Bend,
holds eight 1-week camps from June -August. Serves campers with moderate
to severe disabilities, ages 4+, coed. For more information send email to campmillhouse@MSN.com or at
574-233-2202. - CHAMP City
Camp P.O. Box PostalCode 40407,
Indianapolis, IN 46240, 317/875-9496, holds
a one-week summer session for “medically fragile” kids (the camp
is held at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley,
OH). - Anderson Woods
provides 4 day summer camp experiences for developmentally disabled children and
adults. For more information, call Judy Colby at (812)357-2325.
Iowa
- Camp Courageous, State
Monticello Iowa
(319/465-5916). Thousands of campers with disabilities attend CourageousU recreational and respite facilities
annually. - Camp Albrecht Acres,
in Sherrill, State
Iowa, is a Camp for the mentally and
physically disabled and ages range from 2-Unlimited. They have run summer
sessions since 1975 (serving 400-600 campers per summer), but plan to go
year round starting in 2000. - Easter
Seals Camp Sunnyside serves any Iowan 4 years and older with any type
of disability, either mental or physical. - Amanda the Panda
provides support to grieving children and their families through a variety
of services. It is located in Des
Moines, IA. - Camp Hertko Hollow, in City
Boone, IA,
is a camp for children with diabetes. - Camp Quality Heartland
is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children
with cancer. - Easter Seals Camp
Sunnyside, address PO Box
4002, Des Moines, State
IA PostalCode 50333,
Phone: 515/289-1933, extension 207. Programs: Adventure Camping
(year-round), Residential Camping (summer), Day Camp (summer), Respite and
Supported Community Living Services (year-round). - Camp Wesley Woods
515/961-4523, Indianola,
Iowa counducts
an Exceptional Persons Camp for adults with mental handicaps–I do not
know whether they also have a camp for kids.
Michigan
- The Autistic Children’s Treatment
Network, in Bingham Farms, is a day camp for children with autism
spectrum disorders (ASD). - Horizons Developmental Remediation
Center, in Caledonia, has summer
programs for children with autism and related impairments. - Grand Haven Attention
Camp is a day-treatment camp for families with school age children
with adhd. - Camp Quality has
several camping experiences as well as a year-round support program for
children with cancer. - Life Horse for the Kids,
in Ortonville, helps terminally and chronically ill children under the age
of 21 find happiness and companionship through emotional and spiritual
healing using the horse. - Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp, in East Lansing, is a day camp for all persons with special needs and their siblings.
- Learning on the Log, in City
Traverse City, runs a summer camp program, as well as after school and Saturday programs. They strive to increase children’s expressive and receptive relationship to the world around them. Everyone needs these elements to reach their maximum potential as equal participants in the world. - Camp Fowler has year round
programs for handicapped children, teens, and adults starting at a long
weekend to two weeks long. Contact: The Fowler Center, 2315 Harmon Lake Road, Mayville, MI
PostalCode 48744. Phone:
(517) 673-2050. - Able Abe’s Summer Camp - day camp for children with special needs ages 4 - 10 years in Birmingham, MI (suburb of Detroit). Small, therapeutic environment with physical, occupational, and speech therapists on staff. Can register for one to six weeks. For more information call 248-855-0030.
- The Abilities Center
also sponsors summer intensive therapy services for people who come to the
Birmingham
area from out of town. A few days to 2 week stays can be arranged with an
individualized therapy program established based on the needs of the child
and family. Family education an integral part of the program. Specially
trained in NDT, Sensory Integration, Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic
Listening, Craniosacral Therapy, Fast Forward, and more. Call for information 248-855-0030.
Minnesota
- Camp Buckskin, in Ely, has been
meeting the needs of youth with academic and/or social skill difficulties
- particularly those with AD/HD and Learning Disabilities - for over forty
years. - Friendship Ventures runs two
residential
summer camps for anyone age 5 and older who has developmental and (or)
physical disability, and also runs a year round weekend respite program. Camp
Friendship is in Annandale,
and Eden Name
Wood Center
is in Eden Prarie. - Camp
Courage, Minnesota. Includes camping
sessions for children suffering from Asthma, Deafness, Cancer, Hemophilia and Sickle cell anemia. - Camp Odayin,
at Camp Name
Knutson in Crosslake, provides a
residential camping experience for young people with heart disease. - Twin Cities Autism
Society runs a summer camp for AS, autistic, and PDD kids. Voice:
651/647-1083; address 970 Raymond
Ave., # 101, St. Paul, State
MN PostalCode 55114-1146.
Missouri
- Camp
Determination is held at
Tall Oaks
Conference Center
in Linwood, and is one of only a very few camps in the country-region
United States
designed specifically for children and youth with autism spectrum
disorders. Go to Autism Asperger Resource Center and then click on the
Camp Name
Determination link. - Wonderland Camp, A Special Camp for Special Friends On the
Lake of the Ozarks. - Camp Black Hawk,
north of Rolla, is a special needs summer camp for children and adults
with developmental disabilities. - Camp Carpe Diem,
north of Rolla, is also a special needs summer camp for children and adults
with developmental disabilities. - Camp Barnabus, near
Springfield, was created so that
children with special needs can do the things they might normally feel
left out of. The camp has counselors, doctors and nurses, and cooks on
staff at the camp. For more information, 417-476-2565. - Camp Quality Kansas City is a
summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
cancer. - Camp Quality Northwest Missouri
is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children
with cancer. - Camp Quality Central
Missouri is a summer camping experience and year-round support program
for children with cancer. - Camp Quality Ozark
is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children
with cancer. - Building the Road to
Independence, in Webster
Groves, is a sports day camp for kids with
cerebral palsy. It is directed by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s
Carol and Paul Hatfield Cerebral Palsy Sports and Name
Rehabilitation Center.
Download the application at www.stlchildrenshospital.org
under the Parents & Kids section, or call 314-454-2604 for more
information.
Nebraska
- Camp
Without Barriers is a summer camp that
provides week long getaways for children and adults with disabilities. It
is run by Easter Seals Nebraska. - Camp Kindle, children with AIDS, in
Hordville,
NE. - Camp Quality Heartland is a
summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
cancer.
Ohio
- Camp NuHop, in
Ashland, OH,
is a summer residential program for any youngster from 6 to 16 with a
learning disability, behavior disorder, or attention deficit disorder. - Camp Silver Lake,
in New Carlisle, is a day camp that provides children with 30 hours of
structured activities to meet their individual needs for movement,
creativity and various sensory experiences. - Sky Ranch is to
serve the disabled population as a test bed of the most innovative
adaptive equipment for all types of working, living and recreational
activities. Located in northern Ohio. - Camp Echoing
Hills is a coed residential bible camp and special needs program in
Warsaw, OH.
Specific services available for the emotionally challenged,
developmentally challenged, hearing impaired, learning disabled,
physically challenged, and visually impaired, ages: 7-70. The Tri-Village
Lions Club offers financial support
to campers. - Akron Rotary Camp
for Special Needs Children is a camp run by the YMCA in
Northeast Ohio. - Stepping Stones,
in Cincinnatti, offers a day camp program for
children with challenges and a residential camp for people of all ages
with challenges. - Camp Quality
Ohio is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for
children with cancer. - Recreation Unlimited
in Ashley, Ohio holds a number of residential camps for youths and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. They also hold weekend respite retreats throughout the year. 740/548-7006, or write them at address 7700 Piper Rd, Ashley,
OH, PostalCode 43003-9741. - Camp Cheerful,
Ohio,
(440) 238-6200. A residential camp for children with Aspbergers
Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified.
They also have a residental camp for children
and adults that have physical disabilities. - Adventure Camp,
sponsored by the Kidney Foundation of Ohio and the Epilepsy Foundation of
Northeast Ohio, will be held at Camp
Cheerful in
Strongsville from July 8 - 13, 2001.
This experience will be as close to a “typical” camp as
possible. Medical staff will be there to provide for the needs of the
campers. The cost per camper is $315, but financial aid is available for
those who require it. For further information, call Kathy Lawry (Kidney
Foundation) at (216)771-1700 or Marsha Collins (Epilepsy Foundation) at
(216)579-1330.
Oklahoma
- SUMMIT Physical Therapy & Rehab,
in Claremore, runs a sensorimotor camp for kids
with Aspberger’s/Autism. For information on the
camp please (918) 341-4343.
Wisconsin
- Respite Camp,
in in the Dells, is run by the Wisconsin Elks
and Easter Seals. - Wisconsin Badger Camp, in
Platteville, has been serving the developmentally challenged children and
adults for over 30 years. - Easter Seals Camp
Wawbeek, in the Dells, provides camping
experiences for hundreds of children and adults with physical disabilities
each year. - Adventures for Life runs day and
residential camps for people with developmental challenges who are 12 or
older. The Milwaukee Center for
Independence sponsors the camp. - Easter Seals Southeastern
Wisconsin offers a Summer
Respite Program for individuals age 7-21 with disabilities. - Wisconsin Lions Camp, in
Rosholt, is a summer camp for children with Visual, Hearing or
Mild/Borderline Cognitive Disabilities. - Camp Heartland, Inc., children
with AIDS, in Cudahy, State
WI. - Special Touch Ministries, in Waupuca, offers the Summer Get Away program. It
features separate recreation and chapel services that are functionally
appropriate for people with physical disabilities and for people with
mental disabilities. - RESPITE CARE provided for
parents with children or adults with disabilities. Tender Loving Care in a
Christian home on a dairy farm in Southwest Wisconsin.
For more information e-mail: Jane.
Camps in the Southwest USA
New Mexico
- Camp Rising Sun, in the
mountains east of Albuquerque, is a summer camp
for children with autism spectrum disorder Ages 8 - 13. - Apple Dumplin
Camp is a new (1999) camp in New Mexico that
serves handicapped children in a Christian environment.
Texas
- Children’s Association for Maximum
Potential (C.A.M.P.) Camp, Texas Hill Country at City
Center Point, Texas
(210/292-3566). Residential camping, day-care, respite, rehabilitation for
children with severe medical, physical or mental disabilities. Large
medical staff enables nation-wide acceptance of children with severe
problems.. - Camp For All,
in Burton,
is a unique camping and retreat facility that works in partnership with
special needs groups to enrich the lives of people with chronic illnesses
and disabilities. - The Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for
Children, in Temple,
seeks to serve chronically ill and special needs children. - Camp Summit, a year round
camp for children with brachial plexus injuries and their families near
Dallas, TX. - United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston
has day and overnight camps for kids with disabilities, in-home respite
for parents, and other respite programs. - Star Ranch Summer Camp
Ingram, Texas. - The Marbridge
Foundation holds a unique summer camp designed for young men and
women, 16 years or older, who have mild to moderate developmental disabilities or other
cognitive challenges. Located in Manchaca,
TX. - The Monarch School,
Houston, TX,
is dedicated to providing an innovative, therapeutic education for
children. It also offers a summer day camp for LD, ADD, AHDH, tourettes, and aspergers
kids. - Camp Quality is a summer camping
experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. - Dallas
Therapy offers an intensive speech therapy camp for 2-7 years olds. - Camp Hope,
children with AIDS, Houston,
TX, 713/623-6796, send email. - Camp Wenoweez is a week-long residential camp held at
Camp for All in Burton
for children ages 7-12 with asthma. It is sponsored by the American Lung
Association of Texas.
Camps in the Western USA
Alaska
Arizona
- Kris’ Camp
, Arizona. - Camp Tatiyee,
in Lakeside, is a special needs camp
supported by the Lions of Arizona. - Lake
Powell Summer Adventure Camp features alternative, high-adventure,
camping experiences for children ages 13-23, with a variety of abilities. - Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks,
in Phoenix,
offer special programs for children who have or have had cancer, and their
brothers and sisters.
California
- Camp Rubber Soul, Mendocino, California.
- Kris’ Camp, Idyllwild, California.
- Surfer’s Healing runs surfing camps for autistic children in Malibu, San Diego, and San Onofre.
- Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation in Los Angeles, CA operates an annual summer camp for children with sickle cell disease between the ages of 8-14.
- PRC, Inc. runs a free day camp for handicapped children in San Francisco. 415/665-4100.
- Camping Unlimited (Camp Krem), in Boulder Creek, California (90 min. south of San Francisco), provides summer and year-round recreational activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
- Camp Harmon is a resident, co-educational camp for disabled children and adults in Boulder Creek, California.
- Easter Seals of Central California sponsors several camps for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
- Camp Laurel, children with AIDS, Los Angeles, CA.
- Ability First in Hollywood, CA runs daycamps and residential camps.
- Camp LotsaFun, Lake Tahoe, is n innovative summer camping program for children and adults qith developmental disabilities from throughout the states of Nevada and California.
- Success Oriented Achievement Realized (SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD, ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several locations, including California.
- Pilgrim Pines is a nondenominational camp that has been running residential camps for challenged adults since the 1970s. They are expanding to include middle school children and teens in 2000. Located in Oak Glen/Yucaipa, CA.
- New Horizons is a year round, community based, socialization-recreation program designed to expand the horizons of developmentally disabled adolescents and adults in Orange County, CA.
- Camp Del Corazon in Santa Catalina Island, is a free camp specializing in children with heart disease or with a history of heart disease.
- Happy Adventure Summer Camp is a day program for severely developmentally disabled youth 5-18 from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, & Ventura, California.
- Camp Costanoan, in Cupertino, serves disabled children and adults.
- The Quest Day Camp is a therapy day camp in Huntington Beach for kids ages 6 to 14. Campers may have diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, or self-esteem problems. Children with more complex problems are not appropriate for Quest.
- Christian Berets, in the Sierras, is a Christian camp that serves the disabled.
- Enchanted Hills Camp, in
Napa Valley, has sessions for children, adults and seniors who are blind or visually impaired. - Jay Nolan Camp, in Wrightwood, is an inclusive camp for children with and without developmental disabilities/autism.
- RESPITE: licenced family daycare provider, listed with the regional center, does out-of-home respite in Antioch, CA area. For more information email Bonnchie@AOL.com.
Colorado
- Adam’s Camp ,
Denver, State
Colorado. - Camp Nuhop, Divide, Colordao,
focuses on kids 6-16 with learning disabilities. - Easter Seals Colorado is
putting on their first national Roundtable called Outdoors
for All. One of the Roundtables is called Camps for Adults and
Children. The Roundtable will discuss how to meet the needs of campers
with disabilities. It is an opportunity for camp staff to ask questions
from experts. - Rocky
Mountain Village (Easter Seals) provides camping and respite for
children and adults with disabilities in Empire, CO. - The
National Sports Center for the Disabled in
Winter Park has several camps and other
activities throughout the year. - Success Oriented Achievement Realized
(SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
locations, including Colorado. - Children’s Hospital,
Denver, State
Colorado offers several camps for kids.
Their # is: 303/861-8888. - Boulder Valley
Schools, Boulder,
Colorado puts out a list
every Spring through their Special Education
Dept. of Summer Camps. Call Kathleen Anker at
303/447-1010, ext. 5155. - Adventure Peaks Expeditions for Kids,
in Beuna Vista, is not geared toward kids with
special needs, but they are happy to accommodate special needs campers.
They are not scheduling camps for 2004, but check back for 2005 and
beyond.
Hawaii
- Surfer’s Healing runs surfing
camps for autistic children in Waikiki.
Idaho
- Mikylar’s
World is a way of life and a rural residential choice for people with disabilities.
The focus is to expand their world and experiences, helping them maximize
their potential to lead more fulfilling lives.
New
Mexico
- “Horse and Duck Camp” is for bi-polar children to come with a parent, for therapy involving horses and other animals, principally ducks, at a small ranch in northern New Mexico (Abiquiu). The children sleep in tipis and tents and the camp has a staff of three. One
session each summer. For more information, email Guil or at 505.685.4629.
Oregon
- Camp Quality, in Eugene, is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
- Mother Oak’s child,
a program of Willamette Valley Hospice,
provides opportunities for children and families to learn about the
grieving process and teaches children the tools for coping with loss, all
in a comfortable and fun outdoor environment. For more information call:
Kim Bickler at 503.763.2324.
Utah
- Easter
Seal’s Utah runs a summer day camp for kids 5-21 of all abilities.
They also conduct a school-year day camp in
Salt Lake on alternating Saturdays
and between Christmas and New Years Days.
Washington
- Name
Washington State Directory of
Summer Camps and Programs For Children with Special Health Care Needs,
Center for Children with Special Needs. - Easter Seals, WA, holds both
a residential
summer camp a respite program.
Wyoming
- Success Oriented Achievement Realized
(SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
locations, including Wyoming.
Camps in Canada
Alberta
- Camp
Bonaventure (aka Camp “B”) is part
of the Between Friends Club
which provides quality social and recreational opportunities in an
accepting environment, focusing on children and young adults with
disabilities.
British
Columbia
- Zajac Ranch
runs a variety of camps for kids with challenges and life threatening
illnesses. - The British Coumbia Lions Society
sponsors three free camps for children with disabilities ages 6 - 18, who
live in British Columbia: Camp Shawnigan(Vancouver
Island), Camp
Squamish (outside of Vancouver) and Camp Winfield
(in the Okanagan Valley). They have a number of
different week long sessions available,
registration begins in the beginning of April. Contact info@lionsbc.ca, or phone
1-888-868-2822, for more information.
Ontario
- Check out the Ontario Camping Association’s page
for Special Needs Camps
for a listing of camps in Ontario
(too many to list here). - Ability Camp is a year round,
residential therapy camp. - Camp Winston supports individuals
with neurological disorders. Located on Sparrow
Lake in
Ontario. - Muskoka
Respite provides respite for special needs kids in the Muskoka region. - Shadow Lake Centre, in Stouffville, provides summer camping and year round
weekend respite for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. - Camp Kennebec,
in Arden,
is an integrated summer residence for children with ADD, ADHD, learning
disabilities, behavioural needs, and mainstream
campers. - Camp Kodiak offers a unique,
integrated, non-competitive program for LD, ADD/ADHD & mainstream kids
and teens. - Camp Kiatou
offers wilderness therapy and emotional growth therapy for at-risk teens. - The Tim Horton
Children Foundation sponsors several camps for special needs children
in several locations throughout
Canada. them at 905 854
1999, or write them at 10206 Guelphi,
Campbellville,
Ontario, Canada
L0P1B0.
Prince
Edward Island
- Camp
Gencheff
is a camp for children, teens and adults with physical and developmental
disabilities in Prince Edward Island, country-region
Canada.
For more information, email
Jodi, or phone: (902)569-2669.
Camps in Central America
Belize
- Success Oriented Achievement Realized
(SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
locations, including Belize.
Costa Rica
- Success Oriented Achievement Realized
(SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
locations, including Costa
Rica.
Camps in Greece
- Therapeutic Holidays, is a charitable organisation
providing healing holidays to people with mental or physical
disabilities/disorders in Crete.
Therapeutic Riding, Animal Care, Trekking and Ergotherapy
are just a few of the activities the holidaymakers are getting involved.
Potentially Useful Links
- Internet
Resources for Special Children. - Developmental Delay Registry.
- Autism Society of America
- On-Line Asperger’s
Syndrome Information and Support. - ASPEN of America.
- REACH is a program at Johns Hopkin University that conducts studies aimed at early diagnosis and treatment of autism.
- ADD Helpline, a non-profit organization for parents and educators dealing with ADD/ADHD maintains a list of camps.
The information above has been republished from http://wmoore.net/therapy.html in accordance with Creative Commons License .
Special Needs Tricycle- Amtryke Tricycle for Special Needs Kids
These are definitely pricey, however I know moms that have bought them for their kids and swear by them. They are “trikes” that have been developed especially for special needs kids and kids with cerebral palsy, and are suitable for ages 2-13.
The bikes can be made to almost any specifications. There are all kinds of modifications that can be made depending on need or abilities.
There are three different models and the aim of each bike is to build self esteem and sense of freedom of mobility while also increasing strength.
