If your child has hypotonia (low muscle tone) like our son; sensory motor issues; vestibular and proprioceptive difficulties; or auditory, language or visual processing delays just to name a few, this page is where you'll find great "gyms" that specifically target those areas and many others for special needs kids. These instructors give our kids the opportunity and confidence to take a gymnastics class, for example, that gives the body the correct input and regulation it needs as well as safely teaches how to have fun. It also gives them a safe outlet for all their pent- up energy in an environment where they can go full speed -- or whatever speed they like -- without hurting themselves. Therapeutic Recreation/Prevention Intervention Office, Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, 703-228-4740, contact office to request a TR brochure, www.arlington.va.us/prcr We provide Arlington residents who are at-risk, have a disability, special need, and/or activity restrictions the opportunity to increase their quality of life through recreation and leisure pursuits, thereby achieving a fulfilling leisure lifestyle. Our office provides specialized recreation services/programs around prevention and intervention to meet identified needs not met through traditional recreation programs. Through this involvement, individuals gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to participate in community recreation experiences that meet their personal interests and needs. Check out our current listing of specialized programs, read about accommodations available under Access & Inclusion and call us for assistance in selecting a program to best meet your abilities, interests and needs. VIRGINIA Arlington County, Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201, 703-228-3000 www.arlingtonva.us Arlington County Parks & Rec, Therapeutic Recreation Department presents Family Fun Night is a new drop-in program for families of children and teens on the autism spectrum. On the first Friday of every month they plan new leisure activities for families to participate in together. This is a simple, low-key opportunity for the community to come together and have fun playing and socializing. Try new games, crafts, and sports--activities will vary. Please contact Becky Suttell, Parks and Rec. for details at 703-228- 4740 or bsuttell@arlingtonva.us. Time: 7:00-8:15 p.m. Location: Langston-Brown Center, 2121 N. Culpepper St. Fee: $1.00/person, per session, no registration GMS Institute, 7226 Newmarket Court, Manassas, VA 20109, 703- 369-7800, www.gmskids.com WHAT WE DO: Sensory Motor Integration can be best described as a multi-sensory approach to addressing the needs of children who suffer from various developmental delays, low muscle tone, dyspraxia and attention deficits. By incorporating methodologies of sensory integration and perceptual motor development, the SMI approach enables children to sequentially and successfully acquire motor capabilities and motor planning skills. Bridge to Learning, Yoga for the Special Child, Vasanthi Srinivasan, 571-334-8227, 703-796-1199, www.bridgetolearning.net, bridgetolearning@aol.com This program is a comprehensive program that provides effective treatment for children, infants to adolescents, diagnosed with special needs. JOURNEYoga presents Yoga for Special Kids (ages 5-10 years) 2628 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204, www.journeyoga.net Saturdays 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Cost: †$70 per child per six-week session Minimum registration: †7 children; Maximum: 10 children Register on-line before January 21, 2008, at www.journeyoga.net. Email info@journeyoga.net if you have any questions, or contact the instructor for this class (Sabrina Huffman, RYT) at samayoga@mac.com JOURNEYoga is situated on Columbia Pike between the Ski Chalet and the Arlington Animal Hospital. Street parking is available on the surrounding side streets: turn down Edgewood Street or Cleveland Street. Entrance is handicapped accessible. Each participant will need a yoga mat: bring your own or borrow one at the studio. Please do not bring food or drinks (other than water bottles) into the studio. Using creative movement, imagery, stories and songs, this class will provide children with special needs an opportunity to experience the amazing world of yoga. Activities will focus on improving overall body awareness, balance, strength, and coordination in an atmosphere of fun! Emphasis will be placed on activities to enhance awareness of the breath, and utilizing yoga-based strategies as aides to improving self- regulation. Everyone should wear comfortable clothes. Each child must be accompanied by a parent (or other adult caregiver) who will actively participate in the class. The Body in Balance Center, 1423 Powhatan St., Ste. 7, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-518-4434, www.bodyinbalancecenter.com Massage therapy, infant massage, yoga classes for adults & children, immune support for children, touch-based therapy for children with chronic illness. My Gym In VA: Alexandria, 703-971-5437; Burke, 703-425-5327; Chantilly, 703-378-3100; Leesburg, 703-777-4496. MD: Gaithersburg, 301-926-5969; Potomac, 301-983-5300, www.my-gym.com Award-winning programs devised to help children 3 months-13 years develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Noncompetitive gymnastics, fitness, sports, games, song, dance and more. Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 1050, Fairfax, VA 22035-1115, 703-324-4FUN, (4386), www.fairfaxcounty.gov Fairfax County Department of Therapeutic Recreation, Pennino Building 12011 GOVERNMENT CENTER PARKWAY, #1040, FAIRFAX, VA 22035, 703-324-5532, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rim Uses leisure activities as a tool to promote personal growth, physical development, and independent functioning for individuals with disabilities. Offers over thirty-five programs for people with disabilities. Assists participants in activities such as learning new recreation skills, socializing with peers, getting accomodations for participation in community activities, and participation in sports activities including the wheelchair sports program. City of Alexandria Recreation Parks Cultural Services Therapeutic Recreation Programs, Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-519-3353, alexandriava.gov/recreation/disability_services/therapeutic_programs. html Lift Me Up! P.O. Box 104, Great Falls, VA 22066, 703-759-3833, www.liftmeup.org Lift Me Up! is a therapeutic riding program dedicated to helping children and adults with physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities improve both their physical and mental well being. By combining the unique and special presence of the horse and the skills and caring of our registered instructors, we have been able to help hundreds of people gain confidence patience and invaluable self-esteem. Golden Dreams Riding, P.O. Box 1413, Middleburg, Va 20118, 21197 St. Louis Road, Middleburg, VA 20117, 540-687-5800, www.goldendreamsriding.com, Questions: Email Sue_bell@goldendreamsriding.com Golden Dreams, of Middleburg, VA, helps children and adults with disabilities rehabilitate through equestrian activities. These equestrian activities are specifically created to cater to each individual’s specific needs in order to create the most beneficial program possible. Equestrian exercises have been shown to aid in rehabilitation by improving balance, coordination and communication, emotional strength, physical strength, posture and stamina. Additionally, the activities we offer are fun and rewarding to our participants. Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding through safe and supervised interaction with equines. Riding lessons are taught by NARHA certified riding instructors assisted by up to three volunteers per rider. In addition to the riding lessons, Golden Dreams offers special needs programs for regional schools and awareness programs for schools and the community at large. We also participate annually in the Loudoun County Farm Tour. Rainbow Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 8033 Ashton Avenue, Suite 105, Manassas, VA 20109, 703-754-6159, www.rainbowriding.org Potomac Horse Center, 14211 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD, 301-208-0200, www.potomachorse.com Offering programs for children and adults with physical, cognitive and psychological challenges. Fairfax County Park Authority - Adapted Aquatics, 12055 Govt. Center Pkwy., Ste. 1050, Fairfax, VA 22035, 703-324-8565, www.fairfaxcounty.gov Swimming and water safety classes for adults and children with physical and/or developmental disabilities. Eddie's Club, Inc., P.O. Box 523493, Springfield, VA 22152, 703-304- 2330, www.eddiesclub.org Eddie's Club is a non-profit organization geared towards giving youngsters, boys and girls ages 4 - 21 that have any form of disability, an opportunity to participate in a supervised, volunteered based, activity and recreational program. Kids-n-Motion 3310 Noble Pond Way, Woodbridge, Va 22193, 703-878-0100, www.kidsnmotion.biz. Our program is a comprehensive fitness program for young children to improve their motor and hand/eye coordination skills. We also strengthen their bodies and improve their flexing capabilities to reduce chance injuries during playing and sports. Tiny Fingers tiny signs for tiny fingers, www.tinyfingers.com Sign language classes and books for hearing families. Classes are located in Alexandria Falls Church City Washington, DC Capitol Hill, Montgomery County, Owings Mills, MD, Private, Group Classes All classes and workshops were developed by Eileen Ladino, a sign language interpreter and certified teacher of deaf and hearing children with over 15 years of teaching experience. The best way to reach us is via email at: classes@tinyfingers.com or 703-823-5747 MARYLAND Yoga Tales, 8020 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD, 301-951-9642, www.yogatales.com Offering small group yoga classes and parties for children and adults. We emphasize the development of stronger bodies, focused minds and peaceful spirits. Fitness for Health, Marc Sickel, ATC, 11140 Rockville Pike, Ste. 303, Rockville, MD, 20852, 301-231-7138, www.fitnessforhealth.org Improve your child's fitness, motivation and self-esteem in our state-of- the-art facility. Ages preschool and older, including those with special needs. MarVaTots 'n Teens Gymnastics, 5636 Randolph Rd. Rockville, MD 301-468-9181, www.marvatotsnteens.com Gymnastics helps develop coordination & balance while building confidence and self-esteem. All classes are inclusive. Funfit Kids Like Me @ Funfit Family Fitness Center, 17511 Redland Rd., Rockville, MD 20855, 301-975-0099, www.funfit.us Fitness classes for special needs, ages 2-8. Locations in Virginia and Maryland. Silver Stars Gymnastics, 2701 Pittman Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-589-0938, www.gosilverstars.com Our Philosophy Is: Develop the “I can do it!” attitude in children, Teach safety skills for use inside and outside the gym, Teach children to have fun while building confidence and physical skills in a safe learning environment, Teach children strong listening and turn taking skills in a nurturing setting and Teach children that positive behavior results in praise. Montgomery County Department of Recreation, 4010 Randolph Rd., Silver Spring, MD 240-777-6870, www.montgomerycountymd. gov/rec MCDR Therapeutic Recreation, 240-777-4925 provides year-round programs for children and teens, ages 5-21, with disabilities, including youth and teen camps and a new TR Summer Teen Center. WASHINGTON, D.C. Yoga with Krista, Krista Zember, RYT, Washington, DC, 202-689-5945, www.yogakrista.com, yogacalm@gmail.com Krista has taught yoga in Japan, DC, Virginia and Ohio. She has studied with Cyndi Lee, Dean Lerner, Jai Uttal, and Sonia Sumar, and is a certified practitioner of Yoga for the Special Child(R). Krista offers different levels of Yoga classes, one of which is called "Yoga for the Special Child" and is for children who have Autism, Cerebral Palsey, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Learning challenges, Physical and mental challenges and more... Budding Yogis, Mindful Yoga Studio, 3838 Northampton St., NW, Washington, DC 202-686-1104, www.buddingyogis.com The Budding Yogis Therapeutic Yoga Program offers natural and practical yoga and relaxation techniques to increase physical and emotional well-being for children with special needs. Universal Martial Arts Center, 202-387-8622, 301-585-8622, www.universalmartialartscenter.com Serving NW Washington, DC, and Silver Spring Maryland School Districts, Offers Year Round Martial Arts and Gymnastics, Summer Camp and Before and After School Enrichment, YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, serves DC, MD and VA ,1112 16th Street, NW - Suite 720, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-232-6700, www.ymcadc.org Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region, Inc., Child Development Center, VA Office: 111 N. Cherry St., Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-534-5353,; DC Office: 2800 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-5399, 202 387-4434, www.gwbr.easterseals.com Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 85 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. Includes information about recreational camps for children and adults with disabilities. |
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