You don’t have to go far to get your child with special needs involved in the right sports program. We did the legwork for you! Here are some highlights in the Westchester County, NY, area:
Backyard Sports
75 South Broadway, White Plains
(914) 304-4052; danny@byardsports.com
Basketball and soccer for boys and girls ages 5-15 with special needs. Programs are held at SUNY Purchase. Programs focus on basic coordination, athletic development and building confidence while stressing proper behaviors and group cooperation. Trained teachers and coaches handle each child’s needs. Group sizes are small and determined by age and ability.
Creative Yogashine
7-11 Legion Drive, Valhalla
(914) 769-8745; www.yogashine.com
Yoga (group and individual) for children ages 3 and up with emotional, developmental and physical disabilities. The therapeutic body movements and creative play engages children and helps them treat some of their limitations without feeling like they are “working.”
Greenburgh Special Education Recreation
11 Olympic Lane, Ardsley
(914) 693-8985 ext. 128
A large array of activities and outings for children with disabilities, such as horseback riding, karate, swim classes, art classes, dances, parties and camp.
HERO, Inc.
2975 Westchester Avenue, Suite 410, Purchase
(914) 761-2130; www.hero-ny.org
Adapted tennis and dance therapy are among this organization’s many offerings. Tennis, which is held on an ongoing basis, provides fun, fitness and positive social experiences for children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Lessons, which are held either indoors or outdoors depending on weather, are held Monday through Saturdays and are tailored to meet group and individual needs.
The Miracle League of Westchester
30 Glenn Street, Suite 307, White Plains
(914) 813-8007; www.mlwny.org
A modified baseball program for children of all ages with disabilities. Children play baseball on a field specifically designed for wheelchair use to make sure that all children, no matter his or her level and ability, can play baseball.
Moving Wheels and Heels
Steffi Nossen Central Studios at the Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains
(914) 328-1900; www.steffinossen.org
“Wheels and Heels” classes, dance classes for wheelchair bound adults and children, allow students to explore the joy of movement. The classes combine technique, improvisation and movement to help children increase their strength and range of motion.
North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc.
63 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne
(914) 347-4409; www.northeastspecialrec.org
Offers aquatics, Special Olympics training and other activities for children with developmental disabilities.
Pegasus
Pleasantville, Bedford Hills, North Salem
(203) 356-9504; www.pegasustr.org
Therapeutic horseback riding for children with special needs. Those who ride horses get physical, emotional and social benefits that cannot be duplicated with other forms of therapy.
Southeast Consortium for Special Services
740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck
(914) 698-5232
Provides a wide range of sports and social activities for kids with special needs. Among the sports programs offered are Kids in Motion, a fitness, exercise and movement program for youths and teens; Partners in Sports, which includes sports development and cooperative skill training; aquatics; bowling and Special Olympics training and competition.
UMAC (United Martial Arts Centers)
450 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor
(914) 945-7100; www.umaccenters.com
United Martial Arts Center offers Taekwondo for children with special needs. The courses help them develop physically, mentally and socially. Each class is taught using positive reinforcement.
