Every year, the Undivided Research Team compiles a list of accessible camps across California! These day camps in the Los Angeles area feature recreational camp activities and adaptive sports, so your child can build teamwork and social skills while getting in movement and having fun. This article has plenty of tips on questions to ask to help you find the right summer camp.
Be sure to check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for information about getting support from Regional Center to fund a camp and/or aide for your child!
Website
1701 Marine Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-7708
adventureplex.news@bchd.org
At AdventurePlex, campers can “explore new interests and stay active with innovative programming. Fun is guaranteed with daily themes and activities including arts and crafts, music appreciation, age-appropriate physical skills-building activities, and cooperative and imaginative games.” Some examples include a rock climbing wall, ropes course, bounce houses, basketball, five-story obstacle course, crafts, and movies. Please check out the frequently asked questions about camps here.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates and times: Day camps run 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Extra hours are available from 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Summer camps will be offered June through August; specific 2025 summer camp dates are not online yet. Day camp bookings or week-long bookings will be available.
Location: Manhattan Beach
Ages: 4–12 years
Cost: $57 per day
Register: Please sign up through their online portal to reserve a spot for the summer camps. All registration is online through their portal, so all interested families will need to establish an account online.
Disabilities served: This is not a camp specifically for children with disabilities, but the camp is able to accommodate as long as the supports needed make it safe for the camper to attend.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides provided by families are permitted. Please contact them directly to make arrangements.
Website
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-0404
Established in 1955, Cali Camp gives participants a chance to experience the outdoors while taking part in a variety of activities. Campers can try out new sports, swim, participate in drama, make crafts, dance, and hike. Cali Camp believes in providing an inclusive camp experience for all kids, including those who have physical challenges, emotional needs, or learning differences. The staff puts kids in groups based on grade, age, and accessibility needs. To help you navigate whether this camp is a good fit for your child, Cali Camp has an Inclusion Coordinator. If you indicate that your child has extra support needs when you register, you may need to fill out this Inclusion Questionnaire and work with the Inclusion Coordinator to see how Cali Camp can best serve your child.
Format: In-person day camp
Disabilities served: Cali Camp prides itself on its inclusive atmosphere. Contact them to discuss your child’s particular needs.
Dates and times: June 16 - August 8, 2025, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Topanga (Santa Monica Mountains)
Register:
Cost:
Ages: 4–15 years old
1:1 aides: If your child needs a 1:1 aide, make that clear on your enrollment form and discuss it with the Inclusion Coordinator.
Website
5741 Buckingham Parkway Suite E
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 993-6802
info@ecfkids.com
EC Kids stands for Everyone Counts! EC Kids offers a series of ninja classes year-round to promote physical activities and gain sensory input. At their summer camps, kids can enjoy an adventure-filled day on the ninja warrior obstacle courses along with an extensive art station offering a variety of crafts. Anyone with extra support needs must set up an assessment prior to camp to ensure that they have a successful day. All campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water bottle. Campers can bring their own grip socks from home, or they have the option to go barefoot; there are no shoes permitted on the gym floor.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates and times: Weekly camps or daily camp options are available June 16 to August 15, 2025. Camp hours are from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Before and after care are available for an additional fee (8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.).
Location: Culver City
Ages: 5–13 years
Cost: Early bird special of $575 per week if camp is booked prior to May 1, 2025. After that date, the weekly rate is $625. Single-day options for $125 per day are available. They accept Self-Determination funds and are vendored with some Regional Centers.
Register: To register, go on their website and establish a portal account. Registration is handled through the portal.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are permitted.
Website
Multiple locations
(310) 779-1952
Contact: Marc Weiss, Owner/Director
The Iverbe Sports Camp Program gives kids a chance to try out a variety of sports and activities in a positive and supportive environment regardless of their ability levels. The staff works closely with campers to make sure they get personalized attention. In addition to playing sports, campers can engage in indoor activities like Legos and yoga or try out other outdoor activities like water play. Activities include sports, games, arts and crafts, special event days, water days, tournament days, and field trips (fourth to eighth grade only). They also offer a Counselor and Training Volunteer program for incoming ninth and tenth graders.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates and times:
Location: Location varies depending on the program you enroll in. Camps take place at Palisades High School in Los Angeles, The Willows Community School in Culver City, and St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey.
Ages: 4–13 years old. Age range varies based on the camp you sign up for, so make sure to double-check the range for the program you’re interested in.
Cost: $900-$1,000 per week (lunch included). Refund policy: Any cancellations prior to May 1, 2025, cost 25% of the session fee. There are no refunds after May 1 for summer 2025.
Register: Register on the Iverbe website.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are permitted.
Website
Two locations:
30910 S. Sloan Canyon Road
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 257-0266
6043 Tampa Ave.
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 345-3002
Contact: Mike Stilson, Executive Director
Traditional Camp Santa Clarita and Traditional Camp Tarzana are outdoor camps that include activities such as swimming, ziplining, sports, climbing walls, and ropes courses. Their goal is to help kids develop life skills, social skills, and self-confidence. Campers in Leadership Training is available for campers entering ninth and tenth grades. Theme weeks can be found here. This is not a camp specifically for children with disabilities, but they do welcome all campers and will work with families to see if their camp is a good fit for them.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates: June 9-August 8, 2025 (no camp July 4). Valley Trails Summer Camp asks that you enroll for a minimum of two weeks. You may add additional weeks later, subject to availability.
Location: Santa Clarita and Tarzana
Register: Enrollment link
Cost: Traditional Camp Santa Clarita is$549 per week, and Traditional Camp Tarzana is $480 per week.
Ages: Traditional camp is K-8th grade, and Campers in Leadership Training is 9th-10th grades.
1:1 aides: Contact Executive Director Mike Stilson directly to discuss the specific needs of your child. The camp cannot provide 1:1 aides directly but will work with the family to see if the camp program is a good fit for their child and will allow 1:1 aides to attend. They do request that the family sends the same aide throughout the entire week.
Website
1024 Hanley Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 472-7474
Contact: Andy Kimmelman, Owner/Director
For more than 65 years, Tumbleweed Day Camp has provided a place for kids to explore, play, and be unplugged from technology. The camp is located on over a hundred acres and gives kids a chance to participate in activities like archery, theater, swimming, field games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. The camp keeps their ratio of campers to counselors small at 5:1 to make sure your child gets personalized attention. Transportation is also included in their summer programs, so campers can take a bus from a meeting point to the Tumbleweed camp site. There are two camp options at Tumbleweed based on the camper’s age. Tumbleweed South is designed for campers entering Pre-K, first grade, or second grade. Tumbleweed North is for campers entering third through eighth grade.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates: Week-long sessions from June 16 to August 15, 2025.
Location: Los Angeles
Register: You can register on the Tumbleweed Day Camp website. If you would like to tour the camp privately prior to registration, you may sign up to schedule a visit.
Cost: $955 per week. (June 30-July 4 is only $815 because campers will have July 4 off.)
Ages: Pre-K to eighth grade
1:1 aides: Tumbleweed often has a handful of campers attending with aides. You can collaborate with staff member Liz Kimmelman to discuss your child’s needs.
Website
Multiple locations:
Larchmont Charter School
1265 N. Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Adat Ari El
12020 Burbank Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
(424) 341-5522
hello@campwildfolk.com
Camp Wildfolk creates a space for kids to build community through activities and group projects. They offer several different options for campers with different interests, including Wildfolk Classic for campers who want to participate in typical indoor and outdoor camp activities, Adventure Camp for campers who want to go on lots of fields trips, and Robots Hybrid for older campers who want to experiment with activities such as 3D printing and woodworking.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates and times: Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m., and the extended day option is 8:00 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
Location: Valley Village or West Hollywood
Register: Register for Camp Wildfolk on their website. You can check the availability for each session here; some camps are filling up fast.
Cost: $500-$590 for one week or $1,040-$1,060 for two weeks. There are varying discounts for early registration.
Ages: Pre-K to tenth grade
1:1 aides: The camp is willing to allow a 1:1 aide on a case-by-case basis. Call or email the camp to discuss your child’s needs.
Website
34289 Rocking Horse Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 268-8010
hello@carouselranch.org
Contact: Denise Redmond, Executive Director
Carousel Ranch has been offering equestrian therapy and vocational training for children and young adults with disabilities since 1997. At Carousel Ranch, equestrian therapy takes their students into a new, unexplored world and provides a sense of independence. The exercises performed on the back of the horse challenge their riders in ways that they have seldom been challenged before. They serve 85 children per week in individual therapy sessions as well as young adults with disabilities in their vocational training program.
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Location: Santa Clarita
Register: To register, call (661) 268-8010.
Cost: Cost is based on ability to pay, averaging $60 per session. They offer scholarships if families are not able to pay. Every student who applies to the program receives a scholarship application in their initial paperwork.
Ages: Three months and older
Website
1003 W. Carson Street
Long Beach, CA 90810
(310) 350-1311
Info@dreamcatcherla.com
Contact: Joan Blank, Founder/Executive Director
Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Center is a Certified Center Member of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International offering equine-assisted activities and therapies. Their mission is “to improve the lives of children, adults, and veterans with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.” Dream Catcher offers a wide range of programs.
Programs:
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Location: Long Beach
Register: To register, call (310) 350-1311 and fill out their application.
Cost:
Ages:
Website
10860 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 700-2971
401 Ronel Court
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 375-9078
Contact: Nancy@RideOn.org
The mission of Ride On is to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities through fun, creative equine therapy. Staff members include occupational and physical therapists. Adaptive riding involves safety lessons on and near the horse, games, and riding skills with obstacle courses. Hippotherapy is administered by an occupational or physical therapist on horseback. The rhythmic movements of the horse help improve balance, strength, communication, behavior, and posture. Equine specialists in mental health and learning therapists are also available. These therapists work with an equine specialist to help children in hour-long therapy sessions.
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Location: They have two locations. In Conejo Valley, their 13-acre Newbury Park site is operated in partnership with the Conejo Recreation and Park District. In the San Fernando Valley, their Chatsworth location is home to their 3-acre ranch.
Register: The registration packet is located here.
Cost:
Ages: 4 years old and up
Website
50 Narcissa Dr.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 541-4201
info@ridetofly.org
Contact: Gail Grove, Executive Director
Ride to Fly is a “nonprofit organization committed to offering therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.” Since 1994, Ride to Fly has been a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International member-operating center serving the South Bay area. They have three main programs to choose from, including mounted equine activities/lessons, non-mounted activities/lessons, and equine management training. Enrollment is available to new, novice, existing, and advanced/independent participants who meet Ride to Fly’s medical and instructors’ approval.
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 2:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m.; Saturdays 9:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. Note: Summer lessons are Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m., due to heat in the afternoons.
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes
Register: To register, fill out this registration form.
Cost:
Ages: Ride to Fly does not specify age ranges, but they do have a 175-pound weight limit for riders to be mounted.
Website
2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-0544
info@aceingautism.org
Contact: Justin Belisario, Director of Program Operations, (626) 297-3623
ACEing Autism was founded in the summer of 2008 by Richard Spurling and Dr. Shafali Jeste as a family-run organization with the support of volunteers. Their clinics aim to “develop your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination, build confidence, and improve their general socialization, all within a fun and controlled environment.” Program directors usually have either tennis or autism backgrounds, sometimes both. ACEing Autism is a group tennis program for participants with a 1:2 volunteer-to-participant ratio and a Program Director team that oversees the on-court and off-court organization. The clinic runs 50 minute-sessions for six weeks. Participants who use AAC devices are welcome. Volunteers are trained in autism basics only, so they encourage children’s RBTs, aides, or therapists to jump on the court to help when possible. In addition, parents are asked to be nearby and may be asked to come on the court if needed.
Format: In-person classes
Dates: Varies by location
Location: ACEing Autism offers more than 80 program locations nationwide, with Southern California having about 13 locations. Programs in Inglewood, MountainGate Country Club (near Getty Center), Echo Park, Burbank, and Long Beach are the closest programs in LA proper. They are always able to expand into areas where demand is high and can work with individuals to start a new location.
Register: You may register for ACEing Autism once you select your location.
Cost: On average, it costs $120 for a six-week session. Scholarships are available.
Ages: 5–18 years old, with a flexible upper limit.
Website
2028 W. 11th St.
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 931-2764
The Adaptive Athlete is for those with intellectual and physical disabilities. They offer seasonal camps with activities such as crafts, gymnastics, trampoline, and basketball. For Pre-K Camp, campers will explore color-coding, counting, letters, numbers, and calendar basics while learning to share and take turns. Throughout the year, they offer adaptive sports classes such as adaptive aerobics, preteen fitness, adaptive pickle ball, adaptive volleyball, adaptive basketball, and adaptive gymnastics for all ages. A description of the adaptive classes offered can be found here. Kids ninja and volleyball classes are also available for those between 4 years and 14 years in age. A description of the kids classes offered can be found here. Children with disabilities are welcome to participate in all programs, not just adaptive, but they need to be able to perform tasks such as toileting and eating independently. Families are able to send a 1:1 aide with their child to assist them to participate in programs. If you are unsure which would be the best for you, contact them by phone or email to get your specific questions answered.
Format: In-person day camps and classes
Dates: Summer 2025 camps will be held June 16-August 14, 2025. These are day camps, so families can pick specific days that they wish to participate in. Pre-K Camp hours are 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and campers 5– 12 years old attend 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. All other classes are offered year-round.
Location: Upland
Register: Sign up here to be notified when registration opens. Enrollment applications will be sent to the families by email. These applications have sections that allow families to indicate if their child has any allergies or is in need of any support such as families bringing in a 1:1.
Cost: A flat enrollment fee of $35 per child for all programs is required. Summer camp is a daily rate of $65. Monthly fees vary for year-round classes. They accept Self-Determination funding.
Ages:
1:1 aides: If campers need a 1:1 aide or adult support, families are required to provide them.
Website
Multiple locations
AYSO has rebranded its renowned “VIP” Program to EPIC, standing for “Everyone Plays In Our Community.” The AYSO EPIC program offers modified soccer. The goal of the AYSO EPIC Program is to offer a quality soccer experience for individuals with physical or mental disabilities who otherwise may find it difficult to participate on mainstream soccer teams. They define successful participation as the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members. The program provides EPIC Buddies who assist during the games, in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends. It's open to everyone from age 5 to adults.
Dates: Spring season begins in March, and fall season begins in August.
Location: Locations are nationwide. Use the AYSO Region Locator to find a program near you.
Register: To register, use the Region Locator and determine if your local organization hosts an EPIC program.
Cost: Ranges from no cost to discounted rates. The average rates are $40-$50 for EPIC programs. Discounted rates vary by region.
Ages: 5 years old and up
Website
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-7969
campnugget@csulb.edu
Contact: Dr. Melissa Bittner, Director
Organized by California State University Long Beach, Camp Nugget is a day camp helping participants develop physical skills through small group instruction. These small groups are led by students studying to receive an Adapted Physical Education Teaching Credential, who are supervised by Dr. Melissa Bittner. Throughout the program, campers engage in activities like swimming and exercising to strengthen their perceptual-motor skills, fundamental motor skills, and physical fitness. This also includes cooperative games, dance, and adapted sports.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates and times: June 16-July 11, 2025. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Register: You can register for their summer program by filling out this form online.
Ages and disabilities served: 5–12 years old. This camp is open to children with and without disabilities.
Cost: $500 per camper. Siblings get a 50% discount.
1:1 aides: While there are no 1:1 aides provided by the camp, please contact Dr. Bittner if your child wants to bring a 1:1 aide.
Website
Multiple locations
Founded in 1989, the Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations, they should do so. The Challenger program offers “buddies,” peer athletes who are in the Little League or Softball programs, to assist the athletes in areas of batting, base running, and defense as needed.
Format: In-person classes
Dates: Varies depending on league but typically weekends from February to June.
Location: Use the League Finder to locate a Challenger team in your area or email them at challenger@LittleLeague.org.
Register: Registration varies by team location.
Cost: Each local Challenger Program sets its own policy with respect to registration fees, so it varies by region; however, most leagues do not charge a fee to participate. No player may be denied the opportunity to participate based on the inability to pay a registration fee. The Beverly Hills league, for instance, is offering free registration to any Challenger buddy baseball players.
Ages: 4–18 years old, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above (no maximum age).
Website
819 N Crescent Heights Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 314-8593
omgyouthsports@gmail.com
Contact: Jonathan Owens, Executive Director
OMG Sports offers adaptive sports programming year-round as well as non-sports immersion programs such as sensory play and health programs.
Programs:
OMG Sensory Play Program is a five-week immersive camp designed for those with sensory processing needs. They have hands-on sensory activities, movement-based play, and interactive experiences to help with self-regulation, motor skills, and social confidence. The program ends with a Family Sensory Celebration where families can join in for an interactive day of play.
OMG and Health Matters program is a twelve-week overall nutrition course with small group in-person sessions and online via Google classroom. Private sessions are offered any time the schedule permits, and groups are usually held in the afternoons and weekends. The program provides exercise, nutrition, and overall health instruction with three weekly lessons, each lasting 60 to 120 minutes.
OMG POWER of Movement Camp in summer are non-sports immersion camps with week-long themed sessions such as animal lovers, oceanography or marine life. The times are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Extended care is available for a fee until 6:00 p.m.
OMG Basketball is a program where players will have daily skill training and advanced drills, live scrimmages, friendly competitions, team building, and personalized feedback from the coaching staff. All sessions run 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Sessions are co-ed for ages 8-15 years and are held at the Bancroft Middle School Gymnasium (929 Las Palmas Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90038).
Format: In-person
Dates: Varies depending on the program.
Location: Los Angeles. Fall programming will be available in Humboldt County and San Diego for sports; they are also expanding into Santa Barbara.
Register: Registration is available via this link.
Cost:
Age: 5–22 years. Participants are grouped into high school and up or middle school and below.
Website
1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 502-1100
info@sosc.org
Contact: Tracy Belloso, Manager, Sports & Programs
Special Olympics “transform lives through the joy of sport, every day, everywhere.” It is “the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries and millions more volunteers and supporters.” They believe that through participation in sports, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer 12 sports, both individual and team sports, including athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
Format: In-person classes
Dates:
Location: Multiple Southern California areas; links to each area are on Information for SOSC Athletes. A program in the Westside/UCLA area offers athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, swimming, bowling, soccer, golf, and softball.
Register: Steps for registration and how to complete an application are on Information for SOSC Athletes. The first step in becoming an athlete is an application that has to be filled out by the athlete, parent/guardian, and their doctor. Once they receive the application in their system, Tracy Belloso sends the coach the athlete's information. The coach then contacts each athlete with their practice schedule. Each application is good for three years before it has to be renewed again. They will also have volunteer opportunities for any parents who might want to help out with a team.
Cost: Programs are free to the athletes and their families.
Ages: 2 years old and up. Programs are available for people with intellectual disability, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that have required specially designed instruction.
Website
43101 Goldmine Drive
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 584-0269
mail@usarc.org
At the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC), they believe that everyone should have the chance to enjoy the thrill of water sports, regardless of swimming ability. They provide flotation vests and use a variety of modified and standard recreation equipment, along with skilled staff of recreation therapists, lifeguards, licensed boat operators, and trained volunteers. Safety is their top priority. They require participants to be able to hold their breath and be able to move from the face-down position to face-up position in just 10 seconds or less. They understand that certain disabilities or other factors may limit or prevent participation, so they will work with you to find alternative ways to participate. Sports offered for summer include water skiing, paddle sports, fishing, accessible camping, climbing wall, tubing, scenic sky chair, zip line, bungee trampoline, and snow summit mining company where participants can pan for gems. Descriptions of these can be found here. Lunch is not provided during day sessions; participants must bring their own. Please note that daily transportation to and from Serrano Campground is not provided by USARC. For additional information or questions, fill out their online inquiry form.
Format: In-person
Dates: Sessions run 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Single-day sessions for summer 2025 have not been listed yet; please check back closer to April/May. Generally, they have their summer programs in July and August, with waterskiing held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Their overnight camp sessions are typically the third week in July. Fishing and paddle sports begin late June through August.
Location: The Pines Lakefront at 350 Alden Road at Big Bear Lake
Register: To register, reserve your spot for their summer sessions starting in May 2025 by calling (909) 584-0269 to make your reservations. To ensure your reservation is secured, please make sure your 2025 annual registration fee is up to date.
Cost:
Ages: 5 years and up
Website
Encino, CA
(310) 867-9282
Contact: Kate Polich, Owner
Head Above Water was established in 2002 to provide swim lessons in the privacy and familiarity of a swimmer’s own pool. They have since expanded to provide their services to clients who do not have their own pool. They specialize in private, 1:1 swim lessons for all ages. There is only one swimmer in the pool at a time. They customize every lesson to each swimmer’s specific needs, and they offer lessons seven days a week. They have experience working with children with autism and other disabilities.
Format: In-person classes
Register: For registration details, visit the Booking page.
Cost: $200 per half-hour lesson.
Website
Multiple locations:
West LA College
9000 Overland Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
Lincoln Middle School
1501 California Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 821-0963
Contact: Shaun Cochran, Recreational Services Manager
Leaps n Boundz offers an adaptive aquatics program for children and adults of all ages and abilities. They offer lessons in their year-round outdoor facilities. Leaps n Boundz accommodates and develops a lesson that is tailored to each client. Each swimmer is assessed and given individual swim goals. While a majority of their clients have autism, they do support individuals with a wide range of diagnoses.
Format: In-person classes
Register:
Cost: Contact for out-of-pocket prices. Leaps n Boundz is vendored with Regional Center.
Website
(323) 364-7946
Contact: Kenneth Rippetoe, Program Director, (310) 694-2579
One with the Water! shares that they “live to inspire others to do what inspires them.” They offer children and adults, including those with disabilities, swimming lessons and empower people to be successful in and out of the water. One with the Water! realizes that many parents struggle to find a swim lesson provider who is the right fit for their child, and they know how important it is for the provider to be qualified, experienced, and compassionate. Their staff has over 35 years of experience teaching individuals of all ages and ability levels, and they have experience working with kids with autism, both speaking and non-speaking. All of their pools are ADA accessible.
Format: In-person classes
Location: Locations throughout California include Berkeley, Burbank, Culver City, Laguna Niguel, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara & Montecito, and Santa Monica and private homes.
Disabilities served: ADHD, anxiety, auditory processing disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, sensory integration issues, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, and other disabilities.
Register: To register for any location, sign up here.
Cost: $295 per month for 30-minute lessons.
Website
360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 564-0330 ext 419
Contact: Coach Cameron Lee, Adaptive Manager
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center offers an adaptive swim program for children with disabilities, aiming to give families the highest level of instruction and therapeutic benefits of swimming. Their mission is to provide quality swim lessons and aquatic therapy through inclusion, consistency, and progress. They have instructors and physical therapists who are comfortable working with children with significant support needs. Lessons are conducted in their therapy pool, which is heated year-round and is wheelchair-accessible using a hydraulic-powered chairlift. Both 1:1 private lessons and 1:2 semi-private lessons are available.
Format: In-person classes
Register: To inquire about registering and booking an initial assessment, contact Coach Cameron Lee at clee@rosebowlaquatics.org.
Cost:
Website
Santa Monica Swim Center
2225 16th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 625-2974
Contact: Michael Flaherty, Head Coach
Swim with Heart, a nonprofit organization, offers “year-round swim instruction and competitive swim team training with a focus on personal connection and the importance of having fun.” Specially trained instructors work with swimmers of all abilities to break through emotional, mental, and physical barriers.
Format: In-person classes
Disabilities served: Available to all ages and diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, Fragile X, and Angelman syndrome.
Register: Fill out the registration form here.
Cost:
Website
(323) 622-9468
Contact: Chris Durian, Program Director
SwimSCAAPE’s mission is to “give swimmers of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and/or cognitive challenges, the support, confidence, and skills necessary to safely experience the joy and health benefits of swimming.” They offer 1:1 standard and adaptive private lessons and “sensory swim” therapeutic sessions.
Format: In-person classes
Location: Multiple locations in Brentwood, Hawthorne, Reseda, Santa Monica, and private homes.
Disabilities served: Swimmers of all abilities including those with physical and/or cognitive challenges.
Cost:
Website
Mailing address:
112 Arena Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 372-2202
Team@BeachSports.com
Lesson location:
Manhattan Beach Pier, Northside
2 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Beach Sports lessons include the use of a surfboard, wetsuit, and 60 minutes of personalized private instruction by an experienced instructor. Adapted instruction is available on the same schedule and at the same rates as their private lessons. When filling out the form on their website, please be as detailed as possible about your child so that they can gather specific information to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Format: In-person lessons
Cost: $100 per lesson, or $425 for five lessons
Registration: To find out more information, please complete the form located on the bottom of this webpage.
Disabilities served: Intellectual and physical disabilities
Website
Los Angeles, CA
(419) 420-4995
hang.ten.therapeutics@gmail.com
Hang Ten Therapeutics was created by Naomi Matanick, OTR/L, who is a licensed and registered pediatric occupational therapist with specialties in child development, feeding therapy, sensory integration therapy, and surf therapy. She combines occupational therapy for sensory integration by giving the clients engagement with water, the surfboard, and the sand. All of these provide sensory input for motor, physical, and emotional needs. Her therapies develop motor skills, facilitate strength and normal muscle movement patterns, develop physical and emotional regulation, and support the development of a strong self.
Format: In-person program
Dates: Year-round. Clients can schedule directly.
Cost: Costs will vary depending on length of therapy. Payments can be made by Zelle or Venmo, She works with local Regional Centers and accepts Self-Determination funds. She will also create superbills if needed for insurance.
Registration: Contact Naomi Matanick directly by phone or email to set up a 30-minute trial session.
Disabilities served: Intellectual and physical disabilities
Website
SoCalSurfTherapy@gmail.com
SoCal Surf Therapy provides year-round instruction by surf instructors to help build up trust and confidence in individuals with disabilities. Each session is 1.5 hours with the goal of 60 minutes of ocean therapy time.
Format: In-person
Dates: Year-round. Clients can schedule directly.
Registration: Fill out the online inquiry form. They will email you a personal questionnaire, medical history form, and some detailed information regarding session rates. After the forms are returned, they will pair you with the appropriate surf instructor who can meet your child’s specific needs.
Cost: Varies depending on overall support needs.
Disabilities served: Intellectual and physical disabilities
Website
(619) 292-8970
Contact: Daniel Parsons, MS, CES, CSCS
Surf the Spectrum, run by Kiera and Daniel Parsons, provides activity-based programs to enrich the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Surf the Spectrum offers surf, skate, and fitness programs as opportunities to promote independence, spatial awareness, and whole-person development. In all of their programs, they implement visual learning, communication, and behavior modification strategies. Families may sign up for one or multiple programs. Each client is evaluated by Daniel Parsons before lessons begin. Evaluation components include core stability, gross motor skills (locomotor and object control), posture and gait, balance and proprioception, behavior, and communication.
Format: In-person classes
Dates and times: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Malibu, and Ventura
Register: Reach out directly to book your first session. Sessions are 45–90 minutes depending on the program you choose.
Cost: Cost varies depending on the program you sign up for. Contact Surf the Spectrum directly to get an accurate rate.
Ages: Ages vary depending on the program you choose.
1:1 aides: Participants don’t typically have 1:1 aides, but Parsons works closely with participants to make sure they’re getting the most from the program.
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