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
1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Info@AdriansPlaceSM.com
Adrian’s Place is a community hub located in Santa Monica offering recreational, social, and academic programs tailored to meet individuals of all abilities. The facility is designed for program directors, activity instructors, tutors, and therapists to use as a convenient location to grow their programs. In addition, they offer parent and sibling support groups throughout each month, workshops, and pop-up classes. Programs currently offered include Basketball, Karate, Gross Motor Fitness, Guitar Lessons, Music/Jam Sessions, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, Bollypop Indian Dance, Adaptive Ballet & Creative Moment, Mommy & Me Dance, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops.
Format: In-person programs
Ages: Separate programs for ages 13-17 and 18+
Disabilities served: All disabilities welcome.
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
Ages: 4–12 years
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides provided by families are permitted. Please contact them directly to make arrangements.
Website
3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 506-1091
contact@bridges.edu
Bridges Academy is a school in Studio City specializing in 2E education for grades 4–12. They offer a variety of online and in-person summer camp options for 2E students to enjoy, including writing, robotics, speech and debate, animation, art, cooking, chemistry, game play, and sports. Please check the variety of recreation and sports summer programs offered under Fitness and Outdoor summer programs. View their entire catalog of camps here.
Format: Online and in person
Age range: Grades 4–12
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.
Format: In-person day camp
Disabilities served: Cali Camp prides itself on its inclusive atmosphere. Contact them to discuss your child’s particular needs.
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
South Pasadena Area Coordinator: Annika Easterby
Founder, Co-Director: Luke Aloe
Adult Contact, Supervisor: Noelle Aloe
Club Moai, run by Luke Aloe and Ziko Elkobaitry, is designed as a social group for teens with disabilities. They founded Club Moai in middle school and have held monthly social groups since. Club Moai is entirely run and organized by Pasadena-area high schoolers and overseen by adults. They meet monthly and give teens a place where they can socialize and participate in games and crafts. In past summers, supported by the Dragon Kim Foundation, Luke and Ziko have run a summer camp named Camp Moai to “give 35 teenagers a social and adventurous experience.” Camp activities have included arts and crafts, bowling, rock climbing, hiking, swimming, music day, beach day, surfing, ropes course, prom night, and outdoor movie night. The camp is run by high school volunteers.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: Open to all Pasadena-area teenagers with disabilities entering high school or older.
Cost: All of Club Moai’s programs and camps are free because they are funded through private donations and community grants.
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
Ages: 5–13 years
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
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.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are permitted.
Website
500-506 North Larchmont Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(213) 364-8740
info@thelaclubhouse.com
Contact: Batshev Freeman, COO
The LA Clubhouse offers eight weeks of summer programming with days filled with activities such as water play, art, music, baking, shows, and more. Biweekly field trips are offered for kids 5 and up.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 3–5 years (Clubhouse JR), 5 years and up (Clubhouse)
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are permitted. Families will need to call Batshev Freeman, COO at (917) 863-4122 to discuss further.
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
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
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
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
5433 Beethoven Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 302-0035
info@broadwaygym.com
SpecialEducation@BroadwayGym.com
This expansive gymnastics center near Playa Vista offers special education classes and camps designed for children with developmental disabilities, especially those with autism. In addition to engaging in therapeutic gymnastics (targeting movements that can boost the brain-body connection), the Broadway Gymnastic School camp experience incorporates games, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, fort-building, music-making, and even gardening in the nearby vegetable plot.
Format: In-person day camp and classes
Ages: 3.5-12 years old. Kids younger than 5 years old are in one camp, and ages 5 and older are in another.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Please call the school to discuss your child’s individual needs.
Website
8640 Hayden Place
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 987-2886
frontoffice@jaggym.com
The staff at JAG Gym is accustomed to working with kids with varying needs and skills. In addition to teaching gymnastics, their curriculum focuses on playground readiness, general athletic preparation for other sports, and character development. Their character-building program is based on six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. This summer, they’re offering a day camp as well as gymnastic classes. Summer camp participants should bring a water bottle as well as snacks.
Format: In-person day camp and classes
Ages: 5 years old and up.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides can accompany campers if needed.
Website
10157 Johanna Ave.
Shadow Hills, CA 91040
(818) 767-6373
info@awhla.org
Mobile Site: Sullivan Canyon in Brentwood
AHEAD With Horses is devoted to improving children’s quality of life through equine therapy. Their program helps children reach major physical, mental, and emotional milestones. The relationship between children, therapeutic riding instructors, and their special therapy horses is the catalyst to meaningful growth. The horses provide a sense of comfort and companionship. The organization sees hundreds of individuals each year, of all ages and disabilities, throughout the greater Los Angeles area with a primary location in Shadow Hills (soon to be Lake View Terrace) and a mobile site at Sullivan Canyon in Brentwood. They are a PATH-certified organization. Their therapy program utilizes vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse) to provide various physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits. Many of the children they serve have previously not responded to traditional forms of therapy and/or education or are not eligible for other services.
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
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
Ages:
Website
610 Santa Monica Blvd. #217
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 435-3047
Marlenefrantz4@gmail.com
Marlene Frantz is a Certified Group Psychotherapist and is certified with the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as an Equine Therapist. She offers equine therapy at her personal residence in Topanga, specifically “experiential equine therapy” as opposed to riding therapy. Sessions are designed based on the individual’s needs. Parents or 1:1 aides can accompany the child.
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Ages: All 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
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
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
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
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.
Format: In-person classes
Ages: 5 years old and up
Website
Casa Colina Hospitals and Centers for Healthcare
Long Beach and Glendora, CA
(909) 596-7733, extension 4161
Contact: Michelle Del Real, Recreation Therapist
Contact: Lisa Hilborn, MA, CAPE, Director of Outdoor Adventures and Recreational Therapy
The Beat the Heat Sports Camp offers three full days of activities, and each day highlights a different type of adaptive sport. May 29 will include water sports activities such as adaptive outrigger canoeing, sailing, and gondola rides. May 30 is a deep-sea fishing day taking participants on a five-hour excursion in Long Beach, and prizes are offered for the heaviest catch of the day. May 31 includes a variety of wheelchair sports activities such as wheelchair basketball, adaptive pickleball, tennis, adaptive softball, and more. Participants can sign up for as many days as they would like. Camp activities “will accommodate a wide variety of abilities by using specialized adaptive equipment, all operated by trained professionals. Casa Colina staff, trained volunteers, athletes, coaches, and professional outfitters will facilitate all activities, offering high levels of safety and engagement for all participants.” They host dedicated activities such as these year-round.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 14 years and up
Disabilities served: All disabilities welcome. During wheelchair events, priority is given to participants in wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments.
1:1 aides: Yes, however Casa Colina has an extensive number of volunteers available. Contact Michelle Del Real or Lisa Hilborn directly to discuss your specific needs.
Website
2358 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 896-8461
info@beyondkarate.org
Beyond Karate offers inclusive karate classes that are structured for “all ages and abilities, including children with special needs and teens” under the direction of Sensei Mallica Skyler Cooper. Their summer camp offers a variety of fun and creative activities designed for those with autism and other disabilities. Camp activities include karate, dance, music, sports, and arts and crafts. Campers will also be able to participate in field trips to local splash parks.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 7 and up. Campers are grouped with their appropriate age range.
Disabilities served: All abilities
1:1 aides: If campers need a 1:1 aide or adult support, families are required to provide them. The aide will need to fill out this form.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Disabilities served: Intellectual and physical disabilities
Website
501-I South Reino Road, Suite #285
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 974-8955
Contact: Staci Silva, Programs and Service Director
info@flowsurfacademy.org
Before Flow Surf Academy (FSA), founder Pat Notaro III worked closely with Surfer’s Healing, an organization that assists mostly children with autism. He went on to create A Walk on Water in 2012, which later became Flow Surf Academy for families to enjoy regardless of disability. At FSA, they believe in the transformational power of surfing. Every instructor is a seasoned surfer with a minimum of ten years of experience in surf lineups around the world and CPR certified. All instructors are trained to work with individuals with disabilities. The camp has adaptive surfboards and equipment to meet the needs of each participant to ensure safety and enjoyment. Surf camp has a minimum of five surfers and maximum of ten surfers. Each camper will get personalized attention from the team of surf instructors. Outside of surfing time, the campers play beach games and participate in other activities to build their understanding of the ocean and marine environment. Camp is held at Mondo’s Beach/Summer’s Beach in Ventura, California. Free summer events along with private surf lessons are also available. Contact them directly by phone for more information or check out their website.
Format: In-person program
Disabilities served: All abilities
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
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
Disabilities served: Intellectual and physical disabilities
Website
P.O. Box 1267
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
(877) 966-SURF
SURFERS Healing is a nonprofit offering those with autism an opportunity to go surfing together. It was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz for their son, Isaiah, who is autistic; when Isaiah struggled with behaviors and sensory overload, riding the waves with his father calmed him like nothing else. Volunteer-staffed camps give over 4,500 children with autism and their families a fun, engaging day at the beach. The organization staff believes that when they help kids get up on a board, they are challenging preconceived notions of capability and empowering individuals to engage with the world.
Format: Special one-day summer event
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
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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