Every year, the Undivided Research Team compiles a list of accessible camps across California! These day camps in the Los Angeles area feature programs in music, dance, visual art, theater, and more, so you can learn about available options offering activities your child would be interested in. Some of these camps and classes are specifically designed for kids with disabilities while others are inclusive of all abilities. 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
Mailing address:
71 E. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(833) 974-8366
contact@aiwcamp.com
Adventures in Writing Camp offers two-week camps throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They group campers in three different courses: 1st grade, Elementary, and Middle School. 1st grade camp is capped at 15 students per class for more individualized attention. Elementary and Middle School are capped at 25, but class size depends on overall enrollment for that week. All camps deliver the lessons in song form and chants. 1st grade curriculum includes learning story concepts. Elementary (2nd-5th grades) includes three different classes in music/dance, writing, and ebook. The goal of this group is to complete an ebook, which will be published on their website by the end of the camp. Middle School (6th-8th grade) is technology focused. Campers write a short story and then choose a short scene from that to write a script and draw pictures. The campers then take these pictures and read their script doing voiceover work, resulting in an animatic by the end of camp. All of the camps have brain breaks tied into the day every 20 minutes. The staff keeps the environment fun and active as they teach, so kids can fall in love with writing. All locations statewide teach the same curriculum.
Type of camp: In-person
Age: Students entering 1st to 8th grades in fall
Disabilities served: While this is not a camp specifically designed for children with disabilities, they do have children with disabilities attend. They ask in their registration process if your child has a 504 or IEP at school to determine what support may be needed to achieve a successful camp experience. This may be in the form of incorporating additional movement breaks or being mindful of sensory needs when they host their daily assemblies with the entire camp meeting together. They will reach out to the caregivers prior to camp to get specific information on the supports needed. They do not have the staff to provide 1:1 aides, but their camps are led by credentialed teachers and the camp directors are also credentialed.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend with the camper. If a child has a 1:1 aide at school, please provide for the camp.
Website
info@theartsywagon.com
(323) 363-2621
The Artsy Wagon offers art classes in the comfort of your home. Activities are customized for the location, child’s age, and ability. Choose from arts and crafts, theatrical games, music, movement, and STEM. Children will learn math, literature, and art history; expand their vocabulary; and work on gross and fine motor skills while having fun. This summer’s themes are pirates and mermaids, little Einsteins, unicorns and rainbows, and a crazy time machine. A minimum of four children must enroll with at least 15 square feet of space to work. Instructors must have access to water, and the host house is required to store supplies during the camp. Each camp lasts a week.
Format: In-person programs
Ages: 2.5–10 years old
1:1 aide: A 1:1 aide is welcome.
Website
Classes held in Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, and West Los Angeles
Contact: Lola Elfman, Owner
Owner and founder Lola Elfman is an artist, creator, and mom of a neurodivergent child. She is a trained art teacher with a BFA in Art Education from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and a certified leadership coach and master facilitator. For over 20 years, she’s brought a creative approach to developing leaders, building teams, and scaling social change organizations. Her support now is focused on neurodivergent kids and their families to bring art and play into their everyday lives with care and joy. She offers day camps throughout the summer months online and in person. Throughout the year, her studio is open for individual art instruction, art therapy, directive vs. open-ended art classes, and sensory classes. She also works with students at the Frostig and Victory Park schools.
Format: In-person summer program, year-round online classes
Ages: 6 years and up
Disabilities served: Neurodivergent students
Los Angeles
(818) 649-9336
patrick@danimationentertainment.com
Danimation is the teaching studio of Dani Bowman, an animator and activist featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Danimation’s summer workshop is designed to unleash the creativity of students with autism. Danimation uses the collaborative nature of the animation process to develop social and emotional learning techniques that foster creativity and build valuable skills for the future. “During the workshop, your student will learn all the components necessary to create their very own short animated story. From animation principles to storyboarding, voice acting, and music, they’ll gain a complete understanding of the art of storytelling through animation. Your student will get hands-on experience with industry-standard animation software, including FlipaClip and ToonBoom.”
Format: In-person summer program, year-round online classes
Ages: 10–24 years
Disabilities served: Youth with autism and other students who benefit from a neurodivergent-friendly learning environment.
Website
Impact Dance Center
4923 Lincoln Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
(949) 478-3224
Down for Dance (DFD) is offering a six-week summer camp both online and in person. A description of the courses offered can be found here. DFD connects the Down syndrome community and all abilities through movement and art, including yoga classes as well as dance. A video of a recent performance can be found here.
Format: In-person and online
Ages: Classes are designed for ages 7 and older. If your dancer is almost 7, Down for Dance is happy to consider younger dancers on an individual basis.
1:1 aides: They are very open to having an aide offer in-class support. They want to make sure the aide and instructor have a moment to connect prior to their first class so that everyone can be on the same page from the start.
Website
5761 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 649-6199
reception@speakLA.com
This drama-based summer camp is led by the speech language pathologists at L.A. Speech & Language Therapy Center. Serving children with autism, speech or language disabilities, and developmental disabilities, Drama Kings and Queens focuses specifically on performing arts and culminates with a musical theater performance. The therapists facilitate social, emotional, speech and language development, and confidence-building in students with autism and other social challenges.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 3–16 years old
Disabilities served: For children with all levels of support needs, including those who use AAC.
1:1 aide: Normally, the staff-to-camper ratio is 1:2, but 1:1 is available depending on the camper’s needs.
Website
14144 Ventura Blvd. Suite 100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 387-8811
Contact: Cassandra Melgar, Registrar
Exceptional Minds is a vocational and post-graduate program and studio for preparing young adults with autism for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming, and other related fields in the entertainment industry. Exceptional Minds provides technical and work-readiness training customized to “help students achieve their full artistic and professional potential.” Workshops are for students ages 14 and up who seek training in computer animation and visual effects. After-school and summer workshops expose students to a variety of programs and skills related to animation and VFX. Students have the opportunity to learn in a fun, low-pressure classroom environment. Detailed descriptions of the summer workshops can be found here.
Format: In-person and online programs
Ages: 14 years and older
Disabilities served: Students with autism
Website
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
admin@themiracleproject.org
info@themiracleproject.org
The Miracle Project offers inclusive programming in theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts for both speaking and non-speaking people with autism and other disabilities. Their goal is to foster community and help participants develop social skills and build self-esteem. In addition to their improvisation-based social skills groups, the Miracle Project has classes focused on acting and musical theater. Families may reach out to the Miracle Project staff to get more information about different classes.
Format: In-person and online programs
Ages: 5 years old and up depending on the class you choose
Website
1453 14th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 450-9200
info@paintlab.net
Paint Lab is an open-space art studio that offers classes to adults, teens, and kids throughout the week. In addition, they offer an “open lab” for people to come in and paint. They also sell supplies such as paints and canvases. Their summer camp for kids will be a mixed-media art camp; parents can provide supplies themselves or contact Paint Lab for purchasing supplies. Daily art classes and workshops are available. Please check out their class schedule. Summer camps will return again this year in addition to the ongoing classes.
Format: In-person and online classes, summer camp
Ages: 6–12 years old
1:1 aide: Aides can accompany a child.
Website
39 S. El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 356-7529
education@pasadenaplayhouse.org
Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California, is internationally recognized for its significant role in the development of American theater. Their productions and community programs are centered on “being a living force in the community, making theater for everyone.” Their current model is to treat each student on a case-by-case basis and work with their parents to figure out if the classes or camps would be a good fit for them.
Ages:
Disabilities served: All disabilities welcomed.
1:1 aide: Aides can accompany a child.
Website
2038 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 363-7924
info@thepurpletwig.com
The Purple Twig offers weekly summer camps in a range of themes. They are a well-balanced combination of teacher-led art-making activities and free play time. They go for neighborhood walks and have picnic lunches in front of Eagle Rock Elementary. They also read stories and visit the library on Fridays. The staff works hard to create projects that are age appropriate, and they ask that you don't register your child for camp if they don't like to make art. Their camps are limited to sixteen kids. If your child has autism or has a learning challenge, please reach out to them to assess whether they can meet your child's needs before registering.
Format: In-person art camp
Ages: 5 years old and up depending on the type of art projects
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child. Please contact them directly.
Website
thespectrumlaboratory@gmail.com
The Spectrum Laboratory was founded by two artists who have an extensive background working with neurodivergent individuals at theater programs such as the Miracle Project, Tree Academy and CSUN’s Teenage Drama Workshops. They teamed up to provide a space to have \neurodivergent voices heard in the entertainment industry and inspire creativity. They offer workshops and classes year-round for all abilities to participate in.
Format: In-person and online
Ages: All ages
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
23537 Long Valley Road
Hidden Hills, CA 91302
(818) 835-4962
info@starsacademyschool.com
Stars Academy hosts a theater production each summer. This summer, they will be performing Newsies. Children who enjoy acting, singing, and dancing can participate in their productions. All levels of experience are accepted. Their camp day is filled with dancing, singing, acting, and theater games. This year, they will also have a teen production late July to August. Details for this will be posted on their website soon. The show will be Mean Girls and is for teens ages 13 and up.
Format: In-person performance camp
Ages: 5–15 years old
Disabilities served: This camp has worked with students with a variety of disabilities including Down syndrome and autism. Students with varying levels of support needs are welcome.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Website
(323)655-9232
Three locations:
YADA Third Street Theatre
8115 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
YADA Playa Vista
5456 McConnell Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
YADA Studio City
12745 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
YADA was created 27 years ago by co-owners Lani Shipman and Kim Harrigan to encourage children to grow as people as well as performers. YADA instructors are trained and dedicated to providing each student with a sense of self-confidence and giving them a quality theatrical experience. YADA students learn techniques in dance, voice, and acting. YADA is not a company specifically for those with disabilities, but it is an inclusive space for all youth to participate and enjoy the experience of creating theatrical art. They offer year-round programming for youth and adults.
Format: In-person performance camp
Ages: 0–16 years depending on the camp
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a 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, 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.
Type of camp: In-person programs
Ages: 13-17 years old for one group, and another group is 18+.
Disabilities served: All disabilities welcomed.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Agoura Hills Studio:
30317 Canwood Street
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Reseda Studio:
7915 Lindley Ave
Reseda, CA 91335
(805) 524-5503
info@balletforallkids.com
Contact: Bonnie Schlachte, Director
Ballet For All Kids is a nonprofit program that “teaches classical ballet technique and other dance styles using the Schlachte Method, a certified curriculum developed to accommodate all abilities, body types, and learning styles.” They share that this method has been successful in teaching children with autism, learning and developmental disabilities, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, and ADHD, in addition to neurotypical children. You are invited to contact them directly for questions and regarding accommodations for your child.
Format: Virtual and in-person programs
Ages: 2 years old and up, including teens and adults
1:1 aide: They are allowing 1:1 aides in the class. Parents are expected to stay on the premises at all times and to assist their child in class if needed.
Website
2116 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 982-1655
info@bloomschoolofmusicanddance.com
Offering a wide range of music and dance classes in-studio, outdoors, or online, Bloom School of Music and Dance offers an initial trial session for $20, giving prospective students the chance to meet with their instructor and get a feel for the program before making a longer commitment. A number of the instructors at Bloom School have worked with students with disabilities, but their availability is dependent on the particular class in which you are interested. You may contact Bloom directly to know if the class and programs offered are the right fit for your child’s ability level. Bloom is comfortable providing virtual instruction if that works best for the student. Registration for classes is ongoing. A general schedule can be found on their website, but they request that prospective students contact the school for specific dates.
Format: In-person classes and summer day camp
Ages: For year-round classes, all ages are welcome. Summer programs are for ages 4 and up depending on the camp.
1:1 aide: Bloom will accommodate 1:1 aides.
Website
Dance 4 Kids Brentwood
11677 San Vicente Blvd. #312
Brentwood, CA 90049
(916) 586-4884
info@free2bemedance.com
Contact: [Azalia Martinez Cruz](mailto:http:// azalia@free2bemedance.org), Program Coordinator
Free 2 Be Me Dance is an adaptive dance program that brings the joy of dance to people with diverse abilities. Currently, they offer ballet, Latin, improv, choreography, and hip-hop classes where dancers have the opportunity to learn technique and to perform. A typical class begins with a warm-up methodology called BrainDance, followed by exercises and stretches. Their approach is rooted in meaningful connections, meeting each dancer where they are at, and ensuring that they and their families feel genuinely loved, supported, and celebrated from the moment they walk in the door. In ballet, they practice barre work, center work, choreography, and a cool-down. Each class incorporates structured play activities that encourage community-building, social skills, compassion, and physical development. At the end of each class, dancers have the opportunity to shine in freestyle that brings out their unique expression, boosts self-confidence, and empowers them to be exactly who they are.
Format: In-person
Ages: There is no age limit for their program, and they serve everyone regardless of diagnosis. They serve all “who wish to come, dance, and have fun.”
1:1 aide: If a dancer needs behavioral support during class, the staff welcomes aides, caregivers, or family members to join them in class and work with the student.
Website
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3363
reception.SCM@outlook.com
Silverlake Conservatory of Music was founded in 2001, offering music lessons and scholarships to students in need as a response to the funding cuts in arts education in Los Angeles public schools. The conservatory offers private lessons at their facility, which features 13 studios. Most of their instructors are experienced working with children with disabilities. Their facility is ADA-compliant. According to Outreach and Development Coordinator Ashley Macias, they request that interested families contact the conservatory for a discussion regarding the support needs of their student in order to determine availability and the parameters of the instruction.
Format: In-person camp and lessons
Location: Los Feliz
Ages: 5 years old and up. Youth camp is for students entering second to eighth grade in the fall, and teen camp for students entering seventh to twelfth grade in the fall of 2025.
1:1 aides: The presence of a 1:1 aide is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Website
Multiple locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Pasadena
(213) 559-7178
Contact: Robin Olive, Director of Straight UP Abilities
Straight UP Abilities offers “professional performance art training to students of ALL abilities.” The programs are open to everyone as they pride themselves in creating more inclusion in their classes. They provide a variety of in-person and virtual classes. Virtual classes include acting, dancing, and American Sign Language. They also have a free option: the Daily Shine class Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Anaheim, Venice
Ages: The classes are for all ages and all abilities.
1:1 aide: Yes, they are open to a 1:1 aide.
Website
6043 Tampa Ave.
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 345-3002
Contact: Mike Stilson, Executive Director
Valley Trails Tarzana will offer a variety of visual and performing arts camps this summer including Theater Camp, Dance Camp, Cheer Camp, and Movie Making. These camps are not 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
Location: Tarzana
Ages: K-8th grade depending on camp chosen
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
Multiple locations throughout Southern California
(424) 284-8444
Arabesque Conservatory of Music offers a wide range of music lessons and music therapy for children 3 years and up. They offer individual sessions in home, in studio, or online, and group lessons are offered both in studio and online. For music lessons, they currently offer piano, guitar, voice, violin, and drum lessons. More information on the music therapy they offer can be found here.
Format: In-person and online
Ages: 3 years and up
Website
Offices located throughout Southern California
General information: (858) 251-7901
Benefits team: (858) 216-8837
Cortica offers diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based therapies for child development, including Neurodevelopmental Music Therapy. They apply the tools of neurotherapy to “foster language, sensory integration, and motor planning and execution.” Cortica does not offer music lessons in which a student is instructed in playing an instrument, but they utilize music therapy as part of a comprehensive therapeutic program. Cortica currently offers their music therapy online as an option.
Format: In-person and online
Ages: Cortica has clients as young as eight months old with an upper age limit of 21 years old. Generally, the clients enrolled in the music therapy program are teenagers.
1:1 aide: Yes, an aide is acceptable, but Cortica has to approve the aide.
Website
California State University of Northridge
18111 Nordoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-5663
csunmtwc@csun.edu
The C-Sun Music Therapy Wellness Clinic offers a kids summer music group for all abilities. It is led by a Board Certified Music Therapist. The class “includes musical experiences of singing, creative movement, musical games, music listening, and instrument playing to promote the development of communication, attention, and social skills in children.” Other year-round programs for kids include the Rising Star Choir, an adaptive singing group that practices weekly and performs twice annually. Participants are introduced to a range of musical selections and genres while working on teamwork and other key social skills. For teens and young adults, an inclusive music group called the Asteroids Band meets weekly to compose their own songs and learn to play instruments such as guitar, ukulele, or drums. These groups are free of charge and have two performances per year (May and December) for friends and family. Group and individual music therapy is also available through the clinic.
Format: In-person
Ages: Varies. The Rising Star Choir is specifically for 5–12 years, and the Astroid Band is for teens to early adulthood.
Cost: Free
1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
16340 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 302-0712
Contact: Blanca Arenas, Administrator
At CampEd, they offer expressive arts or outdoor adventures that are designed to match the abilities and interests of each individual. Their camps are for all abilities with activities and classes in computer, improv, music, dance, and art. Camp also includes trips to the beach, Discovery Cube, and the Wildlife Learning Center.
Format: In-person
Ages: 10–30 years
-1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
10220 Culver Blvd. Suite 101
Culver City, CA 90232
info@jazzhandsforautism.org
Jazz Hands for Autism offers a 12-week program, known as the Junior Academy, for autistic youth who are interested in learning piano or guitar. Lessons are conducted individually with an instructor who has designed a personalized curriculum based on a student’s particular needs and abilities. Classes are offered via Zoom or at the student’s home.
Format: Online and in-person programs
Ages: The Junior Academy accepts students ages 8–17 years. Adult students can enroll in the Jazz Hands Music Academy, which is an individualized music education and vocational program for adults with one to two years’ prior experience in their instrument. The adult program also provides job scouting and job placement in music-related fields.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides and/or parents are encouraged to participate in the lessons.
Lyon Music provides in-home 1:1 sessions or virtual 1:1 and group sessions to students for music therapy and adaptive music lessons. They use a combination of book methods with music theory and fun songs assigned to keep a student motivated to practice and stay engaged. In-home music therapy sessions are available throughout the Los Angeles area and in the San Fernando Valley. They offer adapted lessons as well as typical music therapy sessions that are more play-based. All of their services use music interventions to meet non-musical goals, supporting the client's development.
Format: In-person and online
Ages: All ages
Website
Located within Sky Pediatric Therapy
1929 Main St., Ste. #103
Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 348-4248
cm@mckeemusictherapy.com
McKee offers music therapy and music lessons for students of all ages. Executive Director Christine Deelo says she “would be happy to speak with the parents on how we can help their child improve communication, behavior, and cognitive skills using music therapy.” All their music therapists maintain board certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Format: In-person and online programs
Ages: All ages
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides can be accommodated.
Website
Offices in Santa Monica and Redondo Beach
(818) 877-6797
Contact: John Mews, Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Owner and Founder
Mewsic Moves has been offering music therapy to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities since 2004. This year, they are offering a new summer camp called Mewsic Moves Creative Arts Summer Camp. Designed specifically for neurodivergent kids, this program combines the expertise of music therapists and educators to create a supportive, fun, and therapeutic environment. Through music, art, and dance, participants will explore self-awareness, social skills, team-building, conflict resolution, creative play, music learning, body awareness, self-reflection, and cooperative play.
Mewsic Moves also provides a variety of services such as Individual Support, Tele Music Therapy, Glee Choir, Virtual Glee Choir, and Social Skills. Sessions are 1:1 or in a group. Program goals are created following an initial assessment and are revised once they are achieved. Staff members have experience working with clients who use an AAC device, and they are accustomed to incorporating that into their sessions frequently. They offer a free 30-minute consultation where they will discuss your child’s goals and how music therapy could support them.
Format: In-person camps and therapies, and online programs
Ages: All ages for therapies; ages 6-12 for camp
1:1 aides: They love to collaborate, so if a client has an aide, they could coach them and teach them on how to continue their music therapy interventions throughout the week. They also will teach family members, parents, ABA therapist, etc.
Website
620 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 793-7350
pcda@pasadenachilddevelopment.org
Contact: Sally Sandoval, Administrative Assistant for Young Adult Programming
The mission of Pasadena Child Development Associates is to provide quality, family-centered, multi-disciplinary services for children with disabilities using the DIR/Floortime approach. In addition to a variety of Creative Arts classes and therapies like Choir and Young Actors Club, PCDA offers private Music Therapy. Students engage in music, singing, acting, and playing instruments, and they have opportunities for self-expression while developing motor and sensory tools, cognition, and social-emotional skills. The organization offers group classes as well such as choir to allow youth to explore relationships within a dedicated performance space, celebrating music and togetherness. For teens, they have the Young Actors Squad where participants play through words, ideas, and actions within an improv group.
Format: In-person and online programs
Ages: All ages
1:1 aides: Aides are approved on a case-by-case basis for the group classes offered depending on the overall need of the child.
Website
1726 Aviation Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90278
631 North Pacific Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 650-3968
thewondernote@gmail.com
The Wonder Note in the Southbay offers individual lessons, group classes, and band classes. Group lessons being offered vary depending on overall interest by clients. Please call them directly to check on what is currently available. The band class focuses on playing and singing together, song arrangement, and recording. The staff members have experience working with students with disabilities.
Format: In-person and online
Ages: Certain instruments and the band program have a minimum age requirement. Please see below:
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are welcome. Please contact them to discuss your child’s support needs.
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