Recreational Activities and Therapy Facility
1806-1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Info@AdriansPlaceSM.com
Format: In-person classes
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 Session, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops, and stay tuned for summer programs at Adrian's Place Santa Monica.
Dates and times: See the Newsletter for accurate info about the dates and times for each class.
Location: Santa Monica
Register: Choose a program here.
Cost: Varies depending on program or class.
Ages: Varies by program.
1:1 aides: If an aide is helpful for your child, contact the specific program you are interested in signing up for to discuss further.
Adrian’s Place Santa Monica is also running an in-person Summer Enrichment Camp, which will include “life skills, social skills, collaborative thinking, self-expression, peer interaction, and problem solving. Fun activities focus on independent growth and include cooking, music, sports, photography, arts, field trips, community outreach, and more!”
Dates and times:
June 12-August 4, 2023
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Register: Sign up online here.
Cost:
Ages: 13–17 years old and 18+
1:1 aides: Contact Adrian’s Place Santa Monica to inquire about aides at the summer camp program.
Website
320 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 100
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 968-1375
beyondkarate1@gmail.com
Format: In-person day camp
Beyond Karate is offering a summer camp with 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.
Dates and times: June 12–28, 2023
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Monica
Register: Sign up by filling out a form on their website. (If you register early, you may be able to receive two free camp shirts.)
Cost: $630 per week or $162 per day.
Ages: Ages 7 and up. Campers are grouped with their appropriate age range and rotate from one activity to the next scheduled activity.
1:1 aides: If campers need a 1:1 aide, families are required to provide them.
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-0404
Format: In-person day camp
Established in 1955, Cali Camp gives participants a chance to experience the outdoors while taking part in a variety of activities. Campers can play games, try out new sports, participate in drama, make crafts, dance, and hike. Since campers swim every day, it is recommended campers show up to camp already wearing bathing suits. Kids should also bring water bottles, wear closed-toed shoes, and wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty.
Cali Camp believes in providing an inclusive camp experience for all kids, including those who have challenges physically, emotional needs, or learning differences. 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.
Dates and times: June 12–August 11, 2023
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Each one-week session at Cali Camp has a unique theme. A few examples of themes during Summer 2023 include Wacky Olympics and Fanta-Sea Week. Campers can register for a minimum of two (nonconsecutive) weeks and a maximum of all nine weeks. (If you register for more than five weeks of camp, you can get a 5% discount.)
Location: Topanga (Santa Monica Mountains)
Register: You can register now on the Cali Camp website. To find out if Cali Camp is a good fit for your child, you can also visit the camp location for an open house on April 2 or May 10, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Cost: Classic camp is $899 per week. (The first 300 campers who register get a 5% discount on their registration.) Campers participating in specialty camps pay $1,099 per week for Aerial Arts Camp and $1,199 per week for Wrangler Camp. Camp tuition includes transportation.
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.
Brighton Hall
755 N Whitnall Hwy
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 253-9082
newgrowthincla@gmail.com
Format: In-person day camp
Camp Kelly began in 2022 in Burbank and is run by New Growth, Inc. under Nicole Webb, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As an adjunct professor at CSUN in the Child and Adolescent Development department, Nicole has worked with children and teens with autism, behavioral challenges, trauma, and other various disabilities or mental health conditions. Camp is staffed with trained behavioral professionals. There will be a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and 1:1 support aides are permitted.
Activities will include theme-based weeks, talent show day, music and camp songs, local field trips, arts and crafts, swimming and water play, cooking, sports (with a concentration on team and relationship-building skills), cooking, science experiments, social skills training, and sensory breaks and activities.
Dates: Camp runs in one-week sessions:
Age range: Camp Kelly is open to kids of all abilities from the ages of 5 to 18. Some common diagnoses they work with include autism, ADHD, emotional or behavioral challenges, and Down syndrome or other genetic disorders.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost:
4:1 ratio general camp
1:1 support
Camp Kelly is vendored with Lanterman Regional Center, #HD051. Check with your service coordinator for details.
Scholarships and sibling discounts may be available on an as-needed basis. Contact Niki for more information.
Registration: To register, complete the forms on the registration page.
Location in Pasadena
South Pasadena Area Coordinator: Annika Easterby
Founder, Co-Director: Luke Aloe
Adult Contact, Supervisor: Noelle Aloe
Format: In-person day camp
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 with around 15 teenagers 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 with special needs 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.
Dates and times: Check back on the website for Camp Moai 2023 dates later this spring. Last year, registration was open until June 1. Camp was previously held Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Register: If you are interested in registering a camper, check back on the website later this spring for a registration form. You may also email the founder and co-director, Luke Aloe, directly.
Ages: Open to all Pasadena-area teenagers (ages 12 and up) with disabilities
Cost: All of Club Moai’s programs and camps are completely free because they are funded through donations and community grants.
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-7969
campnugget@csulb.edu
Director: Dr. Melissa Bittner
Format: In-person day camp
Many Undivided families love California State University Long Beach’s Camp Nugget, which will host camp face-to-face this summer. They will be offering their beloved swimming and exercise program for families. Camp Nugget activities include motor skills–based activities, health-related physical fitness, dance, games, adapted sports, and aquatics. CSULB Adapted Physical Education students lead all the classes for campers.
Dates and times: June 20–July 14 (closed June 19 and July 4 for holidays)
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: CSULB KIN 60, Long Beach
Register: You can register for their summer program by filling out this form online.
Ages: 5–12 years old
Cost: $500 per camper. Siblings get a 50% discount.
1:1 aides: Talk with Dr. Bittner if your child needs a 1:1 aide. Campers typically receive small group instruction rather than 1:1 attention.
9854 National Blvd., Box 287
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 779-1952
Owner/Director: Marc Weiss
Format: In-person day camp
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. No football, dance, or baseball camps will be offered in 2023.
Dates and times: June 17–August 11, 2023
Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Campers typically enroll for one-week or two-week sessions. Dates and times vary slightly depending on the camp you’re enrolling in. Visit this webpage for more information about each program. Extended care is available 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. for $5 per hour.
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, Turning Point School in Culver City, Bill Botts Park in Culver City, and St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey.
Register: Register on the Iverbe website.
Cost: $425-$450 per week (lunch included).
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.
P.O. Box 1267
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
(877) 966-SURF
Format: Special one-day summer event
SURFERS Healing is a non-profit offering those with autism an opportunity to go surfing together. It was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz for their son, Isaiah, who has autism. 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. They believe that when they help kids get up on a board, they are challenging preconceived notions of capability. When they encourage participants to dive in, they are empowering them to engage with the world and affirming that every person is a gift.
Dates:
Cost: FREE
Registration: Keep an eye on their webpage for summer 2023 registration links and dates. When you're ready to sign up, click on the event you'd like to attend. Fill out the required information, and wait to see that your request has been processed. After registration closes, you will be notified within 72 hours if you have been selected or if you have been placed on the waitlist.
Locations in Santa Monica, Malibu, and Ventura
(619) 292-8970
Contact: Daniel Parsons, MS, CES, CSCS
Format: In-person classes
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.
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.
1024 Hanley Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 472-7474
Owner/Director: Andy Kimmelman
Format: In-person day camp
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—just 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. Check out where buses might be this summer.
There are two day camp options at Tumbleweed based on the camper’s age. Tumbleweed South is designed for campers entering Pre-K, first grade, or second grade. (All these 2023 camp sessions are full, but you can join the waitlist.) Tumbleweed North is for campers entering third through eighth grade. (Spots for kids in grades three and four are already full, but you can join the waitlist.)
Dates: June 19–August 18, 2023
Location: Los Angeles
Register: You can register now on the Tumbleweed Day Camp website. If you would like to tour the camp prior to registration, you may sign up to schedule a visit.
Cost: $895 per week. (July 3-7 is only $761 because campers will have July 4 off.)
Ages: Pre-K to eighth grade. All the 2023 spots for kids in Pre-K to fourth grade are already full, but you can still join the waitlist. You can also prepare for 2024 camp registration, which opens August 1, 2023.
1:1 aides: Tumbleweed often has a handful of campers attending with aides. You can collaborate with staff to see if they can meet your child's needs with or without an aide.
Larchmont Charter School
1265 N. Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Adat Ari El
12020 Burbank Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
(424) 341-5522
Format: In-person day camp
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 3-D printing and woodworking.
Dates and times:
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: $495-$585 for one week and $1,030-$1,050 for two weeks. You can get $20 per week off if you enroll before April 1 and $10 per week off if you enroll before May 1.
Ages: Kindergarten 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.
5433 Beethoven Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 302-0035
info@broadwaygym.com
SpecialEducation@BroadwayGym.com
Format: In-person day camp and classes
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.
Dates and times: TBA, likely mid-June to mid-August
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Dates and times for the 2023 summer camp and classes aren’t confirmed yet but should be announced later this spring.
Location: Los Angeles
Register: Keep checking the Broadway Gymnastic School website for updates on 2023 camp dates and registration info.
Cost: In 2022, camp was $135 per day and $616 for a five-day week.
Ages: 3.5-12 years old. Kids younger than 5 years old are in one camp, and kids age 5 and older are in another.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides may be welcome on a case-by-case basis. Please call the school to discuss your child’s individual needs.
8640 Hayden Place
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 987-2886
frontoffice@jaggym.com
Format: In-person day camp and classes
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.
Dates and times: June 5–September 1, 2023
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Culver City
Register: You can register for the 2023 summer camp on the JAG Gym website. You’ll have to create an account first.
Cost: $211 per day. Kids can also have pizza for an additional $12 per day.
Ages: 5 years old and up.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides can accompany kids if they need them.
5433 Beethoven St.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 821-0963
Contact: Joclynn Benjamin and Eric Amundson
Format: In-person classes
Leaps n Boundz offers recreational and therapeutic programs for youth and adults. Their gymnastics program includes climbing, tumbling, trampolines, and balance beams, all of which help kids increase spatial awareness, build self-confidence, and increase flexibility. Gymnastics sessions can be designed as 1:1 classes or classes for small groups, and they’re tailored to match kids’ individual goals and needs.
Dates and times: Ongoing
Location: Playa Vista or Pasadena
Register: Fill out a registration form for the recreational programs if you’re interested in gymnastics.
Cost: Varies depending on the program.
Ages: All ages
1:1 aides: Leaps n Boundz discusses kids’ individual needs when families sign up to participate. During this conversation, you can discuss aides.
Primary Location:
10157 Johanna Ave.
Shadow Hills, CA 91040
(818) 767-6373
info@awhla.org
Format: In-person therapy sessions
The equine therapy program at AHEAD With Horses is focused on vaulting, or gymnastics on horseback, as a tool for improving the lives of kids of abilities. Thanks to the comfort and companionship provided by horses, children with disabilities are able to reach major physical, mental, and emotional milestones. Many of the children they serve have not seen significant progress in traditional forms of therapy and/or education or are not eligible for other services. AHEAD With Horses isn’t taking new clients at the moment, but you can add your family to their waitlist.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Location: Shadow Hills and Brentwood
Register: Currently, the schedule at AHEAD With Horses is completely full. If you want to be added to their waitlist, fill out this intake form.
Cost: $50–$55 for a single lesson.
Ages: 12 years old and under.
34289 Rocking Horse Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 268-8010
hello@carouselranch.org
Executive Director: Denise Redmond
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Carousel Ranch has been offering equestrian therapy and vocational training for children and young adults with disabilities since 1997. They started in a small backyard and are now in a ten-acre ranch. 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. Along with equestrian therapy, Carousel offers vocational training for adults with disabilities. They serve 85 children per week in individual therapy sessions and 12 young adults with disabilities in their vocational training program.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Location: Santa Clarita
Register: To register, call (661) 268-8010.
Cost:
Ages: Three months and older
1003 W. Carson Street
Long Beach, CA 90810
(310) 350-1311
Info@dreamcatcherla.com
Founder/Executive Director: Joan Blank
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Center is a Certified Center Member of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) 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:
[Equine Assisted Activity and Therapies (EAAT)] (http://www.dreamcatcherla.com/equine-assisted-therapies.html)
Hours: Flexible times
Location: Long Beach
Register: To register, call (310) 350-1311 and fill out their application.
Cost: -Private session: 30 minutes on the horse -Group sessions: 50 minutes -Cost: One session is seven lessons over seven weeks for $350. Superbills are provided for equine-assisted psychotherapy. -Most riders are private pay, but sessions are starting to get paid through the Self-Determination Program through Regional Centers. -They have also been paid from the Department of Child and Family Services, Department of Mental Health Services, and the Court System.
Ages:
610 Santa Monica Blvd. #217
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 435-3047
Marlenefrantz4@gmail.com
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Marlene Frantz is a Certified Group Psychotherapist through the American Group Psychotherapy Association 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.
In addition to being an Equine Therapist, Marlene Frantz has a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist that includes individual adults and children of all ages as well as couples and families. She is particularly interested in working with issues around self-expression, creative blocks, intimacy, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. Her therapeutic approach includes using a number of modalities including dream work, sandplay, play therapy, active imagination, and art.
Programs:
Hours: Monday to Friday, hours and weekends are negotiable.
Cost:
Ages: All ages
10860 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 700-2971
401 Ronel Court
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 375-9078
Contact: Sara@RideOn.org
Format: In-person therapy sessions
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.
Programs:
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Location: 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
50 Narcissa Dr.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 541-4201
info@ridetofly.org
Executive Director: Gail Grove
Format: In-person therapy sessions
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 PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) 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. The nonprofit organization has been in the media sharing the successful story about a young girl with disabilities and how the program works.
Program: Interactive Horsemanship Program
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.
2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-0544
info@aceingautism.org
Director of Program Operations: Justin Belisario, MD, (626) 297-3623
Format: In-person classes
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 its volunteers and beneficiaries. Richard became aware that they could greatly enhance the lives of children with autism through tennis. He made a commitment to “dedicate his career to the development and expansion of ACEing Autism.”
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 volunteers-to-participant ratio and a Program Director team that oversees the on-court and off-court organization.
The clinic runs for 50 minutes for six weeks at a time. The program is as follows: Introduction, Group Warm-up, Hand-Eye Coordination, Racquet Skills, Tennis Skills, and Games. The age range is 5–18 years old with the upper limit fairly flexible. Participants who use AAC devices are welcome. Volunteers are trained in autism basics only. However, they do 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.
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. The cost ranges from $10 to $20 per 50-minute clinic.
Ages: 5–18 years old
Note: AYSO offers the EPIC program in various regions. We are highlighting the Westside of Los Angeles, Region 20 (Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Venice). If this is not your area, you may use their Region Locator to find a program near you.
EPIC/VIP Program Email: Gina Hope at vip@ayso20.org.
Format: In-person classes
AYSO has just 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: The VIP program for the West Los Angeles area is offered through Region 20 (Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Venice).
Register: To register, email Gina Hope at vip@ayso20.org.
Cost: Ranges from no cost to discounted rates. The average rates are $40-$50 for EPIC programs compared to almost $200 for other programs. (Discounted rates vary by region.)
Ages: 5 years old and up
2550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Space 134
Torrance, CA 90505
CA District 25 Administrator: Marty Hoy, (310) 325-5764
Format: In-person classes
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. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4–18 or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above with no maximum age. They are still working to revive and organize the program after two years of COVID restrictions.
Note: The Challenger program is available in various regions. We are highlighting the Westside and Beverly Hills. To find a Challenger Division near your community, visit their League Finder or email them at challenger@LittleLeague.org.
Dates: Varies depending on league but typically weekends from February to June.
Location:
Little Leagues of the Westside: District 25 is proud to have a Challenger Baseball League led by Challenger Coordinator Jesse Sanchez, who can provide you with more information about the District’s Program in Culver City.
Beverly Hills Little League: Challenger Team Coaches TBD Contact (847) 208-5709 or bhllbuddybaseball@gmail.com
To find a Challenger Division near your community, visit their League Finder.
Register:
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).
1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 502-1100
info@sosc.org
Manager, Sports & Programs: Tracy Belloso
Format: In-person classes
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, skills, and success. 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. Spring 2023 activities include Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Flag Football, and Swimming. The summer will include Bowling.
Dates: Bowling is scheduled for June through August 2023.
Location:
Register:
Cost: Programs are free to the athletes and their families.
Ages: Programs are available for people with intellectual disabilities ages 2 and older.
2533 Coolidge Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Owner: Kate Polich
(310) 867-9282
Format: In-person classes
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. (Learn more about the location in West Los Angeles here). 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.
Register: For registration details, visit the Booking page.
Cost: $150 per half-hour lesson.
Locations in Culver City and Santa Monica
(310) 821-0963
Recreational Services Manager: Shaun Cochran
Format: In-person classes
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.
Register:
Cost: Contact for out-of-pocket prices. Leaps n Boundz is vendored with Regional Center.
Locations in Burbank, Culver City, and Santa Monica
(323) 364-7946
Program director: Kenneth Rippetoe, cell (310) 694-2579
Format: In-person classes
One with the Water! shares that they “live to inspire others to do what inspires them.” They love to help create “miracles” in the lives of children and adults, including those with disabilities, by teaching swimming lessons and empowering people to be successful in and out of the water. It is their belief that people should continuously challenge themselves in order to fulfill their physical, emotional, and intellectual potential. 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 had over 35 years of experience teaching individuals of all ages and ability levels, and they have experience working with kids with autism. All of their pools are ADA accessible.
Register: To register for any location, go here.
Cost: $295 per month for 30-minute lessons
360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Email: Coach Cameron Lee
Format: In-person classes
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 a child 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. Instructor-to-swimmer ratio is 1:1 for private lessons, 1:2 for semi-private lessons.
Register: To inquire about registering and booking an initial assessment, contact Coach Cameron Lee at clee@rosebowlaquatics.org.
Cost:
3231 Ocean Park Blvd #108
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 625-2974
Head Coach: Michael Flaherty
Format: In-person classes
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 and open up new possibilities. Located at Santa Monica Swim Center, it’s available to all ages and diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, Fragile X, and Angelman syndrome.
Register: Fill out the registration form here.
Cost:
Ranges from $215 to $750 per month depending on the length of private class (30 minutes to one hour) and number of private classes per month
They accept direct payment and Self-Determination payments.
Scholarships are available.
Multiple locations: Brentwood, Santa Monica, and private homes
Program Director: Chris Durian
(323) 622-9468
Format: In-person classes
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.
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