Although these program are open to every child in the community, they have done an incredible job at accommodating children with special needs.
Cochran’s is a small ski area in Richmond, Vermont. Cochran’s is an amazing place for children with special needs. From the instruction to the smallness of the ski area, it is an amazing place to have your child learn to ski. The best part is the sense of warmth, caring, and community that they offer for every family! Cochran’s offers a 6-week “Spectacular Ski School” program for children with special needs.
ONTA Studio offers martial arts for children and adults of all ages. The owners, Zach Stevens and Lauren Ballard, have extensive experience working with children of all abilities. They chose to open Over Nine Thousand Academy as a place where both kids and adults could come to learn rare Taoist practices as well as integrated martial arts, fitness, and self-defense in a fun, playful, and supportive environment.
Shelburne Craft School offers after school programs, summer programs, and workshops throughout the year. They do a fantastic job at including all abilities in their studio. They have a table top pottery wheel for individuals to use and offer headphones for children who are sensitive to noise. It’s definitely a fun place to go and be creative!
Located in Williston, Vermont, Catamount Outdoor Family Center offers
20 miles of year round recreational trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. One trail that stands out is our “Carriage Path,” a 3-mile, heavily wooded trail with beautiful trees and loads of nature.
The Carriage Path is a wonderful trail appropriate for enjoyment by disabled persons. What sets it apart from traditional trails is its’ generous width, gradual ups and downs, and the surface is smooth allowing safe access for wheelchairs and 3 wheeled bikes. This same trail can be enjoyed by sit-skiers during the winter months.
Catamount also has a sit-sled which allows children and/or adults to sit while someone pushes them through trails and/or go sledding down a hill.
Offers weekly classes and summer camps. Allows children to express themselves in an artistic way. The staff are amazing at accommodating kids who have special needs. One of the best summer camps my child has attended.
Kindermusik offers music classes for children ages birth through 5. Kindermusik is a national program that uses the power and joy of music-making to help children learn and grow during the years most critical to brain development. Since 1978, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for a lifetime love of learning.
Rachel Smith offers classes in South Burlington and comes highly recommended by a couple of parents who have young children with special needs. Parents have said that Rachel does a wonderful job at making sure their children are incorporated into her class, engaged in the music, and have a positive experience.
“Donkey Day” camp provides children with the opportunity to engage with animals, do farm chores, and have a lot of fun. This was by far the best summer camp in the area!
Shelburne Farms is not only a great place to visit for a day, they offer some great camps throughout the year! They do a remarkable job working with ALL kids, regardless of their differences. From the animals, hands on activities, and their delicious bakery; it is definitely a place you want to visit.
Shelburne Farms also has an adaptive stroller to access their grounds!
Shelburne Museum is a wonderful place for the entire family. They have wonderful buildings to explore, beautiful paths to walk, and a wonderful marry-go-round. Every week Shelburne Museum offers a creative art activity for children of all ages. Shelburne Museum does a great job at including ALL children in their activities and facilities. The staff at Shelburne Museum are wonderful and remember they have an adaptive stroller you can access!
Offers a few weeks of camp throughout the summer. They have made several accommodations to assist special needs children who are attending the camp. The staff is very patient and engaging. The camps provide a fairly calm environment with lots of creativity.
The Special Olympics Young Athletes program is an innovative sports play program for children with and without disabilities ages 2 through 7, designed to provide opportunities for young children to be active, have fun, and learn foundational sports skills. The program supports physical, cognitive and social development — skills important on and off the sports field. It also offers families connections to local Special Olympics Programs. There is no cost for your family for participating. The program offers 1 hour classes that meet for 6-8 weeks throughout the year.
Stowe Rocks is an indoor rock climbing facility that has both auto-belay courses for kids to climb as well as 8 manual belay sections. The staff that is on site to help is incredible. They are patient, friendly, and great at encouraging kids to climb and take chances!
$26.00 for kids 12 and under to climb for 2 hours.
If your child is not up to climbing they can always take the gondola up to the top of Mt. Mansfield.
Definitely a fun place to visit!
Annie Cooper has been teaching children to swim for years. Her enthusiasm, patience, and encouragement helps children enjoy the water. Swim lessons in Shelburne are held in a therapeutic (very warm) pool which can be ideal for children with disabilities. Swim lessons offered in Shelburne and Essex.
Wildflowers is a multi-sensory play space for children. This amazing place offers 6 week classes and open studio for children to explore the four areas of learning: tinkering, sensory play, paint exploration, and dream weaving. The studio is open to children of all ages and allows children to use their creativity in a calm and inviting environment.