Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

I have a job interview Wednesday. I am trying to research activities for both children and adults with developmental disabilities on Long Island in order to prepare for a portion of my interview. Classes, special events, etc. I'm not looking for agencies that assist people or early intervention. For example, places like Gymboree that cater to children with special needs or have classes on specific days for children with special needs. Just recreational activities or special events on Long Island. These could be for adults OR children. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance!

Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

I know that some movie theaters on Long Island have started monthly viewings for people with special needs with the volume turned down, lights dimmed, etc.

There is also the Miracle League for baseball. It's a wonderful program!

I will try to think of specific things my students participate in. I know some of my students take dance classes but I'm not sure at which studio,

Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

Fm me where you are interviewing. I work in this field so I can likely give you specifics for what you are looking for.

Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

I used to work with TBI population. Hands down the most popular activities were malls and restaurants. Also Our Lady of the Shrine in Manorville was popular. Museums, parks also had a good amount of people signing up.

Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

My brother has special needs, and he belongs to a bowling league that meets every week at our local bowling alley.

He also goes away to a camp every summer for 1 week


The majority of his activities are through the program at the center he belongs to, but the 2 mentioned above are independent from the center.

Message edited 7/6/2014 2:46:47 PM.

Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

I don't work with DD, but things like volunteering are really big with my population.

I also know that clients like free or low cost things, like yoga by donation.

We also encourage the clients to look at resources through the local library or the free newspaper that comes in the mail.

Different people like different things and also have different incomes, diets, etc. so even though going out to eat may be popular, it doesn't work for everyone.
Same with the mall if you have a client with money issues.

Also keep in mind if they are going to need someone with them.

I have found that not every place is welcoming if they need someone to supervise them for safety reasons.

I have always found great resources on Hitesite.org

Also keep in mind things that you may like to do....ie the park, the beach, etc. are all good things.

Lastly, supportive work too is big.

Message edited 7/6/2014 6:05:16 PM.

Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

P.S. I worked briefly with MH/DD in grad school and a lot of them were into day programs as well as the Special Olympics for social/rec.

We also went on an annual bus trip to Atlantic City.

Message edited 7/6/2014 3:12:06 PM.

Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

The miracle league is specifically for children with special needs (baseball). Most districts have some sort of PAL program for sports, our district has basketball and soccer.
There was as special needs golf clinic that met at Percy Raynor Park in Setauket.
There is Land and Sea who does surfing for special needs.
There are multiple bowling alleys that have special needs classes
The AMC theaters have a special needs showing once a month.
There is a special needs theater in Ronkonkoma (students put on a play)
There are multiple special needs dance classes across the island
There are few special needs cheerleading teams across the island.
There are special needs art classes at Studio E.
There are also multiple camps ranging from one week to full summer for special needs.
There is a group call NSASA that hosts numerous special events throughout the year at Splish Splash, Adventureland, rollerrinks, etc.
Someone told just told me there is a rec program for older special needs children off of Belle Meade in Setauket.

There are a ton of programs across the island. Those were just the ones I knew of off the top of my head.

Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

Thanks so much for all of your help! These were all excellent resources!

Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

Horseability, horseback riding
Allison's gathering place, social gatherings
Starry night Cafe, coffee and social club,
Helping hands behavioral outreach, outings and activities
ACLD voyager program (dinners, movies, social events)
ANCOR bowling, swimming, basketball, baseball
PAL (check towns)
Most towns have their own rec programs ie: town of Oyster Bay, town of Hempstead, town of Babylon.

Special Olympics

Many OPWDD agencies do weekend respite/recreation programs.

Message edited 7/6/2014 6:37:04 PM.

Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

Sensory friendly films
Here is a list of movie theaters listed by state

Camp paquatuck
Is a summer camp, with multiple sessions, for special needs children. It's probably too late to sign up now (I assume they book up early) but they have activities throughout the year, like a Spooky walk at Halloween time


A Playground for All Abilities

Let All the Children Play at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow is a 2-acre accessible park and playground that’s specially designed so that children with disabilities and special needs can play alongside their able-bodied siblings and friends.the equipment exceeds the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act and is designed to help children develop gross and fine motor skills and cultivate balance and spatial perception. There are three play areas: one for toddlers, a 2- to 5-year-old section, and another for children ages 5-12. Swings have harnesses, slides have gradual slopes, and the seesaw has a backrest on one side to provide more stability. The paths are wide enough for a wheelchair, and the surface is springy throughout. Sand and water play areas can be accessed with a wheelchair. The parking and amenities are nearby, and there are benches all around for comfortable supervision.
Let All the Children Play is located at Field 4 in Eisenhower Park on Long Island. For more information, call 516-569-0648 or visit latcp.org.




Bounce Time for Kids with Special Needs

Pump It Up, a play space filled with giant inflatables, offers monthly Sensory Playtime sessions for kids on the autism spectrum. On select Wednesday nights, bring your child to bounce, jump, slide, and play sensory-friendly games in private arenas. Pump It Up can also accommodate support groups, play therapy sessions, and social events for individuals on the autism spectrum or those with other special needs, their family members and friends, and the professionals who work with them. Registration is required for these sessions. Cost is $14.95 per child.
Visit one of two Pump It Up locations on Long Island for Sensory Playtime sessions:
Pump It Up Great Neck
225 Community Drive, Suite 250, 516-466-7867
Pump It Up Plainview
135 Dupont St, 516-575-2300




NYSpecial Parent this website might have some resources for you too

Message edited 7/6/2014 8:01:18 PM.

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Message edited 7/6/2014 9:18:50 PM.

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Re: Activities for Individuals with Special Needs