Until the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed 10 years ago, public places such as recreation facilities, camps, theatres, state parks, and campgrounds did not have to be accessible, and they could choose not to enroll a person with disabilities in their programs, Thankfully the passage of the ADA has made great strides in changing access and inclusion in recreation, leisure and sports. However, finding information about inclusive recreational activities can often be difficult for individuals with disabilities and their families.


Maryland Resources

4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County
(410) 876-1760
The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County was established in 1978 to provide an opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to benefit from riding horses. Beginning with lessons at a local farm, the program moved to the Ag Center outdoor ring and then to the indoor arena in 1997. Everyone associated with the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program is a volunteer, including riding instructors, therapists, horse handlers, and side-walkers.

Access Adventures
Melwood's Recreation & Travel Services
301-870-3226
Access Adventures offers year-round community based, affordable vacations to persons who have disabilities. Dedicated staff who provide a safe and caring atmosphere supports travelers.

The Advisory Council on Disability Issues for the Department of Natural Resources for the state of Maryland
Phone: (410) 260-8086.
Natural terrain, rugged mountains, lakes, rivers, estuaries and the shore are not always thought of as particularly accessible, especially for those with disabilities. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), however, is working to ensure that the state's magnificent natural resources are accessible to all citizens and visitors. This is a great site that lists all of the public lands in Maryland that are accessible. Links are provided to state parks, wildlife management areas, and other public lands.

The American Camping Association
Chesapeake Section: (800) 653-1409
The ACA will provide the names of ACA approved camps for both children with and without special needs.

Baltimore Adaptive Recreation and Sports Programs (BARS)
Phone: (410) 771-4606
BARS is a membership organization that provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends.

Baltimore's Child: A Special Edition
A Special Edition has an extensive statewide list of special needs camps, recreation, sports and arts programs. Free copies of "A Special Edition" are available through schools and public libraries throughout Maryland.
Phone: (410) 367-5883 or Maryland State Dept of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services at 800-535-0182.

Bennett Institute Physically Challenged Sports and Recreation Program
Phone: (410) 669-7302
The Bennett Institute offers competitive individual team sports for children and adults, ages 2-18. There is a gymnasium and pool on site.

Best Buddies
Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with mental retardation by providing opportunities for socialization and employment.
Phone: (410) 539-0615

Boy Scouts of America
Phone: (410) 338-1700
The Baltimore Area Councsil can help you get linked up with a troop in your area. They also operate a special needs division throughout Central Maryland

Champion Baseball Maryland
Phone: (410) 526-6101
Champion Baseball Maryland supports tee-ball and baseball for youth with developmental disabilities

Change, Inc.
Phone: (410) 876-2179
Change, Inc. provides services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities including aquatics activities.

Community Connections newsletter: Ideas for Summer Fun
Community Connections is a project of the Department of Special Education at the University of Maryland in College Park, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goals of this project are to: Increase opportunities for young children with special needs to participate in the community, Promote awareness of persons with disabilities, Provide support to people and organizations

Frederick County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program
(301) 898-3587
The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program began in April 1984 as a special project under the Frederick County 4H Horse and Pony Club. The program is incorporated in the State of Maryland as a non-profit organization. We provide a seven week session of riding instruction each spring and fall at no charge to students. The program always has a waiting list of applicants, but our enrollment is limited by money, the availability of volunteers and the time available to hold classes when students can attend.

Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.
Phone: (410) 378-3817
Provides therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities in Cecil Count (Port Deposit).

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Phone: (410)358-9711
The Girl Scouts of Central Maryland can help link you with a troop in your community, provide resources on adapted activities, and information on the Challenge Nature Trail in Ellicott City, which is fully accessible.

Hoof Prints in the Sand
Phone: 410-860-0146
Email: Hoofprintsinsand@aol.com
Hoof Prints in the Sand is a NARHA member center (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) located 15 minutes from Ocean City Maryland and Assateague Island National Sea Shore. Hoof Prints offers therapeutic trail riding, beach riding, and horse camping for equestrians with disabilities. Stay at Hoof Prints for a unique eastern shore experience, holiday, or vacation.

Maryland At A Glance - State Parks
Because of Maryland's diverse geography, State parks offer a variety of recreation from snow skiing to ocean fishing. Most of them are open to the public, sunrise to sunset, from April through October. This site provides a list of each state park by county and a link.

Maryland Council of Equestrian Therapies
Phone: (410) 378-3817
MCET provides a listing of therapeutic riding centers in the state of Maryland.

Maryland Outdoors
This site provides a list of activities including kayaking, camping, winter sports and even offers trail guides!

Maryland Ravens
Phone: (410) 679-9264
Maryland Ravens, Inc. provides recreational activities and disability awareness programs for and about individuals with physical challenges.

Maryland Recreation and Arts
A comprehensive listing of resources for recreation, amusement, arts and cultural events and camps that are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Maryland Special Olympics
Phone: (410) 290-7611
The Special Olympics provides year round athletic training and competition for individuals with developmental delays

Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR)
410-267-8900
MTR is a year-round professional therapeutic riding program located on a 100 acre farm near the intersection of Rt. 32 and I-97 in Anne Arundel County. The program serves a range of disabilities from neuromuscular to emotional and cognitive disorders from all age groups. Hippotherapy (use the horse as a treatment tool that can be reimbursed by insurance), therapeutic riding, and recreational riding are available in four 8-week and one 4-week sessions per year.

Mighty Special Music Makers (MSMM)
(301) 229-0828
This weekly musical program for adults with developmental disabilities provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of music and unique instruments in an interactive manner. Participants play along to recorded music and perform concerts throughout the year. Operates in Montgomery County Maryland.

Moving To Music
Phone: (301) 774-1759
Dance Classes for Children with Autism. These classes are designed to provide creative reinforcement of concrete and abstract concepts taught at school and home. Activities will enhance skills such as, following directions, imaginative play, body parts, referencing, peer interaction, social skills, and gross motor activities. All activities will be taught in a positive, enjoyable atmosphere.

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
Phone: (800) 369-7433
NARHA provides a listing of riding centers in the state of Maryland.

Potomac Community Resources
301-365-0561
This nonprofit organization located in Potomac, Maryland offers a wide range of recreation programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. For a list of programs and a calendar of events contact PCR at the number above.

The League
Phone: (410) 323-0500
The league provides services for people of all abilities. Call for current programs.

Towson University Children's Dance Division
Phone: (410) 704-3495
Children's Dance Division provides dance classes for children of all abilities.

YMCA Discovery Program
Phone: (410) 823-8870
The programs offer many forms of activities and exercise programs for youths and adults with special needs.

Access Adventures
Phone: (301) 870-3226
Access Adventures provides a variety of travel and recreation opportunities for people age 17 and older with developmental and physical disabilities.

Access Travel
Phone: (410) 715-1241
A full service travel agency, owned and operated by an individual with a disability, that is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of travelers with disabilities.

National Parks
Visit the National Parks website at http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/access/index.htm to learn how they are making there parks accessible to everyone!


National Resources

Disabled Sports USA
Disabled Sports USA: A national membership organization that provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. They also provided links to many national sport associations for individuals with and without disabilities.

Local Chapters:

Baltimore Adapted Recreation and Sports: (410) 771-4606
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating: (410) 461-8652