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 Local Departments of Recreation |
Recreation and Leisure
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 Council of Equestrian Therapies Phone: (410) 378-3817 MCET provides a listing of therapeutic riding centers in the state of Maryland. 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. Travel and Vacation
Access Adventures Access Travel 
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 National Center on Accessibility (NCA) NCA is a dynamic and innovative leader in the movement to include people with disabilities in recreation, parks, and tourism. Paralympic Committee E-mail: info@paralympic.org The international paralympic committee organizes the Paralympic and Multi-Disability World Games and World Championships. They also provide sport related information for a variety of disabilities. Special Olympics Phone: (202) 628-3630 The Special Olympics provides year round athletic training and competition for individuals with developmental delays. www.Toys4SpecialKids.com is a provider of educational toys for special needs children. Toys are classified based on there ability to assist children with adapting and learning despite there disabilities such as: fine motor skills, gross motor skills, hearing impairment, visual impairment. 
Publications
The Guide to Accredited Camps (800) 428-CAMP This is a searchable site, which provides a wealth of information about accredited camps and resources about camps. Kids Camps: Resources for Finding the Right Camp for Your Special Needs Child. Scouting Unlmited An official publication of the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) produced in response to the BSA's 1998 "Working with Scouts with disAbilities" conference. Special Fun Phone: (410) 366-21211 This publication is a Guide to Recreation and Camp Programs in Maryland for children and adults with disabilities. |
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