Children will learn a lot during the school year, both in their classrooms as well as in their extracurricular activities. Parents of children with disabilities face the extra challenge of finding activities that will be fun for their child. From sports and dance to arts and crafts, we’ve assembled a list of organizations and activities that will cater to the individualized needs of these children while providing an enriching experience that will help them grow.
Inclusive programs
The Ability Center
5605 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-885-5733
Offers programs for different ages and abilities, including Agility Angels which partners kids with disabilities and dogs as they learn agility.
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo
567-742-4004
Offers programs like First Steps Baby and Toddler Group, OpenSpot Theater, and Society 2, a social club for ages 16 and up.
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
Sensory-friendly show times on Tuesdays at 4:15pm and Sundays at 12:30. Visitors can watch 3D educational films with lights on and volume turned down. Noise reducing headphones and ear plugs are also available.
Metroparks Toledo
419-407-9700
Inclusive programs such as adaptive archery, adaptive paddling, birding and more. The Doneghy Inclusive Garden offers wheelchair accessible gardens, sensory water wall, plantings to touch and smell. Secor Barrier Free Playground features a sensory wave climber, Rock-N-Raft, and more.
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Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-5721
Zoo For All program offers sensory bags, sensory maps, and sensory viewing, along with an accessibility app for iOS and Android users. 419-385-5721 for more info on accessibility.
Sports and Athletics
Gliding Stars Adaptive Ice Skating
7060 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-304-4324
Provides instruction for individuals with disabilities, teaching ice skating skills.
Miracle League of Northwest Ohio
2200 Tracy Rd., Northwood
419-346-8277
Individuals with all abilities are welcome to learn and play baseball.
Project HOPE Equine Assisted Therapy
1619 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green
6645 Township Rd. 215, Findlay
419-469-0415
Equine therapy for all ages and abilities.
Safe Splash Swim School
10602 Fremont Pike Suite 4, Perrysburg. 419-868-2998.
1510 Spring Meadows Dr., #d-100, Holland. 419-868-2998
Offers Adaptive Aquatics programs for different swim levels.
Timberwolff Stables Hippotherapy Program
7435 Berridge Rd., Whitehouse.
419-351-2582
Offers equine therapy for children with disabilities.
Secor Barrier Free Playground features a sensory wave climber, Rock-N-Raft, and more.
RallyCap Sports
University of Toledo chapter: ut@rallycapsports.org
Bowling Green State University Chapter: bgsu@rallycapsports.org
Recreational sports camps for children with disabilities.
