Social & Recreational

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Recreation and leisure activities are essential to everyone's life because they provide:

  • Opportunities to interact with and learn from others - with and without disabilities - and enhance social skills, self-esteem, self-worth and friendships.
  • Renewed energy and better physical and mental health.
  • Broader community connections that can lead to successful employment in the community.
  • Skills for more independent living in the community.

When teens are still in school, most of their recreational and social activities are tied to their school and classmates. But after high school, especially if they don't drive, their social network may crumble and they find themselves isolated. Actively planning new recreational, cultural and social outlets is essential. Some steps to consider:

  • Ask your high school transition coordinator and your supports coordinator from the Office of Mental Retardation for a list of local recreational opportunities.
  • Build upon your son or daughter's natural interests and abilities. Look for activities and programs where they'll be comfortable and engaged. If they're reluctant at first to sign up for an exercise class at the local YMCA, for example, suggest they go with a friend.
  • Encourage self-advocacy. Support your son or daughter in making his/her own decisions to follow chosen dreams and interests. Make sure they know their legal rights, especially the right to be a part of the community where they live.

Some resources throughout the Delaware Valley

  • ARC of Chester County
    Social/Recreational Programs
    900 Lawrence Drive
    West Chester PA 19380
    610-696-8090
  • ARTREACH, Inc. (URL needed)
    Works with the physically and mentally challenged to help them have better access to the arts.
  • The Art of Friendship offers Art Therapy Social Skills Groups for youth ages 15 - 19 years old. Verbal and non-verbal youth with a wide variety of social difficulties are welcome. For more information, call program director Michael Fogel at 610-642-4873 x 48
  • Association for Developmental Disabilities
    Jenkintown PA
    Weekly supervised community recreational activities, employment and social supports
    215-886-9990
  • Best Buddies (URL needed)
    Program in local colleges and high schools, matching volunteer with individuals with developmental disabilities to provide opportunities for friendship, socialization, and group activities. Contact Best Buddies Pennsylvania at (215) 569-0069 or e-mail at beabuddy@aol.com
  • Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation (URL needed)
  • Camp Joy
    Year-round sleep-over respite care
    Schwenksville PA
    610-754-6878
  • Camp Outlook at the Ambler YMCA
    For kids with Asperger's Syndrome or high-functioning ASD, grades 1 - 5.
    215-628-9950
  • Child Guidance Resource Center
    Crumlyn, Delaware County
    610-543-5512
  • Chester County Health Department (URL needed)has published a Resource Guide for Children with Special Needs.
  • CORT Center for Handicapped Riders, Inc.
    610-346-7294
  • Developmental Fitness Company
    Promoting physical and mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities.
    215-699-3075
  • Easter Seals of SE PA
    Teen Clubs in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery Recreation Dept.
    610-565-2353
  • Easter Seals of SE PA (Berks County)
    1503 North Ceader Crfest Boulevard, Suite 317
    Allentown, PA 18104-2130
    Phone: 610-289-0114
  • Family Friends
    Intergenerational program coordinated by Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning in which older adult volunteers (55+) provide in-home support to Philadelphia families caring for children with special needs. Volunteers are recruited from the neighborhoods in which families live, are carefully screened, trained, and matched with compatible families. A Family Friends match is expected to continue as long as it remains mutually satisfying to the volunteer and family. Contact Nancy Hale, MSS, LSW of Family Friends at (215) 204-3193 or e-mail at nhale@temple.edu
  • Gam Yahad ("All Together")
    Jewish holiday programs for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Offered at various area synagogues at holiday times. Jewish Family and Children's' Services: 215-673-0100, ext. 123
  • The Guided Tour, Inc.
    Professionally supervised travel and vacation program for persons with developmental and physical challenges
    215-782-1370
  • Haverford Township Adult School
    Offers social skills class for adults with developmental disabilities. Opportunities to socialize, learn about health and nutrition, discuss topics of interest to the group.
    610-446-8022
  • Infonet Unit, Moss Rehab Clubhouse
    Lists more than 500 activities for young adults with disabilities
    215-745-5093
  • Jewish Family and Children's Services Special Needs Program
    Recreational programs in cooperation with the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia offers classes in Jewish cooking, aerobics, sculpture and other subjects at local branches of the JCC.
    215-673-0100
  • Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy
    Integrates music, art and dance into therapeutic structure.
    215-637-2077
  • Ken-Crest Services Community Resources (URL needed)
    Lists many community resources for inclusive recreational and cultural activities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
  • Moss Rehab ResourceNet
    Lists more than 500 activities for young adults with disabilities
    215-745-5093
  • MyCityMyPlace (URL needed)
    Philadelphia's Resource Directory for people with mental retardation, families and professionals.
  • Northwestern Human Services of Bucks County Recreation Program
    215-788-5800
  • O'Donnel Diving and Adapted Scuba
    Adapted Classes offered at Variety Club Camp and Shriners Hospital
    610-635-0200
  • PA Center for Adapted Sports (URL needed)
  • Parent Education Network
    Includes extensive lists of leisure activities
    1-800-522-5827
  • Pegasus Riding Academy
    Therapeutic horseback riding program (or horse & carriage) for people with physical and/or mental disabilities. Fully certified, medically approved riding therapy improves self-esteem as well as physical fitness and coordination.
    215-742-1500
  • Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation (PDDC)
    Cultural Center. Offers classes in music, dance, art, trips to sporting events and camp. Hourly, daily or weekly programs available. Located in North Philadelphia.
    215-229-4550
  • RecCare
    Recreational support services for individuals with behavioral health issues, developmental disabilities, cognitive deficits, or functional limitations.
    215-248-6464
  • Ronald Bruce Nipon Association
    Socialization and recreation program for adults with mild to moderate disabilities. Weekend events including skills training classes, parties, theatre trips, movies, etc. Located in Northeast Philadelphia.
    215-537-1540
  • Saddlebrook Equestrian Center
    Schwenksville PA
    610-287-0415
  • Sebastian Riding Association
    Collegeville PA
    610-489-3741
  • Service Association for the Retarded
    Arts and Crafts classes at Hall-Mercer MH/MR Center (8th and Locust). Spaces limited.
    (215) 829-5204
  • Sharon Baptist Church, Special Ministries for Special People
    59th and Catherine Street. Call (215) 471-4289, ext. 15, for information on recreational activities or other services of the ministry.
  • Social Skills Group for Teens, Philadelphia
    Meets 5:00-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Alternative Choices, 514 South 4th St., Phila; focuses on developing peer relationships through games and activities, non-verbal and verbal communication skills necessary for the development of social skills; led by Eric Mitchell, Ph.D. who has extensive experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum. Contact him at 215-592-1333.
  • Speaking for Ourselves
    Self-advocacy organization
    Plymouth Meeting PA
    610-825-4592
  • Special Equestrians Riding & Driving Program
    2880 Street Road
    Warrington PA 18976
    215-918-1001
  • Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, Eastern Office
    Offers sports training and competitions for children and adults, with locations in each county.
    124 Washington Square
    2570 Boulevard of the Generals
    Norristown, PA 19403
    1-800-235-9058
    610-630-9450
  • Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Berks County
    610-927-2699
  • Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Bucks County
    3535 Rockview Drive
    Bristol, PA 19007
    215-781-6530
  • Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Chester County
    458 King Rd.,Malvern, PA 19355
    484-320-8401
  • Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Delaware County
    610-449-2199
  • Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Montgomery County
    P.O. Box 621
    Flourtown, PA 19031
    610-630-9500
  • Special Olympics, Philadelphia
    2900 Southampton Rd., Phila. PA 19154
    215-671-5069
  • Special Teens Project
    P.O. Box 292
    Langhorne, PA 19047
    215-788-6383
  • Special Vacations
    Vacation opportunities all over the United States as well as Europe and the Caribbean for adults with developmental disabilities. Professional staff and certified nurse accompany us on all trips to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe vacation. Many destinations available. For itineraries and price ranges call Pat McFarlane 215-844-1295.
  • SPIN (Special People in Northeast)
    Therapeutic recreation program at Norcom Center offers a variety of recreation programs
    215-613-1070
  • Teen Club - Easter Seals
    Delaware County Division
    468 N. Middletown Road
    Media, PA 19063
    610-565-2353
  • Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc
    190 Line Road
    Malvern PA 19355
    610-644-1963
  • United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) of Philadelphia and Vicinity
    Recreation Department. Leisure activities including art therapy, music appreciation, large social functions, sports teams, and field trips.
    215-248-7613
  • Upper Merion Parks & Rec. Dept.
    "Outer Limits" Social and Recreation Program
    610-265-1071
  • Variety Club Camp and Development Center
    Worcester PA
    Summer camp and year-round recreational programs
    610-584-4366
  • www.BucksCountySpecialNeeds.orgserves as an informational source for parents and providers of special needs children of athletic activities available. If there is an activity that you are aware of or are affiliated with that you would like us to list, please contact us and we will gladly list your information.
  • Young Adults with Disabilities/Wayne Adults with Disabilities
    Programs for higher functioning adults ages 20 - 40 who have developmental disabilities or severe learning difficulties. Sessions include a "rap" session and informal socialization, with additional activities and trips. Membership fee. For information, call Winnie Shaw-Hope at 610-647-7526