Many children with special needs CANNOT successfully participate in mainstream recreational activities. Although many programs do offer inclusion opportunities, we need to decide what is best for our children. And sometimes, a recreation program designed for “typical” children is not the best option. As such, parents are sometimes forced to exclude their child from such activities as they fear their child will feel socially isolated, over-stimulated, or become a victim of bullying by their typical peers if they do not “perform” as well as the other participating children. A recreation program geared towards the unique needs of children with varying abilities is a wonderful option for those children who need that individualized and specialized attention. These programs give our children the opportunity to be SUCCESSFUL, and to be RECOGNIZED for their hard work and dedication to the activity no matter what level of performance they give. They are specifically designed to build up the character and self-esteem of children with special needs, and give these children the necessary supports needed to achieve their goals!
Click below to be taken to our Special Needs Recreation Directory, which is broken down by county, and includes the name, location, and website for recreation programs in New Jersey. Please reach out if you know of a program not listed. I will be sure to add it so parents are aware of an additional recreation option for their children!