Links

At Ashford, we believe that every child is a dancer. We offer a wide variety of classes for dancers who learn differently. All students are welcome to participate in our DWDA classes including those with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, emotional needs, and those who may just need a little bit more individual attention. Classes are taught by highly qualified experienced instructors, and curriculum is developed by a NYS Certified Special Education Teacher 

Click here to learn more about their program!

AutismUp provides specialized support services designed to fulfill the many unique needs of our member families and the community, to grow the entirety of one's circle of support. As a parent-driven, parent-led organization, we appreciate what it means to truly "support" parents caring for, professionals working with, and businesses serving individuals with autism, and we've developed one-of-a-kind services to address these needs. In addition to over 3,100 families living with autism, our membership includes a network of autism professionals, community organizations and volunteers. We support individuals, families, businesses, schools and many more. 

Click here to see what classes are available currently. 

 Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  

Click here to find the chapter closest to you!

Canalside Speech is a private speech-language therapy clinic for children ages birth through school-age. Kristin Bergholtz, NYS licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist, provides individualized services for children and families to support their speech, language and communication skills. She has a specialization in working with children who are deaf/hard of hearing. In addition, she has years of experience working with early intervention and preschool children, engaging in parent coaching, and working with children who have articulation or phonological needs. Kirstin also has an interest in working with childhood apraxia of speech and language concerns. 

Click here to learn more.  

Challenger Miracle Field rests on the idea of giving kids and adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate and play in sports. We offer 6 programs to anyone in Rochester, New York and surrounding areas. Players in wheelchairs are welcomed and encouraged. We are always open to new ideas and offerings!

Click here to find a sport for you!

Through partnerships with community resources and locations, SportsNet provides adults and children of all abilities opportunities to explore a wide array of adaptive sports and inclusive recreation in the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes areas. 

Click here to see some of the youth programs offered!

Located at the Edgerton Recreation Center on Backus Street in the city of Rochester, this little model train oasis is an undiscovered gem! There are four rooms around a giant circle that each represent a season in the Rochester area and all have trains running through them. The winter/Christmas room is a family favorite with Santa and his sleigh flying high above the model. 

Click here to find out the dates and times that they are open for a tour!

Healing Hands offers discounted therapeutic massage to support caregivers who are caring for people with disabilities and health care needs across the lifespan. 

Click here for more information!

Help With Feeding provides accessible, evidence-based, holistic support services for both mother and baby during their first year together. I welcome moms to a safe space where they can trust in the gentle guidance I offer and build a strong feeding foundation. I aim to inform, empower, and inspire mothers to nourish their babies, listen to their intuition, and move gracefully through life in their role as mother. 

Click here to learn more. 

Our hallmark equine assisted horseback riding and non-riding horsemanship lessons is inclusive to people of all abilities. This program is for all ages and is designed to enrich a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being, while also building confidence and self-esteem.

Click here to sign up today!

Click here to learn more about our very own GiGi's Playhouse Rochester!

Gliding Stars of Rochester, NY is an adaptive ice skating program that provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to increase their personal potential through development of ice skating skills in a regular program of instruction and practice in our own local community! The skating season runs from September through February.

Click here to sign up to receive more information!

There are MANY Monroe County Libraries that have children's libraries inside. Some of our personal favorites are Greece, Fairport, Brighton, Henrietta, Webster, The Toy Library, and Central Library. 

Here is a link of all Monroe County Library locations and hours.

The first of its kind in the United States, this completely wheelchair accessible playground is in Canandaigua and is WELL worth the drive. Soon it will have a pavilion with FOUR adult size changing tables in each of its four full bathrooms. The pavilion is currently under construction (as of 3/2023) which means that the playground is closed to keep everyone safe. We are hearing that the goal is to have the playground AND pavilion open by June when the kids get out of school. 

Click here to see some great photos and footage from the grand opening this past summer. 

Parent to Parent of New York State builds a supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities or special healthcare needs to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions 

Click here to see their calendar of events!

At Parenting Village we are committed to supporting parents & caregivers in the Rochester, NY area as they navigate parenthood. We rely on volunteers who are caregivers themselves to connect to the community by providing opportunities to meet up and socialize with others who "get it,” offering educational events on parenting topics, sharing local resources & events on social media, and volunteering together to benefit other local charities doing great things for families. Founded by moms who understood the support parents need, we continually assess and respond with care and compassion to what caregivers need to navigate the parenting journey. We all know it takes a village! 

Click here to check out their website!

RMSC has sensory friendly Sundays once monthly with a sensory room that has sensory bins, alternative seating, noise canceling headphones, fidgets, magnitiles, and coloring books. The planetarium is right on site as well which is always a fun place to stop and learn new things!

Click here to learn more about how to get in and have some fun!

We partner with people who have disabilities, their families, and others who support them, to achieve success in education, employment, and healthy living. Together we transform communities to include everyone.

Click here to see how they can help you!

Step by Step is an early intervention and preschool agency that values parent coaching and is committed to supporting our community through advocacy efforts and collaboration. Our therapists are passionate about working alongside families, while providing caregivers support and guidance along their child's journey.  

Click here to learn more!

Special Olympics New York Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7. It introduces basic sport skills and offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children. 

Click here to learn more about NYS Special Olympics opportunities. 

SMOP is a phenomenal resource right here in our own back yard. Nationally recognized, the museum has space inside for everyone. They have multiple sensory/calming rooms throughout the building, there are many food options, and even a butterfly conservatory! 

Click here to find out information on hours and admission rates. 

The Children’s Agenda advocates for effective policies and drives evidenced-based solutions for the health, education and success of children. We are especially committed to children who are vulnerable because of poverty, racism, health inequities and trauma.

Click here to learn more!

Together Including Every Student (TIES), developed in 1997 by two parents of children who have disabilities, promotes the participation of students and young adults who have developmental disabilities in inclusive, organized extracurricular and community activities through the support of trained student volunteers. 

Click here to learn more. 

There are multiple YMCAs in our area that have much to offer. With a membership to the Y you receive 2 free hours of childcare per day, depending on your child's age you could receive free swim lessons, there is workout equipment, pools, basketball courts, pickle ball, tracks and much more!

Click here for more information!