Recreation & Activities

World's largest charity for gamers with disabilities. Provides free assistive technology grants ('Expansion Packs') with customized gaming equipment, plus one-on-one accessibility consultations.

National

Adaptive sports organization serving the Hampton Roads area with programs including surfing, cycling, kayaking, and other recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.

Virginia · Virginia Beach

Instagram account documenting accessible travel, outdoor adventures, and recreation for people with disabilities. Reviews destinations and shares tips for accessible travel planning.

National

Instagram account highlighting accessible playgrounds, parks, and play spaces in Virginia. Reviews and rates play areas for wheelchair accessibility and inclusive design.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Free progressive outdoor adventures for individuals with physical disabilities including cycling, climbing, kayaking, skiing, waterskiing, and dragon boat racing.

9053 Harlan Street, Suite 34, Westminster, CO 80031

(303) 679-2770

Colorado · Westminster

Largest national adaptive climbing program in the US with over 1,000 participants annually. Offers youth and all-ages climbing sessions at partner gyms across the country.

81 Lincoln Ave, Fl 2, Brooklyn, NY 11208

New York · Brooklyn

Accessibility services at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Weekly 'Alamo For All' sensory-friendly screenings every Tuesday before 2:05 PM. Brighter lights, lower sound, no previews, and movement welcomed.

20575 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147

(571) 293-6808

Virginia · ashburn

Weekly 'Alamo For All' sensory-friendly screenings every Tuesday before 2:05 PM. Brighter lights, lower sound, no previews, and movement welcomed.

15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100, Woodbridge, VA 22191

(571) 260-4413

Virginia · woodbridge

Sensory Friendly Films with Autism Society on 2nd/4th Saturday (family) and Wednesday evenings (mature). Lights up, sound down, audience free to move and talk.

1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102

Virginia · mclean

Promotes rehabilitation through adaptive surfing and outdoor activities for people with disabilities, veterans, and first responders. Operates chapters across California and beyond since 2003.

California · Pismo Beach

Beach and water wheelchairs designed for sand, surf, and pool access. Helps individuals with mobility challenges enjoy aquatic environments.

National

Art studio and gallery in Washington, DC empowering artists with disabilities. Provides studio space, professional development, and gallery exhibitions for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Washington, DC

District of Columbia · washington, dc

Visual and performing arts programs for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Creates inclusive artistic experiences.

National

Arts organization promoting creative expression and accessibility in the arts for individuals with disabilities.

National

Sensory-friendly Sundays at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, offering a calm environment for individuals with sensory processing needs.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Fully accessible and inclusive playground with adaptive equipment, sensory play areas, and wheelchair-accessible surfaces in Beaverton.

15707 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006

Oregon · Beaverton

Provides equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabling conditions in the northern Shenandoah Valley. Serves adults and children from age four at Evergreen Farm near Berryville.

P.O. Box 438, Boyce, VA 22620

(540) 533-2777

Virginia · Shenandoah Valley

Leading adaptive sports provider in the SF Bay Area offering cycling, sled hockey, power soccer, and fitness programs. One of the world's largest adaptive bike collections.

3075 Adeline Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94703

(510) 849-4663

California · Berkeley

Free interactive music sessions for children of all abilities. Inclusive music programming in Northern Virginia.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Modular 'snap and play' gaming controller with 15+ interchangeable parts and over 100 million possible configurations to match individual physical needs. Xbox designated.

National

Adaptive sports organization offering cycling, climbing, paddling, skiing, and more for individuals with physical disabilities. Programs in Asheville, Atlanta, and other locations.

National

Fine artist with a disability creating original artwork. Showcases how art and creativity thrive regardless of physical limitations.

National

City parks and recreation program providing adaptive classes, trips, camps, and events for individuals ages 6+ with disabilities including wheelchair basketball, therapeutic exercise, hiking, swimming, and cooking.

233 4th Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902

(434) 970-3269

Virginia · Charlottesville

Equine-assisted therapy and adaptive riding programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities in the central Virginia area.

Virginia · Charlottesville

Community recreation therapy program at Children's National Hospital offering adaptive sports and recreation activities for children with disabilities and chronic conditions.

Washington, DC

District of Columbia · washington, dc

Fully accessible playground designed for children of all abilities in McLean, VA.

Virginia · McLean

Therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities. Programs include hippotherapy, adaptive riding, and equine-facilitated learning. Serves children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.

5765 Elk Lick Rd, Clifton, VA 20124

703-830-4012

Virginia · Clifton

Academy Award-winning film about a hearing child of deaf adults navigating her passion for music while supporting her family's fishing business.

National

Fairfax County historic gristmill offering seasonal sensory-friendly events in a quiet environment including sensory-friendly Santa visits and holiday crafts.

10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066

Virginia · great falls

Founded 1989, provides equine-assisted services on 92 acres including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, speech therapy, programs for veterans, and summer inclusion camps.

2626 Heritage Park Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

(757) 721-7350

Virginia · Virginia Beach

Directory of wheelchair and stroller-friendly trails throughout Fairfax County parks.

Virginia · Fairfax County

Therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities through Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services.

Virginia · Fairfax County

Beloved animated film featuring characters with disabilities including Nemo's lucky fin (limb difference), Dory's short-term memory loss, and themes of overcoming limitations.

National

Nonprofit creating inclusive community by facilitating friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Hosts annual Disability Expo and regular social programs.

212 North Gaskins Road, Richmond, VA 23238

(804) 740-2000

Virginia · Richmond

PATH International member center providing equine-assisted services including therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, and mounted therapy programs for individuals with disabilities.

11353 Rocky Ridge Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059

(804) 357-4231

Virginia · Richmond

Early morning access (8-9 AM) for neurodivergent families before general opening. Sensory bags, quiet room, and hands-on Mansion tours with pre-visit social narratives.

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

(703) 780-2000

Virginia · alexandria

Nonprofit dedicated to building universally accessible playgrounds that bring together people of all abilities. Arbor Lodge Park playground in Portland is their flagship project.

Oregon · Portland

Only PATH Premier Accredited Center in the Roanoke Valley. Nonprofit therapeutic horsemanship center on 28 acres with 20+ horses offering therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and mental health services since 1991.

Boones Mill, VA

(540) 334-5825

Virginia · Roanoke

Adaptive hiking carriers and trail chairs that enable people with disabilities to experience hiking trails and outdoor adventures with family and friends.

National

Orchestra program for adults 18+ with disabilities. Offers in-person sessions in Bethesda and virtual participation options.

(301) 678-3880

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Performances with reduced sound, dimmed lights, limited strobe effects, designated quiet areas, and freedom to move during shows. Pre-visit social stories and activity books provided.

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

(202) 416-8727

Virginia · washington, dc

First Wednesday of each month at 10 AM with reduced lighting and music. KultureCity certified as sensory inclusive with trained staff.

6563 Springfield Mall, Suite 12004, Springfield, VA 22150

(571) 506-4322

Virginia · springfield

Beautiful botanical gardens with accessible paths in Vienna, VA.

Virginia · Vienna

Year-round camp and outdoor recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities, including summer camps, winter sports, and respite weekends.

503-452-7416

Oregon · Government Camp

Sensory bags with noise-reduction headphones and fidgets available at Welcome Center. Social narratives provided for visit preparation. Free admission.

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 572-4118

Virginia · chantilly

Accessibility accommodations at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, including sensory-friendly resources.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Accessibility accommodations at the National Children's Museum in Washington, DC.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Sensory-friendly hours with adjusted lighting and sound. Free sensory backpacks with noise-reduction headphones and fidgets available at admission desk.

1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

(202) 844-2486

Virginia · washington, dc

Facilitates inclusion of children with disabilities through therapeutic play-based family sessions and toy lending libraries. AblePlay website provides independent ratings and reviews of toys by disability category.

National

National Park Service accessibility information for parks nationwide. Find accessible trails, facilities, programs, and accommodations at national parks including Great Smoky Mountains.

National

Free lifetime access pass for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities to national parks and federal recreation sites.

National

Film based on Sharon Draper's novel about Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or walk, and her journey to be heard.

National

Children's museum in Baltimore with sensory-friendly accommodations and KultureCity certification.

Maryland · baltimore, md

Children's museum offering accessible play experiences and sensory-friendly hours for children with disabilities and sensory needs.

4015 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221

Oregon · Portland

Inclusive recreation programs for people of all abilities through Portland Parks & Recreation, including adaptive sports, social clubs, day camps, and community events.

503-823-2525

Oregon · Portland

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers sensory-friendly events with reduced noise, lighting, and crowds for visitors with sensory processing differences.

1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

503-797-4000

Oregon · Portland

Adaptive and inclusive recreation and sports programs for children and adults with disabilities in the Portland metro area.

Oregon · Portland

Adaptive sports including cycling, sailing, rock climbing, skiing, and horseback riding for adults with physical disabilities in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Mouth-operated game controller with four sip-and-puff sensors and lip position sensor. Compatible with PS3, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac. Available in FPS and Singleton models.

National

Wheelchair dance team empowering women and girls who use wheelchairs through dance, community, and performance. Founded by Chelsie Hill, the Rollettes inspire confidence and break barriers in adaptive dance.

California · Los Angeles

Sensory-friendly play and fitness experiences designed for children with sensory processing differences, autism, and developmental needs.

National

Free sensory-friendly program where pre-registered families visit a Smithsonian museum before it opens. Includes social narratives, sensory maps, visual schedules, and calming spaces.

Virginia · washington, dc

Downloadable social narratives, tactile elements throughout the zoo, and Aira Access app for verbal descriptions and wayfinding. Free admission.

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

(202) 633-4888

Virginia · washington, dc

Nonprofit empowering individuals with disabilities through employment services, day support, creative arts, and community integration programs.

3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227

(804) 358-1874

National

Year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across Oregon.

503-248-0600

Oregon · Statewide

Year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across Fairfax County, Arlington, and Alexandria. Supports over 3,500 athletes.

11350 Random Hills Road C-140, Fairfax, VA 22030

703-359-4301

Virginia · fairfax

Award-winning wheelchair travel blogger and content creator. Sylvia shares accessible travel adventures, destination reviews, and tips for traveling in a power wheelchair. Over 130 travel videos produced.

National

Provides adaptive sports and recreation programs including wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, cycling, rowing, and more for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments.

1 Sanger Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 340-2991

Virginia · Richmond

Airport rehearsal program helping individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities practice air travel in a stress-free environment. Families walk through check-in, security, and boarding without actually flying.

National

Special needs programs and inclusive activities at the Jewish Community Center.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Adventure film starring Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, on a journey to fulfill his dream of attending a wrestling school. A celebration of friendship and determination.

National

Biographical film about Stephen Hawking's life, his groundbreaking work in physics, and living with ALS (motor neurone disease).

National

Comedy-drama about an unlikely friendship between a paralyzed billionaire and his caregiver. Based on a true story of connection across differences.

National

Over 40 years serving the Roanoke Valley as the regional provider of specialized adaptive recreation programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, visual impairments, and head injuries.

3738 Brambleton Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24018

(540) 772-7529

Virginia · Roanoke

Hosts Night to Shine, a worldwide prom experience for people with special needs ages 14+. Events held at churches in all 50 states and internationally.

National

Virginia-based resource navigation platform connecting individuals and families with local recreation, community, and support services.

Virginia

Aquatic recreation facility with accessible swimming programs.

Virginia · Warrenton

Empowers people with disabilities through adaptive surfing progression, inclusion, and accessibility with clinics and programs across multiple coastal locations.

National

Indoor sensory play gym for all ability levels with zip line, trampoline, swings, climbing structure, arts and crafts, and a dedicated calming room.

21720 Red Rum Dr, Suites 177-182, Ashburn, VA 20147

(571) 479-8567

Virginia · ashburn

Organization promoting accessible outdoor adventures and wilderness experiences for people with disabilities. Provides information on wheelchair-accessible trails, parks, and nature activities.

National

Film based on the bestselling novel about Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, navigating fifth grade and inspiring those around him with kindness.

National