Advocates for Special People, Inc. Special Connexions Program
Epworth United Methodist Church/Stephens United Methodist Church, Arlington http://www.advocatesforspecialpeople.org/specialconnexions.html
advocates@advocatesforspecialpeople.org
Incorporates exercise/swimming/dance as part of their activities; home of the Arlington Eagles Special Olympics team for those that have graduated from high school or who are within a few years of graduating.
Alley Cats Entertainment
Arlington
817-784-2965
info@alleycatsbowl.com
http://alleycatsbowl.com/
Bowling league for kids with and without disabilities. Typically practices on Saturday mornings.
AquaStars
Irving, Heritage Aquatic Center
972-721-7311
http://cityofirving.org/2735/AquaStars-for-Special-Needs-Children
On a monthly basis, AquaStars provides children with special needs with an opportunity to sidestep crowds and experience the excitement of play in an indoor, 20-yard, temperature-controlled lap pool. Best of all, participants will only pay the standard admission rate of $1 per visit. The program is designed for ages 18 and younger. AquaStars participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Arc Greater Mid Cities
Haltom City
817-834-7700
info@arcnetc.org
www.arcnetc.org
The Arc of Northeast Tarrant County promotes the human rights of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their life span. Provides a variety of recreational and social activities.
Arlington- Mansfield Area YMCA
Special Friends
North Arlington Branch, 1005 Skyline Dr., Arlington
Barbara Hopson (817) 548-9622 ext. 210
Wellness/social program for individuals served by MHMR of Tarrant County- T-F 1:00-3:00
Adapted Swim Lessons and Family Swim for those with Special Needs
Cooper Street Branch, 7120 S. Cooper Street, Arlington
Family Swim- 6:30-7:45 pm, Fridays $10 for non-YMCA members, FREE for YMCA members
Cory Brazeal, Aquatics Director, 817-419-9629, coryb@amaymca.org
Art house
Southlake- 817-416-4278 and Flower Mound- 972-899-2699
www.studioarthouse.com
Extra Special Art – Designed for adults with special needs, ages 18 and older, these art classes explore individual expression and abilities while fostering self-esteem, group participation, self-control and individuality.
The Art Station
Ft. Worth
817-921-2401
www.theartstation.org
The Art Station is a nonprofit organization offering individuals and groups art therapy and community programs to children and adults.
ASI Gymnastics
Arlington, Keller
http://asigymnastics.com/gymmie-kids
Gymmie Kids program- ages 3-18, private lessons or recreational classes with a shadow coach
AWESOME on the Spectrum
Arlington
682-227-6039, admin@awesomeonthespectrum.org
http://www.meetup.com/Awesome-on-the-Spectrum/
Awesome on the Spectrum is a non-profit organization focused on social interaction and sensory activities for kids of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We meet several times per month for social skills classes, offer outings on a monthly basis, and provide several family-friendly events special events. Also offer music therapy and art therapy classes by licensed therapists for a fee.
Center for ASD
Crowley
Lisa- 817-205-1445
http://www.centerforasd.org/
The Center for ASD is a non-profit dedicated to helping those with special needs succeed, as well as to aid in the well-being of their families. Thrive! Night is held of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mondays of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Center for ASD hosts dance for girls ages 10 and up, music therapy on the first and third Mondays, and a variety of activities intended to provide a welcoming and safe environment for those with special needs and their families.
Cheer Academy
Arlington
Patty at 817-832-2167
http://cheeracademy.com/specialneeds
Free special needs cheerleading team for youth and teens.
Arlington Southwest Branch Library, Born to Stand Out Storytime
817-459-6900
Lisa Smant, lisa.smant@arlingtontx.gov or Ashley Wyche, ashley.wyche@arlingtontx.gov
http://arlingtonlibrary.org/2017/01/28/born-to-stand-out/
This program offers a welcoming atmosphere for children of all ages and abilities. Come explore this “choose-your-own-adventure” type of storytime through hands-on, sensory-friendly activities as well as music and movement. Offered the first Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
City of Ft. Worth Library, Sensory Story Time
Summerglen Branch
817-392-5970
http://fortworthtexas.gov/library/worthreading/2016-10-sensory-story-time/
This sensory-rich story time is for all children and especially children with sensory processing disorders. Exploration is encouraged through hands-on play and movement activities. Kids bring books to life using props, music and carnival-style games. Program for children of all ages. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.
City of Irving Adult Therapeutic Day Program
972-721-8098
dhicks@cityofirving.org
http://cityofirving.org/814/Therapeutic-Recreation-Programs
Irving Parks and Recreation serves individuals with special needs through an Adult Therapeutic Day Program and Irving Special Olympics. These programs currently are housed at the Lively Pointe Youth Center. Interested participants and volunteers are welcome to call or email for more information.
City of Southlake Therapeutic Recreation
817-748-8019
abennett@ci.southlake.tx.us
http://www.cityofsouthlake.com/index.aspx?NID=1268
Therapeutic Recreation (T.R.) provides recreation and leisure opportunities to persons with physical/mental illnesses or disabling conditions. Provides positive recreation and leisure experiences through a variety of adapted, inclusive and community integration programs.
Club 321
Arlington
club321friends@hotmail.com
Club 321 is an adult social club for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. This is a collaborative project of the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas and Green Oaks School.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/134328306670929/
The Clubhouse for Special Needs
Bedford
817-285-0885
director@theclubhouse.org
www.theclubhouse.org/index.html
To provide a safe and fun place for teens and young adults with mild to moderate, intellectual/physical challenges an opportunity for education, socialization, and independence in a recreational atmosphere.
Come Read with Me
Euless
817-553-7323
gillian.edwards@comereadwithme.us
www.comereadwithme.us
A nonprofit life-long, year-round learning and therapeutic center for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides a variety of recreational pursuits in their programs.
Coppell Baseball Association Challenger Baseball Program
972-745-8869
http://www.coppellbaseball.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=39&Itemid=73
The Coppell Baseball Association Challenger Baseball program is for young athletes (7 - 18 years of age) with disabilities.
Coppell Family YMCA
Adapted swimming lessons and Special Olympics Program
972-393-5121
https://www.ymcadallas.org/locations/coppell_family_ymca/programs/swimming/
To register, please contact Sunshine Valenzuela at svalenzuela@ymcadallas.org.
The YMCA's Adapted Swim program is designed as a private lesson and the Special Olympics Swimming Program is designed to teach competitive swimming skills. Both are for ages 4 and up.
Coppell Youth Soccer Association TOP Soccer Program
president@coppellyouthsoccer.com, 972-304-0886
The CYSA TOP Soccer program is for athletes with disabilities (age 4-19) who want to play soccer.
Cross Timbers Family YMCA “Buddy Sports”
Flower Mound
972-539-9622
https://www.ymcadallas.org/locations/cross_timbers/youth_sports/buddy_sports/
Buddy Sports is specialized for children with disabilities and partners them with a buddy. The sports offered in this program are basketball, baseball, soccer and field hockey. Ages: 5-15 years
Dana’s Studio of Dance
Keller, 817-745-3262
www.danastudio.com
Special needs Hip Hop dance class for youth.
Dragon Swim School
Southlake, 817-949-8200
www.cisdaquatics.com/classes/
Private swim classes for kids with special needs.
Emler Swim School
Arlington- summer only; other various DFW locations year-round
817.552.SWIM (7946), arlington@emlerswimschool.com
www.iswimemler.com
Special needs swimming lessons for kids and adults.
Encore School of Dance No Boundaries Dance 101 - Special Needs Dance Class
Saginaw
office@encoreschoolofdance.com, 817-232-9393
http://www.encoreschoolofdance.com
The Encore School of Dance provides a dance class for individuals 3 years of age and older who have a disability. Please call studio to inquire about class specifics.
FEAT- North Texas (Families for Effective Autism Treatment)
Richland Hills
682-626-5000
https://www.featnt.org/
A non-profit organization operated by volunteer parents of children with autism. Holds two monthly social groups for tweens and teens with autism and a monthly social/support group for adults with Asperger’s/ASD. FEAT also offers various Family Fun days throughout the year.
Foot Works Performing Arts Center: Joyful Movement Class
Weatherford, TX 76086
Ally Klaudt, allyklaudt@gmail.com, 678-232-4576
Joyful Movement is designed for our special needs dancers and typically lasts about an hour. In the class they will stretch, work on body movements, and dance to their routines. There are also full year scholarships.
Fossil Creek Little League Baseball, Challenger Division
fossilcreekbaseball@gmail.com
www.fossilcreekbaseball.com
A division of Little League that enables boys and girls ages 4-18 with disabilities to enjoy the game of baseball. Serves Keller, Haltom City, Watauga, Saginaw and NE Fort Worth
Friday Night Live
Greenbriar Recreation Center
Ft. Worth
817-926-6214
Meets the second Friday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for ages 14 and up. Supervised activities include: music, dancing, singing, basketball, & games. The program is currently free but a $15 annual membership for the City of Fort Worth Recreation Center is required. People who need assistance (behavioral, personal or medical) should arrange for an attendant or family member to accompany them. Participants should bring a snack.
Grand Prairie Family YMCA
972-642-9632
Offers adapted swim lessons for children and adults with special needs
https://www.ymcadallas.org/locations/grand_prairie/swim/
H2OPE- Off the Deep End Aquatics, Inc.
Harris Aquatic Center-HEB
251 Westpark Way, Euless
682-200-7865
http://www.offthedeependaquatics.com/H2OPE.html
H2OPE is a FREE fun, community outreach water exercise program for children with special needs, ages 3-18.
IASIS Learning Center: Drama and Theater
Denton
214- 395-3045
michelle@iasislearningcenter.com
www.iasislearningcenter.com
A creative way to learn social skills for individuals within the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, & other challenges.
Keller ATA Black Belt Academy
Keller
817-337-9493, www.kellerata.com
Offers a special abilities class to children with special needs, adapted to their abilities and conditions.
Keller United- Miracle League Soccer Program
For more information call (817) 431-6453 or email Ed Palluth at ksapresident@verizon.net
www.kellersoccer.org
Keller United is a program created to help children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities improve their soccer skills. Boys and girls ages 5-18.
Kids Who Care Musical Theater
Ft. Worth,
andrea@kidswhocare.org, 817-737-5437
Kids Who Care provides inclusive musical theater classes, camps and leadership training for children (4-18) with and without disabilities.
Ladies Friendship Group
Ft. Worth
Linda Haberthur, 817-569-5459 or Kendra Kerbow, 817-569-4101
The Ladies Friendship group, hosted by MHMR of Tarrant County, is for women age 18 and older who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and are seeking, friendship, support and fun. Bring your lunch and enjoy discussing real life issues and chatting with friends new and old. Meetings are held once a month.
Liberty Cheer All Stars
Midlothian
972-775-5323 or 469-285-1186
www.libertycheerallstars.com
“Justice” cheerleading team for youth with special needs.
LifePoint
Mansfield
817-473-7125
Nancy Ryals, Director, nancy@lifepointinc.org
http://www.lifepointinc.org/index.html
LifePoint is a day program for all young adults, ages 18-29, with special needs. Provides training in the areas of life skills for daily living, educational and pre-vocational instruction and socialization in a Christian environment. LifePoint provides young adults with the opportunity to explore and participate in a variety of planned activities each day, including recreation.
Little Mavs Movement Academy (LMMA) University Texas Arlington
dmclab.uta@gmail.com, 817-272-0955
http://www.uta.edu/littlemavs/
LMMA services are provided during an identified semester. Check the website for current information.
The Little Mavs Movement Academy (LMMA) is a free group motor skill intervention program designed to improve motor skills of 6- to 12-year children and adolescents with movement/coordination difficulties.
Lone Star Black Belt Academy Shooting Stars
Keller
lonestarblackbeltacademy@yahoo.com, 817-485-9595
http://www.lonestarblackbeltacademy.com/class-descriptions.html
Lone Star Black Belt Academy offers a free karate class for individuals 5 and older who have Down Syndrome. Can also accommodate other developmental disabilities.
Men’s Friendship Group
Ft. Worth
Brandon Cabral, 817-986-1252 or Russell Bennett, 817-569-4990
A group for men (age 18 and over) with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in search of
friendship, support, and fun. Bring a sack lunch and come hang out with new and old friends. Meetings are held once a month and hosted by MHMR of Tarrant County.
Metroplex Adaptive Water Sports
For More Information email Blaine at blaine@youcanski.org or call: 214-803-9955
http://youcanski.org/
MAWS is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization dedicated to providing opportunities for persons with all types of disabilities to experience water sports. The emphasis is on water skiing, utilizing specialized ‘sit skis’ to provide a safe, enjoyable skiing experience, regardless of the level of disability.
Miracle League of DFW
Baseball Field Location- 1901 W. Randol Mill Rd, Arlington
http://www.mldfw.org/
info@miracleleagueDFW.org , 817-633-6076
Participate in baseball with assistance from a “Buddy”.
Miracle League of Irving
Baseball Field Location- Cottonwood Creek Park located at 4051 N. Story Rd.
Doug Fox, Irving YMCA Executive Director, dfox@ymcadallas.org, 214-460-6337 or
Joe Taylor, Chairman: Irving Y Miracle League Committee, 972-986-6190.
https://www.ymcadallas.org/locations/irving_family_ymca/sports/miracle_league_irving/
Participate in baseball with assistance from a “Buddy”.
Miracle League of Parker County
Weatherford
LeAnna Gieger – leanna.gieger@bearcatservices.com or
Office – 817-489-7110 | LeAnna Gieger (Cell) – 817-845-8592
Participate in baseball with assistance from a “Buddy”.
Miracle League of Southlake
Baseball Field Location- Texas Rangers Miracle League Field, 450 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, TX 76092
817-946-9136, info@miracleleagueofsouthlake.com.
http://www.miracleleagueofsouthlake.com
Participate in baseball with assistance from a “Buddy”.
North Texas Special Needs Assistance Partners
Euless
817-545-9456
www.ntxsnap.org
North Texas SNAP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities. SNAP provides a variety of social, recreational, and educational programs for its members.
Premiere Marshall Arts
North Richland Hills
817-281-4390
Kim@pmanrh.com
www.pmanrh.com
Can accommodate children and teens with special needs in their classes. Please call to discuss needs.
RecMania
Handley-Meadowbrook Recreation Center
6201 Beaty St, Fort Worth, TX 76112
Daniel Shafer, 817- 451-0222
Adaptive Recreation Night for ages 18+ with dancing, bingo, arts and crafts, games and more! $10/year center membership is required and $1 per person to attend. Held the first Friday of the month from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Sing Your Way Home
Bedford
817-716-3510
Randi@SingYourWayHome.com, www.SingYourWayHome.com
Adapted music lessons for teens and adults with disabilities and Teen/adult music groups on Monday afternoons.
Special Needs Gymnastics
Multiple locations in Tarrant County
Contact Denise Anderson at 806-438-3227
www.specialneedsgymnastics.org
Special Needs Gymnastics is a year around sport. Offers gymnastics, swimming, cycling, sports class- baseball, soccer, football and basketball.
Special Olympics- Area 11, Greater Fort Worth
6707 Brentwood Stair Road, Suite 218 Fort Worth
http://www.sotx.org/about/areas/area11/contact.html
817-332-3433, a11@sotx.org
Spirit-Xtreme Cheer
Southlake
Contact Walter or Melissa Meriweather at 817-251-8984
http://spirit-xtreme.com/
Spirit Xtreme Rejoice is a Co-ed Special Needs All Star competitive cheerleading team for athletes ages 14 years and younger with an intellectual and/or physical disability who love to cheer, dance and perform.
Story Stage
Ft. Worth
817-989-6399
www.story-stage.com
Story Stage helps kids build skills to tell their story. Learn to read listener’s reactions, use tone of voice, see a friend’s point of view, and have good conversations at Story Stage. Theater, props, and costumes make it fun. Staging personal stories makes it real.
Superkids
Richland Youth Association
Baseball, basketball, soccer and cheerleading.
Tim Early 817-581-9094
Tim@myrya.com
TCU Physical Activity Program
Ft. Worth, TCU Campus
Dr. Phil Esposito, 817-257-6866, p.esposito@tcu.edu
Saturday classes are held in the Spring and Fall semesters. Ages 18 and older. Individuals are paired with a TCU Kinesiology student that leads the fun exercise activities.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
All Star Equestrian Foundation
Mansfield, 817-477-1437
allstar892@juno.com
www.allstarfoundation.org
New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy
6151 FM 1830, Argyle
817-729-5315
skershen.newhope@gmail.com
newhopeequine.com
Paws for Reflection Ranch
5431 Montgomery Rd, Midlothian
972-775-8966
pawsforreflection@att.net
www.pawsforreflectionranch.org
Serendipity Equine Haven of Fort Worth
2416 Canton Drive, Fort Worth,
817-680-5474
contact@serendipityequinehaven.org
serendipityfortworth.com
Free or Donation-based program
Stable Strides Farm, INC
4400 Withers Ave, Flowermound
940-595-3600
stablestrides@aol.com
www.stablestridesfarm.org
Stars & Strides Stables
228 Sandpiper Dr., Weatherford
817-929-0020
teresa@starsandstrides.org
www.starsandstrides.org
White Bridle Therapy
16274 Chapel Hill Ct, Roanoke
972- 740-0900
brook@whitebridle.org
whitebridle.org/
Wings of Hope Equitherapy,
Burleson, 817-790-8810
wingsofhope@prodigy.net
www.wingsofhopehorses.org
Victory Therapy Center (formerly Rocky Top)
10600 Dunham Rd., Roanoke
682-831-1323
lisa@victorytherapy.org
www.victorytherapy.org
TOPS Soccer
Arlington
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arlington-TOPS-Soccer/152815228081711
Shane Williams, 817-229-0629
Youth and Adults
University Little League, Challenger Division
Fort Worth
817-368-3061, www.fwull.com
A division of Little League that enables boys and girls ages 4-18 with disabilities to enjoy the game of baseball.
“We Have a Voice”- Advocacy Theater Company
Scott Theatre, Fort Worth
Blake Jung at 817-773-4300, or email AdvocacyTheater@gmail.com
Free theater education classes for adults 18 and older. Class meets each Thursday from 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Yogi Kids
Flower Mound
214-325-2547
www.myyogikids.com
Special Needs class held every Wed from 4:30pm - 5:15pm. Class designed to practice yoga and gross motor skills.