Recreation and Inclusion Resources
YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Springfield
Diverse Abilities – YMCA provides a wide variety of programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs the opportunity to participate in a wide range of classes and activities tailored to their needs and comfort levels.
Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:
- SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
- Gymnastics
- Saturday Strikers providing a safe and welcoming environment for building skills and learning how to navigate the everyday world
- Sports
If you have any questions, please email diverseabilities@springfieldymca.org.
YMCA of Metro Chicago provides a wide range of day, overnight, family and winter camping activities for all abilities. YMCA’s Camp MacLean and YMCA Camp Duncan offer campers endless adventures, joy and an opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills and independence. YMCA camps offer activities that challenge both the mind and body, supportive staff and a welcoming community where campers connect and feel empowered. Overnight summer camps registration usually opens in late November. Day camp registration usually opens in early January.
Learn about YMCA of Metro Chicago camps, including:
Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.
“Born for Business” Disability Entrepreneurship Toolkit
Entrepreneurship and self-employment can be valuable and viable options for people with disabilities looking to enter the job market on their own terms. RespectAbility’s Born for Business toolkit provides an inventory of existing materials, advice and guides for job seekers with disabilities who are ready to become self-employed, launch a new enterprise or develop their entrepreneurial skills.
This toolkit was developed along with the Born For Business docuseries that focuses on the talents, innovations and impact of entrepreneurs with varying disabilities.