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Winter Brings Opportunities for Inclusive Recreation

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Making winter recreation accessible to all, local organizations are offering a wide array of opportunities for community members of all abilities to participate in inclusive recreational opportunities. From sled hockey and skiing to basketball and bowling, children and adults of all abilities can find activities to match their interests![/caption]

‘Tis the start of the season for winter sports here in western Massachusetts – and thanks to a wide array of local resources, opportunities for recreation are available to all. Taking advantage of community resources and the local landscape, organizations from all across the state have worked to create a large network of recreational opportunities that are truly accessible to all – both indoors and out.

Western MA families can take advantage of opportunities to participate in active recreational activities within groups with diverse abilities, and can learn about and/or utilize adaptive technology through special events held by local organizations and athletic leagues.

Participation in recreational opportunities that are truly inclusive to all is a great way for families to experience diversity and to learn from the skills and life experiences of others; additionally, inclusive recreational environments help to provide opportunities for folks of varying abilities to enjoy recreational activities together.

Category: Hilltown Families, Special Needs, Sports, Suggested Activity Tags: Adaptive Sports, Inclusive Recreation, Special Needs, winter sports

Q&A: 18 Recommended Winter Resources & Activities for Families with Special Needs in Western MA

When our readers ask, Hilltown Families does our best to find the answers. Please feel encouraged to share your favorite places in the comment section!

Jean Engle of North Adams writes, “Once the colder weather sets in, where are the best places to visit and socialize for parents and children with special needs? Are there any specialized activities?”

Holyoke High School’s Adaptive Physical Education Program is an inspiration! Here’s a video of the program they held at Fitzpatrick Ice Arena to inspire other schools and communities to model a similar program in their area:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kzNPjcEqN0

Lisa Levheim writes, “It’s a little far from North Adams, but Whole Children in Hadley is amazing! They have after school programs and daytime programs for homeschoolers and younger kids.”

Swansea Benham Bleicher writes, “Most family centers will welcome children with special needs. Contact the Coordinators ahead of time if you are concerned: Northampton Parents Center, Easthampton Family Center, Belchertown Family Center, Amherst Family Center, Cummington Family Center, Gateway Family Center, South Hadley Family Center, Ware Family Center…

Matt Sawyer writes, “Ski Butternut offers skiing and snowboarding adaptive programs for people with special needs.”

Category: Family, Suggested Activity, Western MA Events, Western Massachusetts Events Tags: Children, Massachusetts Resources for Special Needs Children, Parenting, Special Needs, Special Needs Children, Suggested Events, temper tantrum, western massachusetts

Hindsight Parenting: Special People

Special She’s just a girl. Not special. Not any different than any other toddler. She’s infatuated with Princess Sofia and Doc McStuffins. She has a stuffed lamb, Mi Mi, who she can’t be without. She adores her daddy and loves playing school because her mommy is a teacher. She’s a pint size philosopher who packs a punch with wise words that are seemingly beyond MY years. But she isn’t special. She’s just… Read More

Category: Contributing Writer, Hindsight Parenting, Logan Fisher Tags: Health, lifestyle, Parenting, relationships, Special Needs, Teens

Anthologies on Parenting Kids with Special Needs

Two Groundbreaking Anthologies on Parenting Kids with Special Needs I recently received two fantastic anthologies on parenting kids with special needs to review, My Baby Rides the Short Bus and Gravity Pulls You In. Most nights since receiving these two treasures I end the day by reading a chapter or two — finding myself choked up with tears as I read a parent’s complicated, heartbreaking story; or laughing with parents on the fringe navigating… Read More

Category: Special Needs, Suggested Activity Tags: Anthology, Asperger's, Autism, Book Review, Special Needs, western massachusetts

Medical Equipment for Children with Special Needs

Pass It On Last year my son, Ivan, was in dire need of a special stroller for kids with low muscle tone. He was using a mainstream stroller at the time, but it just wasn’t giving him the support he needed. The poor guy was slumped over whenever he was in it! We tried going through our insurance, but because Ivan was small (less than 30 pounds), the insurance company felt he… Read More