Adaptive Recreation
Things to Consider:
Adaptive recreation is a great way to work on social skills, health and wellness, and build your support network. You can also connect with others in your community.
Adaptive Recreation Offered Through Local Cities
Chandler
Services: “Chandler Adaptive Recreation offers sports leagues, clinics, and tournaments for every age and ability. There’s something special about the smell of a freshly mowed practice field, the taste of oranges at halftime, or the feeling of victory. We totally get that – that’s why we love to provide opportunities for those moments and foster those connections through sports. Our goal is to give everyone in our community the opportunities to develop their skills, engage in their community, and – most of all – have fun.”
Contact information
Phone: (480) 782-2709
Email: adaptive.recreation@chandleraz.gov
Website: https://www.chandleraz.gov/explore/chandler-recreation/programs-and-activities/adaptive-recreation
Goodyear
Services: “The Goodyear Parks and Recreation Department offers programs for people of all ability levels. Under the ADA, Adaptive Services provides comprehensive adaptive programming. From adaptive sports leagues to specialized classes and events, we strive to create an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive. Join us and discover a wide range of adaptive programming options that promote empowerment, lifelong learning, and overall well-being for all program attendees. Programs are open to residents and non-residents.”
Contact information
Phone: (623) 882-7548
Website: https://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/recreation-programs/adaptive-programs-7294
Mesa
Services: “Adaptive sports, recreation and social programs are offered to youth and adults with developmental disabilities. We offer a wide variety of activities including weekly sports and recreation programs, special interest classes, social activities, and summer camp.” Mesa is a Certified Autism Center and has an Adaptive Advisory Council.
Contact information
Phone: (480) 644-2863
Email: adaptive@mesaaz.gov
Website: https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Adaptive-Recreation
Peoria
Services: “The City of Peoria offers a wide range of activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families / caregivers. From after-school programs to dances and parties to workshops for parents and the award-winning Special Olympics program, Team Peoria. Peoria offers the premier Adaptive Recreation program in the West Valley, which draws people from neighboring cities including Glendale, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear, and others.” Also offering an adult day program, summer program and more.
Contact information
Phone: (623) 773-7436
Website: https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/neighborhood-and-human-services/recreation-programs/adaptive-recreation-ada
Phoenix
Services: “The City of Phoenix Adaptive Recreation Program offers safe, inclusive, and accessible recreational opportunities for all abilities; empowering individuals to lead meaningful lives and create a welcoming environment of acceptance and belonging. Through a wide variety of programs and events, we seek to educate, enrich, and empower those with intellectual and physical disabilities to lead healthy and active lifestyles!” Also offering summer camps.
Contact information
Phone: (602) 534-0385
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/classes-programs/adaptive-recreation.html
Scottsdale
Services: “Adaptive Recreation provides fun, safe and meaningful social and recreational opportunities for participants with neuro and physical diversities. Using art, dance, music, life skills, recreation, and sports, the team provides opportunities to grow physically, emotionally, cognitively and socially.”
Contact information
Phone: (480) 312-2234
Website: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/adaptive-recreation
Surprise
Services: “The Surprise Parks and Recreation Department offers programs for people of all ability levels. The City of Surprise Adaptive Recreation programs include Special Olympic Sports, Buddy Sports, Adaptive Classes and Adaptive Events.”
Contact information
Phone: (623) 222-2000
Website: https://surpriseaz.gov/adaptive-recreation
Tempe
Services: “Adaptive Recreation programs are offered to youth and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” Summer and break camps available.
Also offering the LEAP after-school program. “LEAP is a recreational after-school program for students ages 10-22 years old with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who attend and receive special education services in the Tempe area schools or at home. The focus of the program is on socialization, life skill development and enrichment through various recreational programs and activities.”
Contact information
Phone: (480) 858-2469
Website: https://www.tempe.gov/government/community-services/adaptive-recreation
Sport Related Activities
Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center
Services: “We provide exceptional adaptive sports, recreation, aquatic, and fitness programs that promote the independence, health, and overall well being of people with disabilities and their family members.”
Contact information
Address: 5031 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 386-4566
Website: https://ability360.org/sports
Aceing Autism
Services: “We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with autism grow through the sport of tennis. ACEing Autism is on a mission for children with autism to grow, develop and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming, uniquely serving individual needs while filling a national void for this growing and worthy population.” Adult programs available in Arizona.
Contact information
Locations in Flagstaff, Peoria, Phoenix & Tucson
Website: https://aceingautism.org
All Stars Club
Services: “The All-Stars Club provides a place of belonging centered on fun, friends and faith for friends with developmental disabilities, all while parents and caregivers are given the opportunity for respite.”
Contact information
Located in Chandler
Phone: (904) 293-9886
Website: https://www.allstarsclub.org/crnaz
Arizona Adaptive Water Sports
Services: “Empowering confidence through adaptive water sports. What we do is create life-changing experiences through adaptive water sports that spark confidence, fuel hope, and transform lives. We've watched it unfold time and again—when someone who thought they'd never water ski again gets up and skims across the lake, or when a child with limited mobility laughs from deep in their belly while tubing, possibility shines through. These aren't just fun moments—they're turning points.”
Contact information
Events across the Valley
Phone: (602) 228-3660
Website:https://www.azadaptivewatersports.org
Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club
Services: “This community-based program offers training and team placement opportunities for young athletes with autism, intellectual, emotional, and/or physical disabilities. TOPSoccer provides a safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive environment where players can enjoy the game of soccer while developing their skills. Each TOPSoccer athlete is paired with a volunteer Arsenal player, creating a meaningful and engaging experience that emphasizes abilities rather than limitations. These volunteers help athletes work toward their individual goals while fostering confidence and a lasting love for the game.”
Contact information
Located in Gilbert
Website: https://www.azarsenalsc.org/club/topsoccer
Arizona Disabled Sports
Services: “We offer two different types of programs which include adaptive opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through the Team Mesa Programs as well as adaptive opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities through the Arizona Heat Physically Challenged programs.”
Contact information
Located in Mesa
Phone: (480) 835-6273
Website: https://www.arizonadisabledsports.com
EmpowerMe
Services: “At EmpowerMe, we are dedicated to fostering mind-body balance, encouraging self-expression, and promoting lifelong empowerment for every individual.”
Contact information
Located in Gilbert
Website: https://www.empowermeaz.com
High Country Adaptive Sports
Services: “Everyone belongs outdoors. Year-round adaptive sports and recreation in Arizona’s high country.”
Contact information
Located in Northern Arizona
Phone: (928) 525-4084
Website: https://highcountryadaptive.org
Inspire Services
Services: “Inspire Services is a social-fitness outlet that combines evidence-based communication skills, functional and adaptive fitness programs suitable for all ages and abilities. Inspire provides our premier service to individuals that happen to have Autism, Down Syndrome, and other Developmental or Acquired Disabilities.”
Contact information
Located in Scottsdale
Phone: (623) 271-3733
Website: https://inspireservicesaz.com
Kenzie’s Kids
Services: “Kenzie’s Kids brings professional mobile fitness training directly to your home, school, or community in Phoenix and Indianapolis. We help children, teens, families, and individuals with unique needs build strength, confidence, coordination, and healthy routines through personalized in-home fitness programs.”
Contact information
Located in Phoenix and Tucson
Website: https://www.kenzieskids.com
KinectAbility
Services: “Adaptive fitness, sports and swim for every ability. Personalized, play-based training that builds strength, confidence, and joy — adapted for autistic athletes, high-needs athletes, and everyone in between.”
Contact information
Located in Chandler
Phone: (602) 513-2064
Website: https://kinectability.org
Mikey’s League
Services: “Mikey’s League exists to bring our community together through the power of inclusive sports. We achieve this goal by bringing together our athletes (children and young adults with physical or intellectual disabilities) to compete alongside their peer partners (individuals without disabilities). We create a genuine team sport experience for all participants with structured practices, intentional coaching, and teams structured so that everyone’s talents can shine.”
Contact information
Events across the Valley
Phone: (480) 233-9370
Website: https://mikeysleague.org
Special Olympics Arizona
Services: “Special Olympics Arizona provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.”
Contact information
Events across the Valley
Phone: (602) 230-1200
Website: https://specialolympicsarizona.org
Special Strong Mesa East Valley
Services: “Adaptive & inclusive fitness training. Our mission is to unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body, and spirit of every individual impacted by mental, physical, and cognitive challenges in order to live a more independent and abundant life.”
Contact information
Located in the Mesa East Valley Region
Phone: (928) 588-2814
Website: https://specialstrongmesaeastvalley.com
Special Strong West Valley
Services: “Adaptive & inclusive fitness training. Our mission is to unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body, and spirit of every individual impacted by mental, physical, and cognitive challenges in order to live a more independent and abundant life. Special Strong offers science-based one-on-one and group training programs that are designed to meet the unique challenges of children, adolescents, and adults that prevent them from obtaining health-supportive exercise in conventional gyms.”
Contact information
Located in the West Valley
Phone: (623) 335-3781
Website: https://specialstrongwestvalleyarizona.com
Non Sport Related Adaptive Activities
Detour Company Theatre
Services: “Provides theatre training and performance experiences for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, giving them authentic opportunities to develop artistry, demonstrate courage and collaboration, experience joy and participate in the sharing of musical theatre with the entire community.”
Contact information
Located in Scottsdale
Phone: (928) 380-4510
Website: https://www.detourcompanytheatre.org
Kids with Autism Can
Services: “Founded with the goal of helping children and young adults with Autism (and other spectrum disorders) work towards independence through socialization, therapy, and education.”
Contact information
Located in Phoenix
Phone: (480) 206-6102
Website: https://www.kidswithautismcan.org
Sensory Cooking
Services: “Our senses play such an important part of our everyday lives. They serve us in functional ways and allow us to experience the beauty in life. At Sensory Cooking, we engage our senses and explore the pleasures of cooking and eating together. We learn the skills and art of creating a delicious dish.”
Contact information
Located in Phoenix
Phone: (480) 206-6102
Website: https://www.sensorycooking.net
Tutti - Phoenix Children’s Chorus
Services: “Tutti is an inclusive and adaptive choir program designed to welcome children of all abilities. This program provides a supportive and nurturing environment where singers can explore their musical talents and enjoy the joy of choral singing. Children and youth who enjoy singing regardless of physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities are encouraged to join.”
Contact information
Located in Phoenix
Phone: (602) 534-3788
Website: https://www.phoenixchildrenschorus.org/tutti
Wham Art
Services: “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and build confidence. Our Adaptive Arts program provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can explore their creativity through hands-on art experiences.”
Contact information
Located in Surprise
Phone: (623) 584-8311
Website: https://www.wham-art.org