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Discover opportunities to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of sports. Whether you’re looking for local programs, equipment options, or community support, you’ll find resources here to make participation easier and more fun.
Educational Resources
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Athletes Without Limits
This site explains eligibility requirements for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to compete in sports at national and international levels. It provides guidance on classification, documentation, and steps to get started.
Phone: 202.544.0511
Location: Washington, DC
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee – Para College Sport
This site provides resources and guidance for colleges and universities to support and grow Paralympic sports programs for student-athletes with disabilities. It includes tools, best practices, and information to help schools create inclusive athletic opportunities.
Phone: 719.866.4444
Location: 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Chicago Resources
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Adaptive Sports Programs
This program offers year-round adaptive sports and fitness opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities. Activities include wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, handcycling, and more, all designed to promote health, independence, and fun through inclusive recreation.
Phone: 312.238.5001
Chicago Adaptive Sports
Chicago Adaptive Sports provides programs and resources for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in adaptive sports and recreational activities. Their mission is to promote inclusion, health, and community through accessible sports opportunities.
Phone: 312.731.0009
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Chi Challengers
Chi Challengers provides adaptive sports and recreational programs for individuals with physical disabilities, fostering inclusion, confidence, and community through athletic opportunities.
Phone: 312.907.7397
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Dare2tri
Encourage recreation, racing, and competition, while also cultivating a sense of community for all athletes, who are not labeled by physical ability, but rather their determination and will to succeed.
Phone: 312.967.9874
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
GLASA provides sports and wellness programs for youth, adults, and injured military with physical or visual disabilities. Their year-round activities include track and field, swimming, sled hockey, and more, helping participants stay active and build confidence through inclusive competition and recreation.
Phone: 847.283.0908
Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program
This program offers adaptive sailing lessons and racing opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Using specially modified sailboats and trained staff, it helps participants build confidence and independence on the water.
Seasonal phone number: 312.747.7684
Kayak Chicago - Adaptive Paddling Program
Kayak Chicago offers guided kayak and paddleboard tours, rentals, and lessons on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and North Avenue Beach. Their programs are open to all skill levels and include options for group outings and private instruction.
Phone: 312.852.9258
Wilderness Inquiry
Since 1978,Wilderness Inquiry have directly served more than half a million individuals from all walks of life - diverse youth, individuals with differing abilities, and others who face barriers of use to public lands and waterways.
Phone: 612.676.9400
Midwest Resources
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Diveheart Foundation
To build confidence, independence and self-esteem in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities.
Phone: 630.964.1983
Fishing Has No Boundaries
Fishing Has No Boundaries is a nonprofit that creates accessible fishing events for people with disabilities across the U.S. They provide adaptive equipment and volunteer support to help everyone enjoy the outdoors and the sport of fishing.
Phone: 715.634.3185
Phone: 800.243.3462
Gliding Stars - Adaptive Ice Skating
Gliding Stars provides adaptive ice skating programs for children and adults with disabilities. Using specialized equipment and trained volunteers, they help skaters build confidence, coordination, and joy through movement on the ice.
Phone: 716.608.8345
Granite State Adaptive
Empowering individuals, especially those with disabilities, at-risk youth and Veterans, to develop independence, confidence, life skills and fitness through adaptive sports, therapy, training, and recreation –sustained by community engagement.
Phone: 603.387.1167
Karate Can Do Foundation
Karate Can Do is a program dedicated to empowering children and adults with learning differences and physical challenges through karate. It aims to integrate karate into therapeutic programs, provide scholarships, support a U.S. National Disabled Karate Team, and promote instructor training and medical research to enhance adaptive practices and equipment
Phone: 847.729.0001
United Foundation for Disabled Archers (UFFDA)
UFFDA Sports Club is a nonprofit that provides adaptive sports and recreation for people with physical disabilities. Their programs include wheelchair softball, sled hockey, and other inclusive activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and fun.
Phone: 320.634.3660
National Resources
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Adaptive Adventures
Adaptive Adventures provides outdoor sports and recreation programs for individuals with physical disabilities, helping them build confidence and community through activities like cycling, climbing, and skiing.
Phone: 303.679.2770
Adaptive Climbing Group
Adaptive Climbing Group provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in rock climbing through local chapters, fostering inclusion, strength, and community.
Phone: 347.491.8115
Location: New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Boston, MA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA
Adaptive Sports Center
Adaptive Sports Center provides outdoor adventure programs for people with disabilities, offering activities like skiing, mountain biking, and climbing to promote independence and confidence in a safe, inclusive environment.
Phone: 970.349.2296
Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
Adaptive Sports Connection
Adaptive Sports Connection helps children, adults, and veterans with disabilities enjoy outdoor sports like kayaking, skiing, cycling, and paddleboarding. They offer adaptive equipment and trained volunteers to make sure everyone can safely have fun on the water, snow, or trails.
Phone: 614.389.3921
American Disabled Golfers Association
This organization helps people with disabilities learn and enjoy the game of golf. It offers support, training, and events to make golf more accessible for everyone.
Phone: 772.888.7483
American Wheelchair Bowling Association
The AWBA promotes competitive and recreational bowling for individuals who use wheelchairs. It organizes tournaments and provides resources to help athletes enjoy the sport and improve their skills.
Phone: 713.444.7588
Challenge Aspen
Challenge Aspen provides year-round adaptive experiences in skiing, snowboarding, music, and art for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Their programs are designed to build confidence, foster independence, and create joy through inclusive recreation and cultural activities.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.
Phone: 858.866.0959
Move United
Move United is a national organization that promotes adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities, helping them build strength, independence, and community through inclusive athletic programs.
Phone: 301.217.0960
Freedom’s Wings International, Inc.
Non-profit New Jersey based agency operation run by and for individuals with physical disabilities offer an opportunity for individuals with physical disabilities to fly in specially adapted sail planes as passengers or as a member of a flight training program.
Phone: 267.536.9146
International Wheelchair Basketball Federation
The IWBF is the global organization that governs wheelchair basketball for athletes with physical disabilities. It supports international competitions, promotes athlete development, and works to grow the sport worldwide through training and events.
National Wheelchair Basketball Association
The NWBA is the official organization for wheelchair basketball in the U.S., offering programs for youth, adults, and veterans. It supports competitive and recreational play through leagues, tournaments, and athlete development programs.
Phone: 719.266.4082
National Amputee Golf Association
NAGA promotes the game of golf for amputees and individuals with physical disabilities through tournaments, clinics, and community events. It encourages rehabilitation, recreation, and fellowship among adaptive golfers.
Phone: 919.278.8546
National Sports Center for the Disabled
NSCD offers adaptive sports and recreation programs for individuals with disabilities, including skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and therapeutic horseback riding. Their goal is to build confidence and independence through year-round outdoor activities in Colorado.
Phone: 303.515.6723
Shriners Children’s Adaptive Resource Guide
Shriners Children’s provides an adaptive resource guide to help families find tools, equipment, and programs that support children with physical challenges in living active and independent lives.
Phone: 800.237.5055
Location: Multiple locations nationwide
Steamboat STARS
Steamboat STARS offers adaptive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities, helping them enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities in a supportive environment. Their goal is to promote independence, confidence, and fun through inclusive experiences.
Phone: 970.870.1950
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance
USAGA supports individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities in learning and playing golf. It connects players with adaptive golf programs, tournaments, and resources across the country to promote inclusion and enjoyment of the sport.
Phone: 704.796.4176
United States Association of Blind Athletes
USABA provides sports and fitness programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Their goal is to promote health, confidence, and independence through adaptive sports like goalball, track and field, and cycling.
Phone: 719.866.3224
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee – Find a Club
This website helps people with disabilities find local sports clubs that offer adaptive sports and Paralympic programs. It’s a great resource for athletes of all ages and skill levels who want to get involved in adaptive sports and connect with supportive communities.
United States Quad Rugby Association
USWRA supports and promotes wheelchair rugby in the U.S. by organizing competitions, training athletes, and growing the sport at all levels. It provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to compete, connect, and thrive through adaptive team sports.
USA Deaf Swimming
USA Deaf Swimming supports deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers by providing training, competition opportunities, and resources. The organization helps athletes compete at national and international levels, including the Deaflympics.
Youth Resources
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Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer–led organization that provides one–to–one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. The mission is to foster self–esteem, confidence, skills and talents of athletes through non–competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet individual goals.
Phone: 866.903.KEEN (5336)
SkateMD
SkateMD is a Northern California-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to heal hearts by spreading kindness and skateboarding to children with physical and developmental disabilities.
Yoga for the Special Child
Yoga for the Special Child is a comprehensive program of yoga techniques designed to enhance the natural development of children with special needs
Text messages only: 941.320.9290.
