The decision to raise a child will include many responsibilities. In fact, the journey will often require outside assistance. For children with special needs, support will arrive through local facilities, government programs, and the like. Sometimes, families may not be aware of what’s available, and that’s the purpose behind today’s post.
According to the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 12.8 percent of children, 18 years and younger, are estimated to have special health care needs in the United States.
This percentage equates to 9.4 million children.
Former vice-president, Hubert Humphrey, once said the following: “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
Why is this important? Some localities will set aside funding for children with special needs. Unfortunately, many families can attest to the opposite: insufficient funding within their respective states.
Thankfully, New York City is ahead of the curve, so please consider the following places that cater to children with special needs.
Extreme Kids & Crew
- Address – 71 Sullivan St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- 62-85 Forest Ave., Queens, NY 11385 (Saturdays)
- 1116 Sheridan Ave. Bronx, NY 10456 (Saturdays beginning Dec. 7)
- Admission and Hours – Visit link for detailed description
Why this facility?
Recommended for children of all ages, the Open Play sensory gym is available from September through June on Saturdays and Sundays. Between 1PM-4PM, families can explore available equipment in a free-form manner.
Although the three locations are free, parents must complete a membership and waiver form for each child, which you can do online or upon your visit. For further information, please email info@extremekidsandcrew.org or call (347) 410-6050.
Dancing Dreams
- Address – 23-91 Bell Blvd LL2C, Bayside, NY 11360
- 1220 5th, NY, NY 10029 (use entrance on 104th Street)
- 115 Southern Parkway, Plainview, NY 11803
- Admission and Hours – Visit link to request information
Why this facility?
Recommended for ages 3-21, it reinforces the belief that you shouldn’t have to feel excluded. Instead of placing limitations on interested dancers, Dancing Dreams will instead do the following: bring out your specific abilities.
Across three locations, children will learn to express themselves weekly through dance. Additionally, it enhances the leadership skills and self-esteem of teens 13-18.
To help cover costs associated with the program, there’s a voluntary contribution for classes. However, no child is ever turned away for an inability to pay, and there is never a charge to join their annual performance.
For further information, please call (516) 659-8704 or email info@dancingdreams.org.
SparKidz
- Address – 312 E 95th Street, NY, NY 10128
- Admission and Hours – Visit link for detailed description
Why this facility?
As a safe environment for children with special needs, SparKidz provides interactive classes with experienced professionals and trained volunteers. Classes include technology, art, cooking, and even music.
With a teacher to student ratio of 3:1, classes are available on Saturdays between 1030AM-3:30PM. For answers to frequently asked questions, please go here. To contact, please visit the Contact Form or call (646) 250-7573.
You can choose an individual Saturday class, half day pass, or you can choose a full day Saturday pass where participation includes all classes for the day.
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
- Address – P.O. Box 5115, NY, NY 10185
- Admission and Hours – Visit link to view current schedule
Why this facility?
For children and young adults with disabilities, KEEN offers one-to-one recreational sports programs. As a KEEN athlete, the program offers age-appropriate activities such as soccer, fitness, tennis, swimming, etc.
In an environment where families can connect with one another, KEEN is not only a place for fun activities, but it’s also one of comfort. To contact KEEN, please call (212) 768-6785 or email info@keennewyork.org.
As parents transition from one responsibility to the next, it’s not easy to keep up with services that can provide them assistance. So, although I cannot make your life problem-free, I can share different outlets that cater to children with special needs.
At Occupational Therapy Concept, You’re Family. For a Free consultation, give me a call at (718) 285-0884 for further evaluation and customized help for your family.
