Inclusively fit
Exercise and fitness programs for special needs
Exercise program
Go4Life is a physical activity campaign designed to motivate older adults to become physically active for the first time, to return to exercise after a break in their routines, or to build more exercise and physical activity into weekly routines.
Find free exercise videos at https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/workout-videos/ and find graphics and instructions that demonstrate how to perform the exercises at https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercises/.
Sit and Be Fit is a non-profit organization that produces a television series demonstrating chair exercise programs.
Locate free resources from Sit and Be Fit at https://www.sitandbefit.org/blog/ or visit the YouTube channel to watch and follow the videos for free: https://www.youtube.com/user/SitandBeFitTVSHOW.
Local programs & facilities
Our mission is to provide support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers with the aim of increasing educational and employment opportunities for them as well as increasing community awareness of their unlimited potential. www.dsgsemi.org
Families Exploring Down Syndrome focuses on educating medical providers, nurturing new parents, and fostering engagement among families with community events. www.FamiliesExploringDownSyndrome.org
Hippotherapy, a treatment tool utilizing the movement of a horse, is medically oriented to address sensory, motor, and perceptual deficits. It is used to treat individuals with acquired and developmental disabilities.
Inclusively Fit
Inclusively Fit is a 5,000 square foot, fully staffed and equipped fitness facility. The center is designed to offer exercise and fitness programs for the special needs community and is located in Sterling Heights, MI. www.inclusivelyfit.com
Macomb County is home to a first-of-its-kind adaptive recreation park and playground located in Fraser. The park features universally designed interactive playground equipment, ramped wheelchair access, accessible pathways and sensory-rich activities for the hearing and visually impaired.
MORC, Inc. is a human services organization that coordinates long-term supports for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and the elderly in Southeast Michigan. https://www.morcinc.org/recreational-opportunities/
The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (commonly known as OUCARES) strives to improve quality of life for individuals with ASD, their families, and our community by providing quality and comprehensive programming across the lifespan.
Play-Place for Autistic Children is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Sterling Heights, MI. Play-Place's mission is to provide a fun-filled, judgment-free, haven of hope for families affected by autism and other special needs. Play-Place is open to all ages, all cognitive levels, and all special needs.
Team GUTS™ is committed to improving the health, fitness and overall well-being of those in our community with special needs and disabilities. We are doing this by offering various adaptive fitness programs in a fun and recreational setting. All Team GUTS™ program sessions include eight (8) classes. www.teamgutsmichigan.com
Sports teams
The mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. Successful participation is defined by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members.
Children 5 – 18 years of age who have mental or physical disabilities are welcome to join this team. http://cvllmi.website.siplay.com/Site/Challenger
Sterling Heights Adaptive Recreation teams play in the Northeast Adaptive Recreation Basketball League. Players with developmental and physical Impairments, ages 12 years through adult are welcome to join. https://www.sterling-heights.net/1231/Adaptive-Recreation
Learn the basics about basketball, shooting techniques, rules and ball handling skills. Boys and girls 5-21 years of age, and in elementary, junior and senior high school, with physical challenges are welcome. The team will play in conference, regional and national tournaments.
The City of Southfield is home to Michigan's FIRST baseball field for children with any physical or cognitive disability, offering the true Major League experience. Easterseals Miracle League of Michigan is making dreams come true for some very special kids - Michigan's First, and Still the Best, Adaptive Baseball Field - est. 2004. http://www.michiganmiracle.org/
Area 14 serves Macomb County. The goal is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.
Email: area14@somi.org
Call: 248-688-9603
Recreation centers with adaptive recreation programs
Many of these Recreation Centers have weekly, monthly, or seasonal newsletters that feature adaptive recreation opportunities and events. Visit their websites for more information!
Clinton Township Parks and Recreation hosts adaptive recreation programs, such as camps, bike clubs, and more. View their newsletter or find programs open for registration at https://register.clintontownship.com/CourseActivities.aspx?id=10&cat=8.
Contact Tami or Emily at 586-286-9336
Our special needs adult programs are designed for adults age 18+ that have developmental disabilities. We currently offer an adaptive art class and a gym class to enhance the physical and social needs of this population. Click on the blue information icon next to each class for more information.
Visit https://www.gomtpr.org/ or call Michelle Duda at 586-992-2900.
Romeo Washington Bruce provides recreational and social opportunities for special needs individuals, their families and caregivers. Visit their website for flyers and registration information at https://www.rwbparksrec.org/programs_br_and_amp_registration/adaptive_recreation_flyers.php or contact Grace at 586-752-6543.
The Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department's Special Recreation Program allows teens and adults who are developmentally and/or physically impaired to gain confidence and a feeling of independence by meeting new friends and sharing fun social activities. View their calendar and find out more about the program at https://www.shelbytwp.org/new_departments/prm/special_recreation_program.html or call 586-731-0300.
The Sterling Heights Special Recreation program serves children and adults that have physical and/or cognitive impairments.Some of the Special Recreation Programs available are: Dance Exercise, Bowling League, Craft classes, Dances (ages 16 and up), Basketball League & Cooking classes too! Visit https://www.sterling-heights.net/1231/Adaptive-Recreation to view their newsletter, calendar of events, and to find out more.
Find out more about the Warren Parks and Recreation Specials Needs Program on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pg/warrenparksandrecreationspecialneeds/about/?ref=page_internal or contact Christine Bary at 586-268-8400.