Enrichment, Recreational, and Social
Metro Detroit Resources
The N.E.S.T. for All
The NEST for All is an inclusive social community in Oakland County MI.
Adaptive Recreation around Oakland County
Adaptive Recreation around Oakland County Inclusion services are offered so that individuals with disabilities can participate in any program or event hosted by Oakland County Parks. A certified therapeutic recreation specialist coordinates programs for individuals with disabilities and provides training to staff and volunteers to assist individuals during general recreation programs. Partnerships with more than 30 non-profit agencies, schools and disabled sports organizations enable Oakland County Parks to cooperatively provide unique recreational options.
The Art Experience
The Art Experience, located in Pontiac, Michigan offers theraputiv art programming.
Autastic Athletics
Autism Asperger Friendship Social Club
Autism Asperger Friendship Social Club Teens and Young Adults with Autism & Asperger Syndrome are invited to have fun and enjoy social and recreational events in Warren, Michigan.
Belightful Yoga
Belightful Yoga From the autism spectrum to Down syndrome to developmental disabilities and even ADHD, Belightful offers group sessions and private classes for both children and adults with special needs. With a consistent mind-body practice, participants will experience improved motor skills and performance, heightened attention span, and significant strides in self-regulation and sensory integration.
Bloomfield Hills SCAMP
Bloomfield Hills SCAMP is a summer program that seeks to provide an exciting and therapeutic summer program for individuals with disabilities ages 3-26 in the Metro Detroit area.
Clarkston SCAMP
Clarkston SCAMP is a program developed and designed for children and young adults with special needs.
Disability Network of Eastern MI (DENOM)
Disability Network of Eastern MI (DENOM) – RecConnect: Adaptive Recreation and Wellness around Metro Detroit.
DanceAbility - Detroit Disability Power
DanceAbility – through Detroit Disability Power in Detroit, Michigan. DanceAbility is movement improvisation that can be high-energy or slow and gentle, so come as you are. This class is for people with and without disabilities, with and without formal dance training, to collaborate and create dynamic dance together. Live captioning provided.
Inclusively Fit
Inclusively Fit in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is a place where fitness, recreation, social and fun come together, for individuals with Special Needs of all ability levels.
FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation
FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that provides services for people of all ages who have physical, intellectual and/or emotional challenges. FAR also promotes public understanding of the abilities and potential of people with such challenges; located in Birmingham, MI.
My Relationships Project
My Relationship Project is building a space for neurodiverse individuals to find the information they need to build meaningful relationships at school, work, and in their communities. Located in Royal Oak, MI.
Jewish Community Center (The J)
The Jewish Community Center (The J) in West Bloomfield, Michigan, offers special needs enrichment activities.
O.A.T.S (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles)
O.A.T.S (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) has a mission to promote the health, well-being and happiness of disabled individuals through horseback riding and related activities. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Ortonville, Michigan, their premier accredited center serves all ages and disabilities year-round.
North Star Reach Camp
North Star Reach Camp provides life-changing, year-round programs (at camp and remotely) for children with serious health challenges and their families, free of charge. Located in Pinckney, MI
OU Cares
OU Cares is run through Oakland University in Rochester, MI. OU Cares is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), their families, and our community by providing quality and comprehensive programming across the lifespan. OU Cares supports students with other disabilities as well. Most programs have a small fee but many scholarships are available.
Our Neighborhood Academy
Our Neighborhood Academy has a mission is to help young adults of all abilities enhance and explore their unique and true potential. Our programs offer job training, activities of daily living, personal management, social outings and more. Located in Berkley, Michigan.
Paint A Miracle Art Studio
Paint A Miracle Art Studio Where joy and creativity abound, in an atmosphere of hope, growth, and encouragement. Uniquely designed for people who are living with disabilities and other challenges, located in Rochester, Michigan.
Rara Recreation - Adaptive Services
Rara Recreation – Adaptive Services in Rochester Hills, MI, offers adaptive sports, dance & performing arts, social engagement, SCAMP, coffee club, and more.
Sierra Adaptive Gymnastics & Cheer
Sierra Adaptive Gymnastics & Cheer an adaptive gymnastics program founded by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, located in Troy, MI.
Soul Studio
Soul Studio is a part of The Friendship Circle, located in West Bloomfield, Michigan. This program is an opportunity for student-artists to be introduced to a variety of traditional and contemporary art making processes. Staff will work with students to find materials and processes specific to their interests and sensibilities. In addition to creative exploration in the arts, we will also be facilitating opportunities for vocational training in traditional and new technologies, such as our brand new laser cutter. Friendship Circle Soul Projects
Team GUTS™
Team GUTS™ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Clawson, Michigan, dedicated to improving the lives of the special needs community. The organization is providing one-on-one training, fitness classes, strength training and sports camps. No family will be turned away. Rather, Team GUTS™ offers scholarships to families who are in need of financial assistance.
Unicorn Uprising Studios
Unicorn Uprising Studios, located in Detroit Michigan, aims to serve the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities by providing accessible and affordable music education. Unicorn Uprising Studios hopes to increase the visibility of marginalized communities in the music and arts and increase confidence and marketable skills for its students.
Birmingham YMCA
Birmingham YMCA offers The Adaptive Social Club, which brings groups of peers with special needs together on Saturdays for socialization and fun. Activities include physical fitness, games, crafts and community outings. Groups are led by experienced, caring staff and volunteers. A light dinner is included, or participants may bring their own meal. Additional fees may apply for community outings or 1:1 assistance if needed.
Teen Group — ages 12–17
Young Adult Group — ages 18–adult
State of Michigan Resources
Camp Make-A-Dream Michigan Chapter
The mission of Friends of Camp Māk-A-Dream, Michigan Chapter is to support the mission and goals of Camp Māk-A-Dream in Montana. Also, to provide travel scholarships for campers from Michigan in addition to supporting other special projects to benefit Camp Māk-A-Dream, a cost-free camp program for cancer survivors and their families.
Best Buddies in Michigan
Best Buddies in Michigan Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Michigan.
Maybury State Park
Maybury State Park offers ‘track chair’ so those with mobility issues can enjoy more of park.
Miss Amazing - Michigan Chapter
Miss Amazing – Michigan Chapter Providing opportunities for girls and women with disabilities across Michigan to build self-esteem.
Special Olympics Michigan
Special Olympics Michigan The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Very Special Camps
Very Special Camps is a database of camps dedicated exclusively to camps that serve individuals with one or more of a wide range of special needs.
Nationwide / Global Resources
Best Buddies
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). There is a Best Buddies Michigan chapter.
Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle In a world that sometimes feels divided, friendship becomes the mighty bridge. When you befriend a child with special needs, you’re actively contributing to creating a more inclusive and welcoming world for everyone.
Guided Tour
Since 1972, thousands of men and women with developmental challenges, autism, down syndrome, and other special needs have achieved greater independence through travel experiences provided by The Guided Tour, Inc. The focus of The Guided Tour is to provide a growth-producing experience for our travelers, in which they are able to travel and socialize independent of their families. To be able, many for the first time, to share their own vacation experiences with their families, their supervisors, co-workers and friends. The Guided Tour staff make sure our travelers not only have their independence, but they also make sure our travelers have assistance with money, medication, and of course, a fantastic memorable vacation!
Miss Amazing
Miss Amazing Where girls can be theselves without limits. At Miss Amazing, our mission is to provide opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build selr-esteem.
Spectrum Sailing
Spectrum Sailing empowers autistic individuals by building water skills, social skills and confidence through free sailing camps. Spectrum Sailing provides maritime education, programming, and outreach for autistic individuals. Our free camps provide opportunities for skill development, social interaction, and confidence building. Sailing is our platform to positively impact the physical, mental, and social health of our participants. Spectrum offers sailing camp in Metro Detroit.
Unrestricted Interest
Unrestricted Interest is dedicated to helping neurodivergent learners transform their lives through writing.
National Parks Pass - FREE
National Parks Pass – A FREE lifetime pass – available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) – that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.
A Wider World PBS Series
A Wider World (formerly known as Disabilities Today) is a PBS television show, that focuses on inspirational tales, stigma busting, cutting edge treatment options and assisting technology, veterans issues, sports, and other stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the abilities of all.