By Danielle Shealy
Summer is a season of sunshine, new adventures, and much-needed breaks from the everyday grind. From the countless doctor visits to the never-ending cycle of medications and therapies, sometimes it can be hard to find the joy and excitement in everyday life. But for families of children with disabilities, summer can also bring challenges — especially when routines change, and accessible activities seem hard to find.
Thankfully, inclusive programs are making it possible for people with disabilities of all ages to fully enjoy summer — through adaptive camps, outdoor adventures, sensory-rich gardening, and accessible recreation. These experiences are opportunities for physical activity, social connection, emotional growth, skill-building — and fun!
Why Inclusive and Adaptive Summer Programs Matter
Inclusive programs are essential for helping people feel valued, included, and empowered. For children with disabilities, they do even more — they offer:
- Improved Physical Health: Outdoor play and exercise build strength, coordination, and endurance.
- Social Engagement: Camps and sports programs teach communication and teamwork.
- Mental Wellness: Nature and peer interaction reduce anxiety and promote confidence.
- Skill Development: Activities like swimming, gardening, and team games foster independence.
- Stronger Community Bonds: Inclusive spaces cultivate friendships and support networks.
According to the CDC, physical activity and social inclusion are critical for children with disabilities, who are at higher risk for obesity and isolation.
Explore UCP Affiliates Offering Inclusive Summer Fun
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) affiliates nationwide offer an incredible range of adaptive summer activities tailored to local needs and environments. These programs are more than just camps — they’re spaces where children thrive, grow, and connect. Some examples:
- UCP of Central California – Camp Mountain High & Garden Programs: A beloved summer destination for people of all ages, Camp Mountain High offers inclusive activities like swimming, crafts, and outdoor games. The affiliate also supports accessible gardening with raised beds and sensory tools, teaching life skills in a calming environment.
- UCP of Nevada offers adaptive swim classes and water safety instruction, helping children gain confidence in the water through customized support.
- UCP of Greater Dane County (Wisconsin) has a Youth Resources program that was recently expanded to include summer gardening, camp experiences, and inclusive group outings, supporting skill-building and emotional wellness.
- UCP Heartland (Missouri) offers inclusive camps and day programs, including arts, music, swimming, and community outings, designed to support emotional expression and connection.
- ADAPT Community Network (New York) hosts summer camps and adaptive day programs focused on recreation, life skills, and community building — right in the heart of NYC.
- CP Alberta (Canada) launched Alberta Ability Network, which started Inclusive Recreation Day, which falls on the third Wednesday of June each year. One of the messages behind the day is that recreation knows no limits and can be more than just sports. Art, dance, reading, and socializing — anything that brings joy.
There are more opportunities to discover in every corner of UCP’s Affiliate Network!
Adaptive Sports with Move United
If you or your child loves to move, look into Move United — a national leader in adaptive community sports. With over 250 member organizations in 45 states, Move United offers seasonal activities like:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Archery and track & field
- Bowling and team sports
- Social events and skills clinics
For example, in Northwestern Pennsylvania, where I live, there are various organizations I can get involved with in nearby Ohio that offer multiple activities based on the season. Summer highlights include kayaking experiences and bowling socials that help people like me feel more involved in the community. Use their chapter finder to locate programs in your area.
How to Find Inclusive Summer Programs Near You
- Start with Your Local UCP Affiliate: Use the affiliate locator to find summer camps, gardening projects, and more.
- Search Move United for Adaptive Sports: Explore Move United’s offerings in your region.
- Ask Your Parks & Rec Department: Many cities now provide inclusive summer camps, splash pads, and sensory-friendly programming.
- Network with Other Families: Parent groups and disability nonprofits are excellent resources for discovering hidden gems in your community.
A Joyful, Inclusive Summer for Every Person
Every person deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive during the summer. Whether learning to swim, planting a garden, hiking an accessible trail, or scoring a goal in an adaptive soccer game, these activities give people with disabilities a chance to be seen, celebrated, and supported. Let this season be one of connection, exploration, and lifelong memories for everyone.
About the Author
As a new volunteer with UCP, Danielle Shealy is excited to put her lived experience and creative voice to good use for her community. With a background in strategic communication and a double minor in digital media production and public relations branding and imaging, she is excited to shine an even brighter light on her community. As someone with cerebral palsy, she has a fiery passion for leveling the playing field for everyone with disabilities. Whether that’s through highlighting adaptive outdoor activities in her community or demanding that accessibility be considered where it might not have been before. Danielle hopes to teach whoever will listen about cerebral palsy and the things that can be done within everyday society so that no matter the disability, everyone can feel included. Aside from volunteer efforts, Danielle loves to be outdoors whenever she can, or on cold winter days, she loves to cuddle up with a good book and watch a movie.
