Utah Parent Center’s All Abilities Summer Resource Guide

June 1st, 2023 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Community Essentials Features, News, Schools, Student Essentials Features

Having trouble finding summer activities that meet the needs of your children with disabilities or special health care needs?

Have no fear! The Utah Parent Center has made a Summer Resource booklet for each county that lists activities for children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs. Their team tries their best to keep the information current, but it’s a good idea to contact each program to ensure they’re available.

Catch the summer vibe, scroll through the All Abilities Resource Guide, and enjoy the long break together.

Download the full guide here.

Utah County Activities and Resources:

Adaptable Art Youth Arts Festival Adaptable Art Class

This adaptive art class is specialized to meet the needs of all students, especially those with special needs. We will be doing multiple art projects using various materials each day. Two classes are offered (ages. 4-7 and 8+). The Y.A.F. runs in June each year for two weeks. Registration opens May 9 for classes June 4-15th. Website: https://www.spanishfork.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/arts/youth_arts_festival.php

Cost: Free for those with special needs.

Location: Spanish Fork High School

Phone: 801-804-4600

Email: yaf@sfcn.org

Cost: Free for kids with special needs

Brigham Young University – Athletic Connection

This program connects B.Y.U. Student-Athletes with individuals with Down Syndrome learn skills through fun games and activities. The program usually meets at the U.P.C. (University Parkway Center).

Website: https://yserve.byu.edu/athletic-connection

Phone: Teancum Paquette (469) 439-4315

Email: athleticconnection@byu.edu

Location: B.Y.U. Campus

Cost: Call for fee information

C.A.S.T. for Kids

This event provides children with disabilities, ages 6 – 18, the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing. Take to the water with C.A.S.T. for an unforgettable morning of fishing and boating!

Registration will begin in late Spring. Contact Melanie Castillo for info or to register. Visit the website for a calendar and location of events.

Website: https://castforkids.org/c-a-s-t-for-kids/ OR

https://castforkids.org/event/strawberryreservoir/

Next event date: 6/17/2023

Phone: 801-885-3486

Location: Heber City

Email: strawberryreservoir@castforkids.org

Note: An adult caregiver must accompany the participating individual. Contact programs for current coronavirus updates and precautions.

Autism Adventure Summer Camp

A fun adventure for youth with autism, ages 11-18 (or entering grades 6th-12th in the fall of 2023). Autism Adventure Camp is $195-$215. Children will grow and connect with other children as they explore the Museum of Natural Curiosity.

Website: https://thanksgivingpoint.org/education/summer-day-camps/

Courage Reins Therapeutic Riding Center: Horseback riding lessons for all ages and abilities.

Website: www.couragereins.org

Phone: (801) 756-8900

Location: 5870 W 10400 N Highland

Email: info@couragereins.org

The Dance Club

The Dance Club offers a free weekly dance class to those with physical and cognitive disabilities. The classes help your little dancer to improve movement and rhythm.

Website: http://www.thedanceclub.com

Phone: (801) 224-4400

Location: 983 N State Orem, UT. 84057

Email: office@thedanceclub.com

Pony Express Days

Dates: June 1-4

Family Fun Night & Movie in the Park

Date: May 31

Time: 4 pm

Location: Nolen Park

We offer free inflatable slides or obstacle courses for all ages. There are promotional vendors.

Carnival & Vendor Booths

Date: June 1-3

Time: Thurs: 4 pm-11 pm Fri and Sat:12pm-11 pm

Location: Cory Wride Memorial Park

Brown’s Carnival Amusement rides will be available for purchase. Vendors will sell their items throughout the field. Food trucks will be on-site, additional accessibility parking will be available, and walkways and paths will be A.D.A. accessible. Live performances will continue throughout the day, and on Friday night, there will be a Free Concert in the Park for all to attend.

Pony Express Days Parade

Date: June 3

Time: 10 am

Location: Pony Express Blvd. between C.V.H.S. & Cory Wride Park.

All can put blankets, chairs, and tents along the west side of the road and view the parade. Candy, swag, and promotional items are passed out.

Utah Parent Center | 801-272-1051 | info@utahparentcenter.org

Family Haven Orem

Family Haven offers a 24-hour Crisis Respite Nursery to children with special needs up to age 11. The Nursery provides a break to parents during times of stress.

Phone: 801-229-1181

www.family-haven.org

Kids Who Count

Offers a parent class on Tuesdays for those with family members of all disabilities.

Website: https://kidswhocount.org/

Phone: (801)-423-3000

Location: 345 N. SR 198, Salem

Hoofbeats to Healing

Hoofbeats to Healing offers therapeutic horseback riding, using a practical natural approach to horseback riding therapy. They work with a variety of different disabilities. The application requires in-person completion. Scholarships are available.

Website: www.hoofbeats.us

Email: tamtrot@gmail.com

Phone: (801) 836-4325

Location: 1218 North 800 West, Saratoga Springs, UT 84085

Recreation and Rehabilitation Services (R.A.H.)

R.A.H. helps individuals with disabilities rise to new heights of personal achievement and development. All activities and programs meet the needs and enhance the lives of participants. They also have day-timers groups, bowling, dinners, swimming, social skills, and special needs scouts.

Ages: 18- adult.

Website: http://www.rahservices.org/

Saratoga Springs Adaptive Events

The Saratoga Springs Civic Events wants all citizens to enjoy events in the city, spend time together as families, and enjoy our great growing community. As part of this effort, the Civic Events Division has tried to create events that everyone can want to make sure all of our citizens are served. Scroll down for event-specific information and to see the F.A.Q.’s section for answers to commonly asked questions.

Website: https://www.saratogaspringscity.com/968/Adaptive-Accommodations

Spanish Fork Community Theater Play

July (date T.B.A.) – one show will be for those with sensory sensitivities, with adjustments made to sound and some lighting. Sign Language Interpreting services may also become available with advance notice for that specific play.

Contact: sfevents@spanishfork.org

Spanish Fork Movies in the Park – June 2, July 7. Closed Captioning may be available upon

request.

Website: www.spanishfork.org/events

SwimKids

For four months and up. SwimKids can tailor lessons specifically to your child’s needs and abilities. Our well-trained, enthusiastic, and caring instructors are eager to teach your child to swim.

Website: https://www.swimkidsutah.com

Email: pg@swimkidsutah.com

Phone: (801) 691-7946 (call or text)

Location: 550 W 220 S Street, PG

RISE Services

Community-based summer programs. Summer programs provide children and adolescents with enjoyable recreational activities that include skill development. The programs have a high staff-to-child ratio and offer a much-needed break for parents while their child is out of school for the summer. Our summer programs are supervised and directed by highly trained staff and managers.

Website:https://riseservicesincut.org/

Location: 703 South State Street, Orem Utah

Phone: 801-373-1197

Email: monicav@riseservicesinc.org

Thanksgiving Point:

Sensory Backpack and Social Stories: Need a little extra sensory support? These backpacks are designed for guests with autism Spectrum Disorders or other sensory sensitivities to make their visit more enjoyable. They offer sensory packs for checkout at the Museum of Ancient Life, Butterfly Biosphere, and the Museum of Natural Curiosity.

Backpacks include noise reduction headphones for children or adults, fidget toys, timers, sunglasses, and “if lost, please call” wristbands.

Backpacks are free to check out on a first-come, first-served basis at the admission desk. Guests must leave a valid driver’s license or keys while using the kit.

Website: https://thanksgivingpoint.org/attractions-tickets/accessibility/

Utah County Parks and Recreation Adapted Aquatics

Programs are provided year-round with swimming instruction for children with cognitive and physical disabilities.

Contact: Erin Jenkins ejenkins@americanfork.gov

Location: American Fork

V.I.P. Adaptive League

The V.I.P. Special Needs Sports League in Springville City is a unique organization that serves children and adults ages 5-30 with mental and physical disabilities. For the children involved, this program allows them to participate in the great games of baseball, soccer, and basketball that all their friends and siblings are doing without feeling left out.

Website: https://www.springville.org/recreation/youth-sports/adaptive

Email: keri.beardall@msn.com

Age: 5-30 years

Location: Springville

Phone: 801-489-2730