I decided to create a lens on this topic for a couple of reasons. First, I have found it very difficult personally to find appropriate fun activites that our whole famly could enjoy. Autistic children can be very difficult to handle behaviorally, and the mainstream public is not very forgiving. Unsensitive people can be quite judgmental of spectrum parents as not being able to dicipline their child properly. This is not only embarrassing, but heartbreaking because your child cannot handle the situation. As a result we tend to isolate ourselves so as not to feel the pain and lack of empathy from society. For this reason alone, I feel it's especially important subject for new special needs families.

Then I was also inspired after watching an episode of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover. EHM choose a deserving family in our area who has a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program for Special Needs Kids. It was so encouraging to see special needs children throughly enjoying themselves as they rode their horses. It really made me start to think that their are places for my children to fit in, I just need to be dilligent and find them.

So this Lens is where I plan to share information and encourage other families to push past the bad experiences and move onward and upward. We will find a place in this world for our kids too!

Rhythms of Hope Dance Company - a dance company for people ages 12-55 who have neurologic disabilities. The company is under the direction of the National Rehabilitation & Rediscovery Foundation, Inc. (NRRF). 2556 Virginia Avenue, NW Suite 160, Washington, DC 20037. email: NRRFboots@aol.com

Maryland Arts Access, Inc. - whose goals include making arts, recreation and cultural activities accessible throughout Maryland for all persons regardless of disability or the nature of disability. 1 North Charles St. , Blaustein Building, Baltimore, MD 21201. Provides audio description, Braille and large print programs for events. Contact: Ralph Welsh (410) 347-1650. These organizations provide accessible performances.

Therapeutic Recreation programs are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Groups are usually small and the participant-to-staff ratio is appropriate to the needs of the group. The activities are planned to meet the interests of the participants and can be individualized. Exercise classes, craft classes, children's activities, social clubs for specific disabilities, camps, trips, dances and special events are available.

Contact:240-777-4925
Webpage:http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rectmpl.asp?url=/content/rec/therec.asp

The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks - maintains an extensive list of activities for children and adults with disabilities. . Phone: 410--997-5370.
Programs include:

Musical Theatre

The Adapted Recreation and Sports Programs (ARSP)
Champion Baseball West
Adapted Soccer
Tap Dance
Music Workshop
Sign Language
Adapted Aquatics
Adapted Basketball
Bowling
Social Programs
Dances
Wheelchair softball

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks - Therapeutic Recreation - riding, sports skills, Saturday recreation program, teen club, social club, fitness fun and swimming. Call: 410-222-7300

Contact Phone: (410) 876-1760
The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County was established in 1978 to provide an opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to benefit from riding horses. Beginning with lessons at a local farm, the program moved to the Ag Center outdoor ring and then to the indoor arena in 1997. Everyone associated with the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program is a volunteer, including riding instructors, therapists, horse handlers, and side-walkers.

Phone: (410) 771-4606
BARS is a membership organization that provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends.

Bounce Around Party Facility is offering special Autism Moonbounce Sessions. Each session is 1 hour and the facility is adjusted to the sensory needs of the kids, including: no loud music, 20 children or less per session, and a quiet room for children who need a break.

Contact Information:
899 Airport Rd, Suite L
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

(410) 768-8288
Email: party@glenburniebouncearound.com

http://www.glenburniebouncearound.com

Phone: (410) 669-7302
The Bennett Institute offers competitive individual team sports for children and adults, ages 2-18. There is a gymnasium and pool on site.

Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.
Phone: (410) 378-3817
Provides therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities in Cecil Count (Port Deposit).

Phone: 410-860-0146
Email: Hoofprintsinsand@aol.com
Hoof Prints in the Sand is a NARHA member center (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) located 15 minutes from Ocean City Maryland and Assateague Island National Sea Shore. Hoof Prints offers therapeutic trail riding, beach riding, and horse camping for equestrians with disabilities. Stay at Hoof Prints for a unique eastern shore experience, holiday, or vacation.