COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
There are many opportunities for people living with disabilities to engage with their communities. We have developed this list for informational purposes only—people using this list should do their own research to determine if these opportunities are a good fit for them.
MINNESOTA COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
These programs are designed to serve adults with disabilities by encouraging inclusion in the community and providing educational, social and recreational opportunities. Programs may develop classes and activities as well as provide reasonable accommodations for adults with disabilities to participate in any Community Education activity.
Use this link to access our table of programs in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Can’t find your community in our table? Use this link to explore more: CEND Statewide Locations
INCLUSION SUPPORT FOR CITY OR COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
You can also reach out to the city, county, or park you are interested in and ask to speak with their inclusion specialist.
Carver County - Three Rivers Park District
Dakota County - Three Rivers Park District
Hennepin County - Three Rivers Park District
Ramsey County- Three Rivers Park District
Scott County - Three Rivers Park District
OPPORTUNITIES BY ORGANIZATION
DISABILITY SPECIFIC
Bridging Hearts provides quality social connections, both online and in person, for an underserved population of isolated and lonely young adults with learning differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Bridging Hearts will provide and maintain a supportive community where everyone feels valued. Virtual and in-person.
The Down Syndrome Association of MN works so that all people with Down syndrome are given the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential in an accepting and inclusive society. They offer activities on-line and in-person.
Provides free programs that are educational and therapeutic to individuals with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families, and the community.
AuSM serves Minnesotans, throughout their lives, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building. They offer opportunities virtually and in-person.
DANCE/MUSIC/CREATIVE ARTS
An organization providing a safe hassle-free social environment where people with disabilities can come together be with their friends, meet new friends and enjoy the musical atmosphere and activities. A social musical entertainment club for people with disabilities ages range from 12 to 65+. Dances occurring in Forest Lake, Spring Lake, Park and Moundsview.
MN Orchestra Family Friendly Concerts
Relaxed Family and Sensory-Friendly Concerts, for audiences of all ages and abilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities, are welcome to come be who they are while enjoying music together with family and friends in a relaxed environment. Minneapolis
Lakeshore Players Sensory Friendly Concerts
We strive to make our performances accessible to all members of our community, regardless of income, ability, or age. We are committed to offering an experience that can be enjoyed by all patrons whether you’re here for a performance, a tour or an educational experience. White Bear Lake
The Artability program provides free workshops and hosts an annual art show for the general public to promote mental health in our community. Artability creates a space for people to tap into the creativity within themselves free of expectations or judgments. Our workshops and art shows are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of previous experience or ability. Metro wide
An inclusive, integrated arts community that provides opportunities for artists with disabilities to participate as they choose, for authentic engagement in arts and community. Northfield
ArtShop lessons offer practical approaches to facilitate art exploration for children and adults with disabilities. Adapted art lessons successfully discover and develop artistic abilities that provide self expression and creative opportunities. St. Paul
We teach inclusive writing classes for adults with developmental disabilities (over 400 alums and counting), a radical chance to speak for themselves in a medium usually used to speak about them. Metro wide
The Eagan Art House provides engaging in person and virtual visual art programming for all ages. Discover your path to Living Creatively! Eagan
Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities. Twin Cities
SELF-ADVOCACY
ACT is a grassroots disability rights organization run by and for people with developmental and other disabilities. Disability Power Day is now on Thursday! Join us on Zoom every Thursday, except the third week of the month when we meet in person. In-person Disability Power Days typically involve art, music, and other interactive methods. Online and St. Paul
Self-Advocates Minnesota is a network of self-advocacy groups from all around the state. SAM for short. ACT organized the formation of SAM in 2007. Today, more than 50 SA groups around Minnesota are connected and working together. ACT continues to support, fund, and administer the SAM network and its Leadership Circle. Statewide
FRIENDSHIP CLUBS
The mission of the Valley Friendship Club is to promote and provide safe, accessible social opportunities while fostering friendships. To this end, we aim to enhance community connections, empower club participants to strengthen important life skills, and create greater social independence. Washington County.
The mission of Highland Friendship Club is to serve individuals with disabilities from teens through adulthood by providing a range of opportunities to develop lifelong skills, friendships and connections within their community. St. Paul
BOOKCLUBS
Next Chapter Book Club offers community-based book clubs for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Being able to read is not required. Participants meet weekly for one hour to read aloud and discuss a book provided by the library. St. Paul
GENERAL LISTS OF OPPORTUNITIES
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Regardless of your age or ability, you can find opportunities to achieve physical and emotional fitness--and have some fun! Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers a number of activities ranging from fitness classes, aquatics classes, competitive and recreational sports, and support groups. Golden Valley and Stillwater
MN Accessible Activities Calendar
The Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar is dedicated to listing events around the state that provide accessible services or accommodations for people with disabilities. Statewide
SPORTS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Their mission is to enrich the lives of individuals through fishing and boating excursions that strengthen communities, build relationships, and create memories. Free to participate. Eden Prairie, New Prague, and Stillwater.
Wilderness Inquiry's mission is to connect people from all walks of life to the natural world through shared outdoor adventures. Nationwide
Adaptive Sailing Lake Harriet Yacht Club
The Lake Harriet Yacht Club’s Adaptive Sailing program encourages sailors with physical challenges to experience the sport of sailing and serenity of harnessing the wind on the water. Sailors use our growing fleet of club-owned Mini Illusion boats. Minneapolis
Wayzata Adaptive Sailing's mission is to extend 'Sailing for Everyone' to people with disabilities. Instruction designed to engage individuals of varied mental and physical abilities in specifically equipped boats. From partnerships to individual lessons, we're happy to create a program that fits you. Wayzata
MidWest School of Diving offers adaptive scuba diving; offering training, and scuba adventures to individuals with disabilities. White Bear Lake
TOPSoccer is a community-based soccer program that is designed to meet the needs of athletes ages eight and older with physical and/or developmental disabilities. The program is geared toward player development rather than to competition. Metro area.
True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities. Our programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy and adaptive riding, and travel. Camps located in Annandale, Eden Prairie, Lake George, and Maple Lake.
MN Sled Hockey MN Sled Hockey Association. Locations throughout the State.
Minnesota Special Hockey is a stand-up ice hockey program for athletes of all ages and abilities. We are proud to have nearly 280 skaters and over 150 volunteers in 16 cities across the state of Minnesota. Twin Cities locations include: Blaine, Burnsville, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, New Hope, Plymouth, Woodbury
MN Wild Blind Hockey is dedicated to providing children and adults with vision impairments the opportunity to participate in ice hockey. Minneapolis
Twin Cities Adaptive Cycling is a bike share program for youth & adults with disabilities. Located on the Midtown Greenway Trail in South Minneapolis, TCAC has over 30 different kinds of adaptive bikes that we make available for regular use. Our trained and experienced staff and volunteers provide instruction on bike operation for those who are new to adaptive cycling. We also provide tandem pilot services for individuals who are visually impaired, or need extra riding support. Minneapolis
Adult Group Fitness for Individuals of all abilities. This class provides an opportunity to individuals 16 and older of all abilities to participate in a complete fitness class adapted to their abilities. This physical fitness class is designed to create healthy habits that benefit the physical and mental health of those participating for a lifetime. Plymouth
A nonprofit organization that aims to develop sports opportunities for all people with an impairment from the beginner to elite level. Statewide
Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) trainings and competitions happen all year in locations across the state. We offer 16 Olympic-style sports. As a result, SOMN has something for you, whatever your age or skill level. Statewide
VOLUNTEERING
We are committed to shifting the culture of volunteerism to be more inclusive, anti-racist and rooted in an understanding of power and privilege to create more equitable communities. Twin Cities.
JustServe.org is a website where the volunteer needs of organizations may be posted and volunteers may search for places to serve in the community, providing opportunities to help those in need and enhance the quality of life in the community. Statewide