Are you looking for things to do with kids or adults who have developmental or physical disabilities? There are many fun activities and events in Southern Indiana and surrounding areas for families that include a child with disabilities.
Several organizations and businesses offer events or special accommodations for kids and/or adults with disabilities on a regular, ongoing basis. We have also included local parks, trails and other public places accessible to people with disabilities.
While Macaroni KID Jeffersonville - Clarksville - New Albany does our best to keep up, please double-check with the business or organization to make sure event details haven't changed.
Do you know of an upcoming event in the Southern Indiana area for families with functional needs? Email us details at chelseac@macaronikid.com and we will add it to our Macaroni Kid Jeffersonville - Clarksville - New Albany events calendar!
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Southern Indiana area organizations that offer resources, events and activities for people with disabilities
Autism Society of Kentuckiana
ASK is a non-profit organization serving Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana that provides support for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. ASK provides resources and education for families and individuals through monthly support meetings, workshops and social events. Learn more at http://www.ask-lou.org/.
The Arc of Greater Louisville Area
The Arc works every day to empower families with information and resources to assist them in their journey of raising a child with a disability to lead a full and meaningful life, and to empower people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to be self sufficient and independent to the greatest extent possible Learn more at https://arcofky.org/.
Assists people with disabilities in realizing maximum personal growth and development in home, work and community by providing a continuum of individualized services and supports in settings least restrictive for the needs of the individual. Learn more at https://www.brsinc.org/.
Bridges of Indiana
Bridges of Indiana provides advocacy and individualized disability services for Indiana adults and children living with disabilities, allowing participants to live, learn and work successfully and enjoy their best life at home and in community settings. Learn more at https://indiana.bridges.us/.
Their mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome of Louisville has a campus in New Albany and Louisville. Learn more at https://downsyndromeoflouisville.org/.
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville is a non-profit organization that actively supports and funds autism programs for the entire family. Created for families by families, FEAT of Louisville is dedicated to easing the autism journey through ongoing support, education and programs. Learn more at https://featoflouisville.org/.
LifeSpan Resources is a non-profit organization that connects individuals to resources, options, and services to remain living independently for as long as possible. Learn more at https://www.lsr14.org/.
New Hope Services helps people in our community realize their full potential as parents, individuals, and contributing members of society. They provide a symbol of hope by empowering individuals with disabilities and families in need in Southern Indiana. Learn more at https://www.newhopeservices.org/.
Rauch supports people with disabilities and their families while encouraging a community that acknowledges the value and contribution of all people. Learn more at http://rauchinc.org/about.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America Mid-States provides supportive services that help individuals with developmental disabilities live safe, healthy, and engaged lives, and homelessness prevention services and case management for veterans and their families. Learn more at https://www.voamid.org/southernindiana.
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Southern Indiana area businesses and museums with events and activities for people with disabilities
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Museum makes every effort to maximize the museum and sports experience fun for everyone. Visit their Accessibility & Sensory Resources page for more information.
Chuck E. Cheese - Sensory Sensitive Sundays
The Chuck E. Cheese Louisville location on Hurstbourne Parkway opens 2 hours early on the first Sunday of the month to offer a sensitive-friendly experience. The Sensory events include a trained and caring staff that work to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. The Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child, so their mission is to create an event that allows ALL kids to be a kid.
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
If a member of your party is unable to stand in the ride queues (lines) due to a disability, you are welcome to stop by Holiday World Services inside the Front Gate to request a Holiday World Ride Boarding Pass
A Calming Room is available for Guests with special needs who will benefit from a quiet, relaxing break from the park’s sensory stimulation. The room, which includes bean bag chairs, a small tent, rocking chair, couch, plus adjustable lighting, is located inside the First Aid building (in Splashin’ Safari’s plaza). Guests may reserve the Calming Room on a first come, first served basis for 30-minute sessions at Guest Relations or First Aid.
Kentucky Science Center - No Limits Family Nights
No Limits Family Nights offer interactive exploration for families of children with special needs in a sensory friendly environment. No matter the special need, there are no limitations when you’re doing science! Each No Limits Family Night includes after hours admission, themed activities, a take-home element, and a supplemental activity card for continued learning.
Regal New Albany - My Way Matinee
Regal’s My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie with the lights turned up and the volume turned down. This becomes a safe space where our guests are free to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films! All screenings for our sensory friendly movies will begin at 10:30am on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month for a special discounted ticket price!
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Southern Indiana area sports opportunities for a person with disabilities
All Abilities Bootcamp
Designed to to encourage well-being, strength, confidence, socialization, and empowerment among children, teens, and young adults to increase independence in daily life. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/allabilitieswelcome.
Movement and More is a gymnastics based movement education class, specially designed for students with special needs. Parental involvement is required initially but may be eased if not necessary.
These are one of a kind swimming lessons for children with special needs. All staff are trained and experienced in working with children who have special needs. They also have a certified lifeguard on deck and a behavioral therapist in the water to make sure that your child will get the most out of every lesson.
ALLCLIMBERS Inclusive Climbing
Rock climbing is a great activity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as people who have impaired mobility or limited use of their limbs. Special adaptive equipment enables people with physical challenges to climb and experience the sense of accomplishment that makes this so much fun. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Allclimbers.org.
Catalyst Sports is a chapter based, volunteer run, non-profit organization that acts as an agent of change in the lives of people with disabilities and our communities. Each chapter has a unique community of participants and volunteers that run weekly, bi-weekly or monthly adventure programs throughout the year. Learn more at https://www.catalystsports.org/adventures/louisville/.
cheerABILITIES at All Star Tumbling
The cheerABILITIES team starts at age 5 with no cap, and a varying of different diagnoses and limitations. All Star Tumbling’s goal is to give these athletes and their families a sense of normalcy, from their usual rigid schedules. Learn more at https://www.allstartumbling.com/cheerabilities/.
The Clarksville Challenger League is a program for special needs players of all ages who enjoy the game of baseball.
Special Olympics of Indiana
Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Learn more at https://soindiana.org/.
The Miracle League of Louisville
The Miracle League of Louisville is a baseball league and complex for children with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. This one-of-a-kind, fully-inclusive complex allows children of all abilities to safely play baseball in an organized league. Learn more at https://miracleleaguelouisville.org/.
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Favorite accessible parks and trails in the Southern Indiana area
Big Four Pedestrian Bridge
The Big Four Bridge is a paved, six-span former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It was completed in 1895, updated in 1929, taken out of rail service in 1968, and converted to bicycle and pedestrian use in 2014.
Bob Hedge Park
Bob Hedge Park is home to the cities first developmentally advantageous playground, where children with or without disabilities can play together in a safe and healthy atmosphere. The park sits on 1.5 acres and is located off of 10th Street between French Street and Howard Avenue.
Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo has an accessible playground near the African Outpost restaurant and Colobus Crossing exhibit. The Outpost playground includes ramps, music and sensory play panels, features for inclusive side-by-side play, slides and a new rubber surface throughout the entire playscape.
6+ miles of paved, multi-use paths that link the riverside towns of Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany, Indiana.
The park features a 1.25 mile paved walking trail which passes near the lake and waterfowl feeding station and then meanders its way through trees and open areas.
Southern Indiana area Facebook support groups
REACH-IN Special Needs Family Support Groups, INC.
SHARE (SPECIAL needs Help with Activities and Recreational Events)
YES! Young Empowered Self Advocates
