Recreation and Community Activities

Courage League Sports: Courage League Sports is a non-profit adaptive sports and recreation organization that offers year-round programming for children and adults who aren’t able to go full speed due to a physical, cognitive or emotional disability. By adapting the pace, equipment, or nature of an activity, Courage League can provide a safe and accessible environment where participants can go at their own speed.
- https://www.courageleaguesports.com/

Autism Society of Iowa: We provide advocacy, support and information to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families, professionals, and communities throughout the state of Iowa.
- https://autismia.com/

Respite Connection: Our Mission is to Listen to Families, Understand their needs, and Connect them with the people and resources needed to follow their dreams!
- http://www.respiteconnection.com/

Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Easter Seals Iowa: Easterseals Iowa provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
- https://www.easterseals.com/ia/

Talk to Me Technologies: Speech-generating devices for children and adults, with the widest variety of access options available – from keyguards, head mouse, switch scanning and eye-tracking to auditory scanning and auditory fishing. Our extensive line of dedicated devices (-D) are approved for funding through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance programs. -PLUS model communication systems can also perform smart home functions such as controlling your TV, DVD, stereo, bed, lights and more. ttmt360 – our all-inclusive service, support, funding and training makes it easier and faster for you to choose, fund and learn how to use a speech-generating device! Our team of Speech-Language Pathologists and AAC consultants work with each individual’s team to assess needs before pairing clients with their own personalized system. Get started with a free consultation!
- https://www.talktometechnologies.com/

Dance Without Limits: Dance Without Limits is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization that provides a dance program in Des Moines, Iowa for children and young adults with special needs who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. Our fall and spring sessions are comprised of one-hour classes that are designed to suit each individual’s needs. During classes held once a week, a period of professional dance instruction is provided by instructors and volunteers trained to work with dancers who have special needs. We offer Lite-Gait equipment for children who need extra support with standing. We have a teacher who is able to communicate in American Sign Language, and volunteers who are learning some simple signs. At the end of each session, participants perform in a recital for family and friends.
- http://www.dancewithoutlimits.org/

Wonderfully Made Family Camp: Spending time together as a family is invaluable – a special time where parents and children can laugh, play, and rejoice together. That togetherness can be even more fun when families getaway to a favorite vacation spot. On top of work, school, and budget concerns, families with special needs may also find it a little difficult to leave the comfort and familiarity of home for an extended period of time. Travel can be tough, or even unrealistic, as they consider these challenges as well as medical needs, accessibility, and the availability of activities which fit their family’s needs.
- https://wonderfullymadecamp.org/

Valley Church: Special Needs Ministry
- https://valley.church/special-needs/

Special Santa Event: If taking a trip to the mall and waiting in line with your child seems like an impossible task, come visit Santa in an accessible way. You can schedule a time to meet with Santa one on one. Just your family and the big guy in red. No waiting in line, no loud train rushing by, and no pushy sales people. Your child’s visit with Santa is completely free.
We want all children to experience the Joy of Christmas. Our hope is that by providing the opportunity for your child to experience what other kids might take for granted, you and your family will feel God’s love.
- https://www.specialsantaevent.com/Default.aspx