When students graduate from high school, many social opportunities are not available for students with disabilities, which results in social isolation.
Students with disabilities should have a good time, experience fun things, and maintain a positive outlook on life. It may sound simple and easy, but students with disabilities entering adulthood can experience stressful moments. Many people with disabilities spend their time at home watching TV or playing video games. By having a hobby, students can meet new friends, develop skills, and most importantly they will have fun. It allows people with disabilities to have an active role in the community, and to feel empowered. It allows people to learn about themselves and to use their time productively. When they are taught appropriate leisure skills, they will be able to make a significant difference in their quality of life.
Planning and understanding the value of leisure and recreation can be conducted in the home or school setting. Family members, teachers, and peers can help students choose activities that interest them, and help them develop their skills. These behaviors and skills are a major part of a student’s life while in school and after they graduate from high school.
How can we find accessible recreational activities?
- Call regional centers or local non-profit organizations for suggestions
- Ask friends/relatives for recommendations of accessible leisure activities
- Share with other people with disabilities for information
- Check local university programs
Useful website links:
Orange County Disability Recreation Centers
- ANAHEIM THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
2660 W. Broadway Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 821-6510, (714) 821-6160
Area served: Orange County
Description: Anaheim Therapeutic Recreation Center provides recreation and socialization programs for persons with developmental disabilities as well as learning disabilities ages 5 and older adults. Program offers arts and crafts, games, and social activities. Participants must be able to function in a group setting.
Eligibility: Developmental, learning disability, age 5 and up.
Payment method: Private pay, Regional Centers
Service hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday
Services: Developmental Disabilities Activity Centers
- ORANGE COUNTY ARC LIFE UNLIMITED DAY PROGRAM
1147 North Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 744-5301 ext. 153, (714) 533-8211
Area served: Orange County
Description: Orange County ARC provides specialized support and appropriate activities for its senior citizens and those who are considered medically fragile. Living life to its fullest includes having fun and staying fit. That's why OC ARC senior clients are encouraged to exercise and participate in integrated social and recreational activities.
Life Unlimited Day Program believes it is essential to give persons with developmental disabilities and severe locomotors challenges the opportunity to direct their own self-enhancement and to sample all of life's offerings despite perceived boundaries. The primary clientele of this program are Regional Center Consumers over the age of eighteen with developmental disabilities and locomotor challenges. Their clients benefit with a Multi-Sensory Therapeutic Program and state of the art equipment.
Service hours: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - M - F
Office hours: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - M - F
Services: Developmental Disabilities Activity Centers
- DISABLED SPORTS USA - ACHIEVERS
531 Heather Ave. La Habra, CA 90631
(949) 460-6969
Area served: Orange County
Description: Disabled Sports USA provides recreation and socialization, including monthly ski weekends at Mammoth. They service adults with any disability. The physical evaluation and instruction, adaptive equipment and ski lift tickets to Mammoth are provided free of charge to DSUSA student members.
Eligibility: Must be evaluated by DSUSA medical staff
Fees: Donations, Membership, Some Scholarships
Service hours: November - June Recreation and social activities.
Services: Developmental Disabilities Activity Centers
- INTEGRITY HOUSE
2043 N. Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 542-0855, (714) 542-2155
Services: Developmental Disabilities Social/Recreational Programs
- SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
2080 N. Tustin Ave., Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 564-8374, (714) 569-0084
Area served: Orange County
Description: Sports training program for people with developmental disabilities and cognitive disabilities. The program offers training as well as competition and promotes health and team work.
Eligibility: Developmental disability
Fees: Services are free
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Services: Developmental Disabilities Activity Centers