Extracurriculars for Children with Disabilities

Extracurricular activities enrich children’s lives by fostering skills, friendship, well-being, and fun!

Sports and Physical Activities

From basketball to fishing, snowboarding to rock climbing, kids can find a physical activity that suits their interests and abilities. 

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes  

Children and teens can sign up for sports programs and camps, compete on dragon boating and goalball teams, and access an adaptive sports equipment lending library. This organization serves communities across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. 

Outdoors for All 

Kids of all abilities can participate in a wide variety of recreational activities including cycling, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, rock climbing, and more. Programs are fun, educational, and promote independence, socialization, and exposure to adaptive equipment and techniques. 

Adventures Without Limits 

This non-profit coordinates adaptive and inclusive outdoor activities and trips for all people regardless of ability level, age, or socio-economic status. Programs are offered on a sliding scale and participants can self-select the cost based on their financial situation. 

C.A.S.T. for Kids 

Children with disabilities, ages 6–18, can enjoy quality outdoor time while learning how to fish. Events are free and lunch and fishing gear are provided. 

ParaSport Spokane 

ParaSport Spokane provides training, recreational, and competitive opportunities for kids in sports that compete at the Paralympic Games including wheelchair basketball, track & field, and sled hockey.  

Summer Camps

Children and teens with disabilities can experience immersive camp experiences that encourage exploration, play, and adventure in an accessible and supportive setting. 

Empower Camp 

Hosted at the Washington State School for the Blind from June 25–30, this camp offers a range of activities that are specifically designed to empower kids. Campers grow more confident, independent, and resilient through hands-on projects, team building, and recreational activities.  

Camp Spark 

Children who are blind or visually impaired can join in a week-long comprehensive sports camp that helps develop their orientation, mobility, independence, and advocacy skills. Summer session activities include swimming, tandem biking, judo, goalball, track & field, and more! Winter session activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, broomball, and tubing. 

Friendship Circle Summer Camp 

Kids and teens with special needs can enjoy a safe and supportive day camp experience with visits to a different location each day such as parks, zoos, and museums, and participating in classic camp activities. This year’s summer camp will take place Aug. 22–25.  

Camp Casey 

Camp Casey is a week-long summer camp organized by the North Central of Seattle Kiwanis Club for children ages 6–17 who have physical disabilities. This year’s camp takes place July 30–Aug. 5 at Lions Camp Horizon in Blaine, WA. Transportation to and from camp is provided from the North Seattle area.   

The Arc of Washington camp resources 

Discover summer and day camps for children with disabilities and neurodivergence located throughout Washington and in neighboring states. 

Music, Art, and Writing Programs

Explore arts programs where young artists with disabilities are equipped with the tools they need to fully express their creativity. 

Museum of Special Art (MOSA)  

MOSA is the first disability art museum in the United States. The museum offers educational programming for K–12 students with disabilities and support for teen and adult visual artists with disabilities through exhibition, marketing, and career development services. Virtual open studios and community engagement programs are also offered. 

VSA Playwright Discovery Program 

Young writers with disabilities, ages 14–19, are invited to explore playwriting by submitting 10-minute scripts for review by a panel of theater professionals. Division winners are selected and awarded with exclusive access to participate in professional development activities provided by the Kennedy Center including working and networking with industry professionals. 

VSA International Young Musicians Program 

Musicians with disabilities, ages 14–25, can submit recordings of solo or ensemble performances of any genre for a chance to win the VSA International Young Musician Award, a cash prize of $2,000, and the opportunity to participate in professional development and performance activities provided by the Kennedy Center. 

VSA Emerging Young Artists Program 

This program seeks artwork from artists with disabilities that showcase their unique perspectives. Fifteen artists will each receive $5,000, the opportunity to attend professional development activities at the Kennedy Center and have one of their pieces featured at a national exhibit.