Community Resources
Excalibur Leisure Skills Center is private company offering adaptive boating and fishing for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The boat docks from the NFTA Boat Harbor at 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd. Buffalo, New York. The boat holds up to 24 people and is wheelchair accessible. It is not mandatory, but recommended that children attend with a parent or caregiver. You may want to simply enjoy a boat ride, or
choose to take a boat ride that includes fishing. If you choose the fishing
trip, Excalibur provides the fishing equipment and provides life jackets for
either type of adventure. The trips are about 2 hours long, and run Monday-Friday,10 am-8pm.These boats run on donations and volunteers therefore, while not mandatory, it is suggested that families going on these outings make a donation of around $10. This non for profit organization offers rides that travel through the Buffalo Harbor, Buffalo River, Lake Erie, Niagara River, Black Rock Canal and the Inner Harbor. For more information call (716) 831-3188or go to http://www.excaliburls.org/
choose to take a boat ride that includes fishing. If you choose the fishing
trip, Excalibur provides the fishing equipment and provides life jackets for
either type of adventure. The trips are about 2 hours long, and run Monday-Friday,10 am-8pm.These boats run on donations and volunteers therefore, while not mandatory, it is suggested that families going on these outings make a donation of around $10. This non for profit organization offers rides that travel through the Buffalo Harbor, Buffalo River, Lake Erie, Niagara River, Black Rock Canal and the Inner Harbor. For more information call (716) 831-3188or go to http://www.excaliburls.org/
Danceability is a studio that specializes
in working with children with disabilities. The dance studio located at 3859
Union Road in Cheektowaga, New York, in the George Urban Plaza. Danceability offers classes in tap, jazz, ballet, as well as creative movement
classes. Along with classes throughout the school year, Dance Ability also
offers summer sessions. Their website states, “Danceability, Inc. is a program
for children and adults with special needs utilizing dance and movement to
enable and empower students while promoting physical, social, and emotional
wellness in a family-focused, peaceful environment.” Family members are welcome
to join in the fun and there is also an optional recital at the end of the
year. Danceability employees a number of experienced dance instructors, as well
as a large number of volunteers that help throughout the year. Tuition for the
year is $450, along with a $25 costume fee, and a $20 registration fee. For
more information call 716-651-0094 or visit http://www.danceabilityinc.com/
Equistar is a non for profit organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with Disabilities. It is located at 2199 Fuller Rd, Burt, New York. Research shows that children and adults can benefit from therapeutic riding in many physical ways, such as developing better core strength, gross motor skills, balance and equalizing tone. It can also be a great help with attention and communication skills as well as social and emotional benefits.(Equistartheranch.org) Equistar’s website states their mission: “We provide therapeutic riding lessons for children and adults with varying conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delays, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Trisomy 21, Anxiety, and much more. Therapeutic riding is recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards.” This program requires children be at least 3 ½ years in age to participate. Individuals must weigh less than 200lbs and must be examined by Equistar’s physical therapist before riding to ensure optimal benefits. It costs $90 for a 6 week session, which includes a 45 minute lesson once a week. For more information call 716-778-8249 or visit http://www.equistartheranch.org/
Opportunities Unlimited offers recreation programs for middle childhood as well as adults with disabilities. Opportunities Unlimited strives to help individuals with disabilities become active members in their community. The recreation programs they offer include small excursions, sporting events, and concerts. The individuals are escorted by trained staff throughout their excursion. Opportunities Unlimited has four locations in Niagara County. The location that coordinates the recreation programs is located at 107 Heath Street in Lockport, New York, however they do provide door to door transportation for the excursions. There are many different activities to attend including: regional travel, sporting events, concerts, plays, movies, seasonal activities, roller skating, community walks, bingo, bowling, dinner & dances. This will give your child a fun, unique experience they will never forget. These services are available to children that live in Niagara or Orleans counties, as well as Grand Island, Tonawanda, Kenmore or West Amherst. For more information please call (716) 504-2617 or visit: http://www.opportunitiesunlimited.org/
Camp Happiness is a non for profit
organization that offers a week long camp at Camp Kenan on Lake Ontario. The
camp is affiliated with Opportunities Unlimited in Niagara County. The camp is
one week long, during the day and includes activities such as boating, hiking,
fishing, and basketball. Transportation is provided along with lunch prizes and
a t-shirt for each camper. Camp Happiness receives a grant from Elks National Foundation;
therefore the campers are able to camp for free! The campers will be divided
into groups by age/ability, and everyone will be able to participate in the
activities they choose. The campers are asked not to bring
electronics/valuables, however the recommended packing list includes:
-Backpack or bag to carry belongings
- Water bottle - Sunscreen
- Bug Spray (no aerosol cans please)
- Swim Suit (one piece for girls)
- Towel
- Sneakers
- Sweatshirt, raingear, hat, boots
The website contains a consent form that is to be returned to: Opportunities Unlimited Of Niagara County at107 Heath Street, Lockport NY. For this consent form and more information visit: http://www.camphappiness.org/ or call (716) 434-4050.
-Backpack or bag to carry belongings
- Water bottle - Sunscreen
- Bug Spray (no aerosol cans please)
- Swim Suit (one piece for girls)
- Towel
- Sneakers
- Sweatshirt, raingear, hat, boots
The website contains a consent form that is to be returned to: Opportunities Unlimited Of Niagara County at107 Heath Street, Lockport NY. For this consent form and more information visit: http://www.camphappiness.org/ or call (716) 434-4050.
The Down Syndrome Parents Group
Of Western New York
The Down Syndrome Parents Group Of Western New York, is an organization with a mission to bring together and support families who are affected by Down syndrome. The group puts together social events about every month, such as a holiday party, Valentines dance, and spagetti dinners. The group is non for profit and always looking for volunteers to help with their gatherings. The website offers e-mail address, and phone number, where donations may be made or more information may be provided. Visit http://www.dspgwny.org/ for details.