Adapted Programs gives people with special needs the opportunity to travel, play, compete and network in a safe and supportive environment that fosters a positive experience for anyone participating in our many programs. By meeting with and assessing the abilities of each child or adult who requests our services, we are able to provide the most positive and beneficial service we can offer. We want all who participate to have fun, learn new skills, get fit and interact with new and old friends alike. Please call us for more information at 564-5241. We love being part of your success! Programs offered include:

BOWLING--PRACTICES AND TOURNAMENTS: The bowling program is one of the longest running recreation programs for Adapted Programs. Some players have been on their teams for 20 years! The bowling program includes children, adults and seniors. The group bowls on a year round basis and competes in a tournament each quarter. These tournaments will attract as many as 100 bowlers from the tri-counties. January-June 2013 Bowling Schedule.

DANCES: Seasonal dances set to different themes are popular with all participants. Dancers love to dress up for Halloween in October, in Hawaiian shirts in the summer, and formal dance attire for the Spring Victory dance. The ever-popular Karaoke is often scheduled to add to the excitement. The dances are held at one of the many beautiful recreation facilities of the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department. And every Monday evening from 4:30-5:30pm, we hold the “Shake, Rattle & Roll” dance at the Carrillo Recreation Center, a fun hour tailored to disabled individuals who love to socialize. 2013 Valentine’s Dance Flyer.

SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL: Shake, Rattle & Roll is an adapted dance program tailored to individuals with disabilities who love to dance, socialize and meet new people.  Whether you want to “shake” and “rattle” your body or simply “roll” with laughter, Wednesday evenings at the Carrillo Recreation Center dance studio is the place to be!!!  Classes operate from 4:30-5:30pm. See program flyer for registration/participation information.  2012 / 2013 Shake Rattle and Roll Flyer.

EXCURSIONS: Participants have an opportunity to attend excursions to professional sporting events like Dodger and Lakers games. Even participants who are able to do these activities independently often chose to participate with the group, because they seek other social contacts. Our non-ambulatory participants enjoy the convenience and comfort that our wheelchair accessible transportation provides to these events. 

ALL-TERRAIN BEACH WHEELCHAIR: Take this chair to the beach! Two All-Terrain Wheelchairs are available to the public FREE of CHARGE! Great for a stroll along the water or wedding ceremonies on the beach. Available M-F from 8:30am-5pm at the Cabrillo Bathhouse; 1118 East Cabrillo Blvd. at East Beach.  Call 897-2680 to reserve.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS: In conjunction with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, the Parks and Recreation Department offers a Recreation Afterschool Program (also known as RAP) at Adams, Monroe, Roosevelt and Washington Elementary Schools. This program strives to give children with special needs the same recreation experience as all other children. Inclusion support staff create opportunities for increased independence and socialization.  Children of all abilities work together, adapt to each other’s strengths, and learn to understand and accept each other.  Let our well trained recreation staff make a difference in your child’s life. 

INCLUSION SUPPORT TO OTHER PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS: While the Adapted Recreation Program offers programs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, there are those who prefer to join other sports and recreation activities offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. It is the goal of the Adapted Program’s assessment team to plan for reasonable and appropriate program accommodations for a positive recreational experience.  This may or may not include extra supervision provided by an inclusion support staff.  Registration must be received three weeks prior to program start in order to allow sufficient time for consultation between staff, assessment of the individual, evaluation of activity, level of supervision required and provision of staff. Contact Julie Thomas for further information or to request assessment for inclusion support at 564-5421.