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.
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.
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. Some participants require the wheelchair accessible transportation to the events that we provide.
BLAZESPORTS OF AMERICA: The mission of BlazeSports Club, a national sporting club, is to maximize the potential of people with physical disabilities through sports. Through this program we offer year-round, community-based sports programs in tennis as well as an Adapted dance program.
WEEKLY PUSH PROGRAM: Designed to offer individuals who use a wheelchair a new way to stay fit!
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.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS: In conjunction with the Santa Barbara School District, the Department offers an afterschool program at all the Santa Barbara Elementary School sites. This program strives to give children with special needs the same recreation experience as all other children. Additional staffing allows time for the children to work together, adapt to each other’s strengths, and understand and accept each other.
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 programs provided by the general Parks and Recreation services. Through our inclusion program, we provide reasonable staff support to make the experience successful.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION ABOUT DISABILITIES: During the year, staff and volunteers provide sensitivity training workshops at public and private schools. Staff will arrive with 20 wheelchairs, numerous pieces of equipment and selected activities to give the students an "experiential" session in the realities of being disabled. This particular "hands on" training enables students to immediately understand some of the challenges faced by disabled students every day.
COSPONSORED GROUPS: Adapted Programs supports People First of Santa Barbara, a self-advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities. We also support the Outlook Group, a support group for people with mobility impairments.