Sled Hockey
Gwen joined Columbus Blades Sled Hockey last year at just three years old. We're told some kids even start earlier. It's a supportive and encouraging group, and Gwen absolutely loves it.
When the season began, she could barely move her sled on the ice. By the end, she was cruising around the rink confidently. Beyond just being fun, we believe sled hockey is helping build her upper body and core strength in a natural, engaging way.
Gwen is getting ready for sled hockey practice.
Chance to Dance
Gwen participates in the Chance to Dance program at Easterseals, but it’s open to any child with a disability. The program is run by an instructor who works with children of all abilities and mobility levels, offering joyful and expressive movement classes.
Gwen loves her dance class. It’s not only fun and creative, but it also helps with balance, coordination, and confidence. It’s a welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates every child's unique ability to move.
Chance to Dance Spring Recital
The Miracle League
Gwen recently started playing baseball with The Miracle League of Central Ohio. The adaptive field is flat and smooth, which makes a big difference for Gwen. Not having curbs or grass to trip on means she can focus on having fun.
The group has been a great experience so far, and Gwen is having a lot of fun. The Miracle League gives children of all abilities the chance to enjoy baseball in an environment designed for them.
Gwen running bases at The Mircale League.
TOPSoccer
We’ve also enrolled Gwen in TOPSoccer, a community-based soccer program designed for kids with disabilities. We tried other mainstream soccer programs before, but uneven ground and tall grass were big challenges for Gwen.
At TOPSoccer, she plays on a smooth, accessible field with other children who face similar challenges. It’s a much more fun and comfortable experience for her. The volunteers and coaches are supportive, and the program is focused on inclusion and development. You can explore more programs around the state through Ohio Soccer's TOPSoccer directory.
Last day of spring TOPSoccer
Adaptive Sports Connection
Adaptive Sports Connection offers a wide range of sports and outdoor activities in Central Ohio, including cycling, kayaking, snow skiing, and more. They serve individuals of all ages with physical disabilities and limb differences.
Columbus Recreation & Parks – Adaptive Sports
The Columbus Recreation & Parks Department runs therapeutic recreation programs and adaptive sports leagues. Their events support inclusion and skill-building across different ability levels.
Westerville Adaptive & Inclusive Program
Westerville Parks & Recreation offers an Adaptive & Inclusive Program for individuals of all ages with physical, developmental, or invisible disabilities. Their goal is to make leisure and recreation accessible, fun, and meaningful for everyone.
Programs include wheelchair basketball open gyms, cooking classes like “Bagels & Board Games,” sensory-friendly events such as The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow, and an Inclusive Opportunity Fair that brings together families and caregivers.
They actively develop new activities each season, check the community guide for the latest offerings. For more information, email Shane Thompson or call (614) 901‑6848.
Nationwide Children's Adaptive Sports Medicine Program
Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers a specialized Adaptive Sports Medicine Program designed to help athletes with disabilities reach their full potential. Their team supports performance, injury prevention, and physical development.
Adaptive Sports Ohio
Adaptive Sports Ohio is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers so people with physical disabilities can play sports. They offer community-based and interscholastic programs across Ohio including sled hockey, wheelchair basketball, power soccer, handcycling, track & field, and more. Adaptive equipment is provided, and their staff helps match you with a program that fits your needs.
Whether your family is new to adaptive sports or experienced, Adaptive Sports Ohio has year-round opportunities, from clinics and recreational programs to competitive teams and camps. They also support schools by loaning equipment and helping launch adaptive sports teams for students.
Programs are held in counties like Wayne, Cuyahoga, Mahoning, and Lucas. If your community isn’t listed yet, you can still reach out to ask about new programming. Adaptive Sports Ohio also hosts events like the Junior Wheelchair Basketball State Championship, sled hockey charity games, and wrestling clinics.
Dublin Dance Centre – Adaptive Dance
Dublin Dance Centre & Gymnastics offers adaptive dance classes for students with physical or developmental disabilities. The program is designed to build movement skills, confidence, and creative expression through accessible dance instruction.
Classes are led by experienced faculty who create a supportive environment for every dancer. Props, music, and gentle movement exercises are used to make each session fun and engaging. The focus is on progress, participation, and joy—not perfection.
Families can choose from multiple sessions throughout the year, and no previous dance experience is required. More details about class times and registration are available on their website.
Vertical Adventures – Adaptive Ascents
Adaptive Ascents is an indoor rock climbing program at Vertical Adventures in Westerville that supports climbers of all abilities. This inclusive program provides customized experiences using adaptive gear and techniques for participants with physical, developmental, or neurological disabilities.
The staff partners with each climber to ensure safety, encouragement, and fun. Whether standing, seated, or assisted, participants are empowered to reach new heights and explore climbing on their own terms.
Sessions are available for both kids and adults, and the facility is designed to accommodate a wide range of needs. It’s a unique opportunity to build strength, independence, and confidence in a supportive setting.
ParaCheer Spirit Organization
ParaCheer Spirit Organization is a nonprofit that promotes inclusion in cheerleading for athletes with physical and neurological disabilities. Their mission is to create inclusive cheer environments and empower individuals through performance, leadership, and community.
The organization supports both sideline and competitive inclusive cheer programs, offering coaching support, training tools, and a community platform. They also host annual national-level inclusive events and collaborate with school, all-star, and international cheer teams to build visibility for adaptive cheerleading.
ParaCheer is open to athletes with a wide range of disabilities and experience levels. Whether you're new to cheer or looking to take it to a higher level, they aim to make cheer accessible for everybody.
Gwen participates in a ParaCheer event, lifted by an inclusive team of athletes and coaches.
Move United – Adaptive Sports Listings in Ohio
Move United maintains a searchable list of adaptive sports organizations across Ohio. The listings include local chapters and programs offering everything from basketball and archery to water skiing and snowboarding. You can filter by city or sport to find opportunities near you.
It’s a helpful resource if you’re looking to explore different adaptive programs and want to see what’s available statewide. Each listing includes contact details and a brief description to help you get started.
OSU Wexner Medical Center – Adapted Sports Institute
The Adapted Sports Institute at The Ohio State University is part of their physical therapy and rehabilitation program. They work with individuals of all ages and abilities, helping them get involved in competitive or recreational sports after injury, illness, or diagnosis.
In addition to rehabilitation, they support athletes through training, coaching, and medical care. Programs are often coordinated with physical therapists and sports medicine specialists, which makes it a great fit for those needing personalized support.
Team USA – Ohio Adaptive Sports Club Directory
Team USA’s club directory lists Paralympic and adaptive sports programs located throughout Ohio. This includes both grassroots and competitive-level opportunities in a wide variety of sports.
Whether you're just starting out or looking for advanced coaching, this is a good place to discover official Team USA-affiliated clubs and learn what’s offered in your area.
Horseback Riding
We've discovered there are quite a few therapeutic horseback riding programs around Central Ohio and beyond. The connection between kids and horses can be really special, and many of these programs focus on building confidence, balance, and social skills in a supportive environment.
Stockhands Horses for Healing - Delaware
Stockhands Horses for Healing creates a positive, non-judgmental environment where kids and families can build relationships with horses through therapeutic services. They're located in Delaware and focus on empowering participants through creative equine-assisted programs.
What's neat is they offer some unique programs beyond traditional riding, including "Read with the Horses" on the second Saturday of each month. It's designed for readers of all ages and abilities to practice reading without pressure - the horses make for patient listeners. They also have special programs for veterans and first responders.
Dreams on Horseback - Blacklick
Dreams on Horseback is a PATH International accredited center in Blacklick that serves over 1,200 participants each year. Their mission is "enriching lives with horses," and they offer therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, and programs for different age groups and needs.
They have a big operation with 26 horse partners and over 500 volunteers, which gives you a sense of how established and supported the program is. Beyond riding, they also offer field trips, team building, and vocational training programs.
Discovery Riders - Bellefontaine
Discovery Riders in Bellefontaine focuses on "changing lives one ride at a time." They welcome riders of all ages and abilities, providing equine-assisted activities designed to build confidence, develop life skills, and create connections between riders and specially trained horses.
Their horses are carefully selected and trained to give honest, immediate feedback, which helps kids learn social rules and interactions in a safe way. They also offer horse camps at different skill levels throughout the summer, and they participate in Special Olympics programs.
Flying Horse Farms - Delaware
Flying Horse Farms is a bit different from the other programs - it's a medical specialty camp for kids with serious illnesses. While not exclusively a riding program, horses are part of their therapeutic camp experience, and all programs are provided at no cost to families.
If your child has a serious medical condition, this might be worth looking into as part of a broader camp experience that includes time with horses alongside other activities designed for healing and growth.
Willow Ridge Therapeutic Riding Facility - Plain City
Willow Ridge Therapeutic Riding Facility in Plain City has been operating since 2003 as a nonprofit focused on improving quality of life for youth with physical or emotional special needs through equine-assisted therapy.
While their website doesn't have as much detail as some of the other programs, they've been around for over 20 years, so they have experience working with kids with various needs.
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