Dublin Dance Centre Adaptive Dance
These classes use music, props, and accessible movement. The focus is on having fun and building skills, and no dance experience is needed.
Adaptive dance detailsGwen has tried a few sports around Central Ohio, and we keep adding programs we hear about. We grouped this page by sport. The ones she's done are first, with a little about how it went for us. Farther down are other local options, and a couple of nearby ones.
Soccer
TOPSoccer
We’ve 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 have been supportive. You can explore more programs around the state through Ohio Soccer's TOPSoccer directory.
Last day of spring TOPSoccer
GOAT Soccer
We have been taking Gwen to practices with GOAT Soccer, which stands for Greater Ohio Amputee Soccer Team. The team is part of the American Amputee Soccer Association's regional network and brings together amputee players from around Ohio.
The team has welcomed Gwen onto the field and invites her to join parts of practice, where she works on soccer skills alongside the adult players. She loves running around the field and spending time talking with everyone. For us, the best part has been the community. It gives Gwen a chance to meet, learn from, and build relationships with other amputees.
In amputee soccer, field players with lower-limb differences play on forearm crutches without prostheses, while goalkeepers have upper-limb differences. Families can learn more about the sport, youth programs, and regional teams through the American Amputee Soccer Association.
Gwen practices soccer skills alongside players from GOAT Soccer.
Sled Hockey
Columbus Blades 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. It's fun, and it also seems to be building her upper body and core strength.
Gwen is getting ready for sled hockey practice.
Adaptive Dance
Chance to Dance
Gwen participates in the Chance to Dance program at Easterseals, but it’s open to any child with a disability. The instructor works with kids of different abilities and mobility levels.
Gwen loves her dance class. It's fun, and it's been good for her balance and confidence too.
Chance to Dance Spring Recital
A couple of other adaptive dance options around town:
Columbus Children's Theatre Seated Dance
CCT's Academy includes Seated Dance, where kids and adults work from a chair with styles like contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, and hip hop. Offerings change by season, so their classes page is the best place to see what is open.
CCT Academy classesBaseball
The Miracle League of Dublin
Gwen recently started playing baseball with The Miracle League of Central Ohio in Dublin. The adaptive field at Darree Fields 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.
Gwen running bases at The Miracle League.
The Miracle League of New Albany
The Miracle League of New Albany is a separate league on the east side of town. Games are at Mirolo Dream Field at ADS Stadium in Wexner Community Park. Players are paired with volunteer buddies, and the field is a rubber surface built for kids, teens, and adults with disabilities.
Adaptive Cycling
Magnetic Pedals That Helped Gwen
When Gwen first started riding her bike, she had a hard time keeping her feet on the pedals. I went to a local cycle shop and asked if we could try a pair of cage pedals, which helped a lot. She was able to ride pretty well, but getting her feet set on the pedals and stepping off the bike was still tricky.
At Camp No Limits, we met an amputee who told us about the magnetic pedals made by Hustle Bike Labs. I thought that was such a great idea. These pedals are designed for adults who use cycling shoes with a metal plate attached where a clip-in pedal would normally go. Before buying a pair, I reached out to Hustle to ask if they thought the magnets would be strong enough to work through a child’s shoe if we added a small piece of metal inside.
Hustle was incredibly kind; they went out of their way to test the idea and even mailed us custom magnetic shoe inserts and pedals for Gwen to try. The magnets don’t hold her feet rigidly in place, but she can feel them pull her prosthetic feet toward the pedals, which makes it much easier for her to keep her footing while she rides. If she starts to lose balance, she can still lift her feet off quickly to steady herself.
It’s been such a great solution for her, much better than the cages. We’re so thankful to Hustle for taking the time to help make this work for Gwen, and we're excited to recommend them to others.
Cheer
ParaCheer
Gwen participated in a ParaCheer Spirit Organization event with an inclusive team of athletes and coaches. ParaCheer helps make sideline and competitive cheer more accessible for athletes with physical and neurological disabilities.
Gwen participates in a ParaCheer event, lifted by an inclusive team of athletes and coaches.
More Local Sports and Programs to Explore
Columbus Recreation and Parks Adaptive Sports Club
Columbus Recreation and Parks offers a much larger adaptive sports program than we realized. The city lists the programs below individually, provides coaching and equipment, and says participation in its adaptive sports programs is free.
Columbus Knights Wheelchair Basketball
We have not tried the Knights with Gwen yet, but we know several families whose children participate and really enjoy it. The youth team practices at the Espy Adaptive Sports Complex.
Basketball detailsAdaptive Aquatics and Swim Club
Adaptive Aquatics includes adapted swim lessons, adult aquatic fitness, and a swim club for swimmers who are ready to work toward para-swimming competition.
Aquatics detailsJack Attack Boccia
Boccia is a Paralympic target sport designed for athletes with significant physical disabilities. Columbus offers practices and hosts the Jack Attack regional tournament.
Boccia detailsAdaptive Track, Field, and Road Racing
The city's year-round athletics program supports wheelchair and ambulatory athletes in track, field events, and road racing, with access to specialized equipment and coaching.
Track and racing detailsWheelchair Tennis
Columbus offers wheelchair tennis throughout the year, with outdoor play at Wolfe Park and indoor locations that can change by season.
Tennis detailsOhio Buckeye Blitz Wheelchair Rugby
The Buckeye Blitz practice at the Espy Adaptive Sports Complex and compete in wheelchair rugby events, including the regional Columbus Collision tournament.
Rugby detailsColumbus Pioneers Wheelchair Softball
The Pioneers play wheelchair softball during the warmer months and offer a competitive next step for athletes interested in a diamond sport.
Softball detailsAdaptive Sports Connection
Adaptive Sports Connection serves Central Ohio with adaptive outdoor recreation. These are the main programs they run.
Bikes to Go and Discover Cycling
Bikes to Go helps children and adults try adjustable cycles and accessories, find the right setup, and learn about equipment options. Discover Cycling adds assessments, fittings, and group rides.
Cycling detailsAdaptive Kayaking and Paddle Sports
Adaptive paddling programs help participants get on the water with instruction, adapted seating, and support chosen for their mobility and comfort level.
Paddling programsAdaptive Snow Sports
Winter programs include stand-up skiing, sit-skiing, and snowboarding instruction at Snow Trails and Mad River Mountain.
Snow sports detailsOperation Fairway
Operation Fairway is an adaptive golf program connected with the Columbus VA. It supports veterans with visual impairments and other disabilities as they learn or return to golf.
Operation Fairway detailsAdaptive Climbing
Vertical Adventures runs an indoor adaptive climbing program in north Columbus. Adaptive Sports Connection also lists rock climbing, so there is more than one option if climbing sounds interesting.
Adaptive Ascents at Vertical Adventures
Adaptive Ascents is a quarterly climbing program for kids and adults. Staff and volunteers use adaptive gear and techniques so people can climb standing, seated, or with help.
Adaptive climbing detailsCommunity Recreation Programs
Westerville Adaptive and Inclusive Program
Westerville offers changing seasonal activities for people with physical, developmental, and invisible disabilities. Programs have included wheelchair basketball open gyms, sensory-friendly events, and inclusive community gatherings.
Westerville programsGrove City Adaptive and Inclusive Programming
Grove City offers seasonal sports, fitness, and recreation for children, adults, and veterans who may need adapted equipment, instruction, or additional support.
Grove City programsUpper Arlington Adaptive Programs
Upper Arlington's recreation options can include inclusive camps, pool activities, small-group therapeutic programs, and adaptive sports at the Bob Crane Community Center and other city facilities.
Upper Arlington programsTherapeutic and Adaptive Horseback Riding
Central Ohio also has several therapeutic and adaptive riding programs.
Shane Center
Shane Center has offered therapeutic and adaptive riding at Willow Farm since 1993. It is a PATH International Premier Accredited center. Lessons are for ages 5 and up, in group or private sessions, usually in 8-week blocks. Centerburg is a bit of a drive from Hilliard, but it is another established barn if the closer programs are full or you want a second option to visit.
Shane Center detailsStockhands Horses for Healing
Stockhands offers therapeutic services and creative equine programs, including opportunities that combine reading and time with horses.
Stockhands detailsDreams on Horseback
Dreams on Horseback provides therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, field trips, and other programs for different ages and needs.
Dreams on Horseback detailsDiscovery Riders
Discovery Riders welcomes riders of different ages and abilities for equine-assisted activities, summer camps, and Special Olympics participation.
Discovery Riders detailsFlying Horse Farms
Flying Horse Farms is a medical specialty camp for children with serious illnesses. Horses are part of a larger camp experience provided at no cost to families.
Flying Horse Farms detailsWillow Ridge Therapeutic Riding
Willow Ridge is a nonprofit that has provided equine-assisted therapy for children with physical or emotional needs since 2003.
Willow Ridge detailsPrograms for Older Teens and Adults
Some local adaptive sports are designed mainly for older participants. They are still helpful to know about early, especially for families looking for activities that can continue into adulthood.
Greater Columbus Para-Adaptive Rowing
The Greater Columbus Rowing Association uses adapted coaching, rowing machines, equipment, and single or double shells to help adults with disabilities row indoors and on the water.
Adaptive rowing detailsOhioHealth Fore Hope Adaptive Golf
Fore Hope offers individual and group golf for people living with stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological, cognitive, or physical challenges.
Fore Hope detailsPrograms for Specific Disability Communities
These programs have more specific eligibility. We included them because they may be exactly what another family is trying to find.
CP Soccer Columbus
CP Soccer provides a local team and sport pathway specifically for ambulatory children and teens within the CP, stroke, and TBI classifications.
CP Soccer ColumbusOhio State School for the Blind Athletics
School athletics include goalball, swimming, track and field, wrestling, cheerleading, and other activities for students with visual impairments.
OSSB athleticsCentral Ohio Blind Hockey
Columbus Ice Hockey Club and the city partner on developmental and competitive blind hockey. Players use an audible puck and sport-specific visual classifications.
Blind hockey detailsSpecial Olympics Programs by Service Area
Special Olympics programs are managed locally, so registration, eligibility, and available sports depend on where a family lives or attends school.
Franklin County DD Special Olympics
A year-round program for eligible Franklin County athletes with developmental disabilities. Sports can include swimming, basketball, bocce, tennis, track, skiing, and team sports.
Franklin County programColumbus Schools Special Olympics
Columbus City Schools coordinates sports such as track, bowling, bocce, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, golf, softball, soccer, swimming, and basketball for eligible students.
Columbus Schools programWorthington Special Olympics
Worthington offers free, year-round athletics for residents with intellectual disabilities, including aquatics, track, basketball, bowling, powerlifting, soccer, and gymnastics when available.
Worthington programSpecial Olympics Delaware County
The Delaware Racers provide year-round training, competition, and social connection for athletes in Delaware County and nearby communities.
Delaware County programWest Licking Warriors Special Olympics
The West Licking Warriors serve Pataskala and western Licking County with basketball, bowling, cheer, track and field, bocce, tennis, and social activities.
West Licking programSports Medicine and Statewide Directories
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.
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.
Turnstone
Turnstone is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, so it is not a weekly Columbus option. It is a full adaptive sports and recreation center, with youth programs (generally ages 5 and up), adult leagues, camps, and sports like wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, rugby, track, and cycling. If you are already heading that way, or you want one place that runs a lot of adaptive sports under one roof, it is worth knowing about.