At The New Canaan YMCA…

We are proud to serve all members of our community. All individuals are welcome and encouraged to participate in our traditional programs; adaptations and accommodations are available where need exists. If you or a member of your family requires additional assistance, or to explore the options available to you, please do not hesitate to contact Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Special Needs Programming, at (203) 966-4528, ext. 156.

The YMCA has specifically designed several programs with special needs in mind. Please take note that all programs, including specialized programs, are open to all YMCA members, regardless of need or ability.

The New Canaan YMCA is proud to offer the following specialized programs for individuals with special needs:

Unified Sports, a registered program of Special Olympics International, combines individuals with special needs (athletes) and peer buddies (partners) on sports teams for training and competition. The Unified Sports program strives to consist of an equal number of athletes and partners of similar age and ability. Athletes and partners compete side-by-side, each one a meaningful and integral part of the Unified Sports team.

YSN AQUATICS:

• Angelfish (ages 2--7)

A small group class for children with special needs and his or her parent (ages 2-6 and 7-12). This class will use therapeutic techniques to strengthen muscles, normalize muscle tone, and modulate the sensory system. Using the water’s properties of buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic pressure, we will meet each child’s individual needs. This class is run by Ailene Tisser-Physical Therapist, along with other therapists and a YMCA instructor. The focus will be on parent education regarding therapeutic activities, basic swim skills, peer interaction, motor planning, and mostly FUN! Siblings cannot swim at this time but will be invited to swim on the last class at the instructor’s discretion.

• TLC Salamander

This is a “bridging” class especially for children with special needs who are ready to be introduced to a regular swim lesson format. All children must be evaluated by the Aquatics Department prior to registering to determine if this is the appropriate class for them. The class ratio will be 1 instructor to 3 children. Registration will not be accepted without Director’s approval.

• Buddy Swim

The New Canaan YMCA is proud to offer a class for children with special needs aged 7-12 years old led by an instructor. Children are grouped with 1-2 high school volunteers who will work on their skills under the direction of the swim instructor.

• Teen Gym & Swim (ages 13--18)

A combination gymnastics and swim program for teenagers with special needs! Teens must be able to swim independently.

YSN EXPLORATION & GYMNASTICS:

• Explorer  and Family Explorer Classes

These exploratory gymnastics classes, designed for children with special needs, offer a semi-structured format of instruction, allowing children the freedom to move from station to station and explore a variety of gymnastics skills at their own pace in the great Higgins gym. Instructors will assist parents and children at each station and nurture interest, motivate them to try new things, set goals, and encourage a love of gymnastics. As participants climb the mountain, bounce on the trampoline, walk across obstacles, roll over the bars, and swing on the rings, their spatial awareness, self-confidence, and love of physical activities will be increasing every moment.

YSN Wellness:

• YSN Yoga (ages 8-18)

Enjoy this fun and safe class while learning breathing, stretching, balance, and focusing energy. This interactive yoga class gives children with special needs the basic principles of yoga practice, while maintaining a fun and upbeat environment! Come fly through the sky like a super hero! Explode just like a volcano! Or Jump across a pond like a frog! This fun program is specifically designed for your child with special needs and aims to increase attention span, relaxation, body awareness and self-confidence!

YSN SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING:

• Friday Night Out (Ages 10+)

Parents: HEAD ON OUT FOR A NIGHT IN TOWN AND LEAVE THE KIDS, AND THE FUN, TO US! - We’ll order pizza, play games, and have a different special event for each Friday Night Out! Don’t let your child miss out on the fun!

• Teen Scene (ages 13--18)

Fun evenings together with friends for middle school and high school youth. Join us for dinners in town, evenings at Outback teen center and special events at YMCA. Teen scene is an ideal opportunity for teenagers with special needs to partake in social outings with peers.  

Click here to view our current program brochure, which details class offerings and descriptions.