Recreational Activities & Instruction

Chatter Paint is Albuquerque’s first splatter paint studio. Chatter Paint believes in the freedom of creative expression, without pressure or expectations and is extended to those of all ages and backgrounds. They provide a space to express one's true self and believe art comes from authentic emotion, when there are no expectations for the end result. Child-safe, water based tempera paint is used and does not have any unpleasant chemical odors, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and meets international safety standards. Chatter Paint also offers service in Spanish.

Nose to Toes Yoga Studio guides kids in summer camps, afterschool classes, birthday parties, and private and group classes. They teach kids how to move their body in coordination with their Super-Power Breathing. In their studio, kids of all abilities learn to bend and stretch to build strength, flexibility and focus. Kids can also create works of art and learn to work together and make new friends. The Lil' Yogi Summer Camp is for ages 4 to 8 and the Powerful Warriors Summer Camp if for ages 9 to13.

Expressions of Joy is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bringing the joy of music to adults with special needs in the Albuquerque, NM community. Expressions of Joy has an email newsletter interested parties can sign up, or visit our Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/ABQJoy/?pageid=207489559281869&ftentidentifier=3324023407628453&padding=0, for additional follow-up and updates.

Sunshine Ambassadors, Inc., enriches the life's of individuals with disabilities though dance! Teaches Choreography Techniques to include mind balance, focus, sensory, processing, cognitive, and other issues (movements and dances also work with individuals who use wheelchairs, braces, or gait trainers) tailored to the wide range of needs for individuals with disabilities. Serves students from age 3-to-46 years old (both children and adults).(*Note: Does not have a physical address and fax. You can also reach Rebekah Sullivan at 865-274-8400 in Albuquerque. They also have two contacts for Silver City, NM: Vicki Galindo at 575-590-7957 (Vgalindo@arcnm.org) or Maria Perkins (mariaperkins@gmail.com). If you wish to get in contact with the Executive Director: Melanie O'Dowd at (865)-621-8273 (Melodowd77@gmail.com).

In Rio Rancho, Music on the Westside provides lessons for piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, drum, kids rock band and various camps and workshops. They offer private lessons in studio, small group classes, and music classes for younger children. They also offer instruments and accessories for rent for band, orchestra, and guitar and ukulele. Classes are available for children and adults, starting at age 4 including pupils with special needs. Both online and in-person options offered. Lessons are available all year, 6 days a week-- first come, first serve.

Guided by Jewish values and tradition, the Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center strives to enrich and inspire the entire community by offering quality, multi-generational fitness, wellness, cultural, recreational, social, and educational programs in a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment that is respectful to all. The JCC offers adaptive swim lessons for individuals of all ages who have disabilities. There is also an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program for children with ASD.

The Fish Factory offers swim lessons for all children, including children who have disabilities.

The Mountain Dojo is a donation-based Art and Movement school that provides an inclusive creative space for individuals with and without disabilities. They offer Martial Arts, Music, and Art classes for all ages including a 3-hour respite arts program called Arts Adventures. Run by Logan Gillespie, formerly of Just for Kicks, and Stef Graner, formerly of Full Spectrum Drumming, these classes are adapted to fit their students' abilities and needs. All classes by donation. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, interested parties will need to contact Stef Graner at 701-720-8634 or stefgraner@gmail.com for information on class schedules and to book classes.

Saga is dedicated to improving the quality of all children's lives by helping them realize and achieve their fullest potential with the development of their minds, body, and confidence through gymnastics. Saga offers classes for children with special needs. Children who have diagnosed disabilities such as, but not limited to, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cystic Fibrosis, Developmental Delays or physical disabilities are eligible to participate in these classes.

The Department of Family and Community Services provides quality health and social services, housing, recreation, and education to improve the quality of life for every community in Albuquerque. This program is fully inclusive and offers a variety of services that include art, leisure education, performing arts, gross motor activities, and games. Programs are offered throughout the city for persons with and without disabilities, ages 6 through high school, and there are some programs for adults.

This monthly themed dance is in the Family Life Center and is for the developmentally delayed community, ages 18 and up.

Keshet offers dance classes, dance outreach programs, summer camps, a program for youth and adults with physical disabilities, and annual productions. The Mixed Ability class is a way of teaching in which participants of different abilities are taught together in the same class. Other terminology used for the class is integrated dance, inclusive dance, or adaptive dance.

The NMSU Therapeutic Riding (TR) Program consists of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) that are designed to improve the quality of life for people of different ages and abilities by using horsemanship programs and outdoor experiential education to develop confidence, self-worth, and active community participation. These EAATs can help children and adults with physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges gain strength and independence. EAATs help people from all backgrounds and walks of life in a variety of ways, including increasing strength and flexibility, improving motor skills, promoting speech and cognitive reasoning, and building relationships and social skills.

The New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding (NMCTR) provides instruction in riding and horsemanship with the goal of expanding the cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills and well-being of individuals with special needs. NMCTR holds several eight-week sessions yearly, as well as a week-long summer camp, with individual and/or group riding lessons for persons with special needs. Students of all ages and abilities participate in the program. Instructors, who are certified by PATH Intl., develop a lesson plan that is specific to each individual’s needs and goals. In addition to serving persons with special needs, NMCTR also offers riding to seniors over 60.

North Fourth Art Center provides accessibility in the arts for people of all abilities, ages, cultures and income levels. The N4th programs in the visual, performing and literary arts offers artists with disabilities a year-round schedule of classes, presentations, exhibitions and sales opportunities. The North Fourth Art Center has two programs that serve the Albuquerque arts community, the N4th Theater and the N4th Gallery. The N4th Theater is an equipped and accessible black box theater for both in-house and community use. The N4th Gallery exhibitions feature artists from the community, N4th artists and touring exhibits.

Since 1985, the Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico has offered therapeutic recreational activities to children and adults with disabilities. Today, ASPNM offers a wide variety of adaptive sports year-round, including skiing, snowboarding, watersports, river rafting, yoga, rock climbing, and more. Programs are open to children and adults with disabilities at locations throughout New Mexico. Some programs are open to family members and caregivers. Veteran-specific programs are offered periodically throughout the year. If anyone is interested in getting involved as an athlete, volunteer, or supporter, please contact ASPNM for more information.

Founded by paraplegic outdoorsman and athlete Dustin Berg, GO Unlimited is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with disabilities by creating access to adaptive sporting and outdoor adventure opportunities. New Mexico is a truly enchanting place. Explore 10,000 foot tall mountain pine forest peaks or venture into red sandstone mesas in vast historically rich desert country. Wildlife such as elk, deer, black bear, cougar and antelope roam the wilds of New Mexico. GO Unlimited adventures take place primarily during the summer months and include activities such as; camping, fishing, trekking, trail riding, hand-cycling and wildlife viewing. We provide quality expeditions for individuals and groups. One of our most popular services is our adaptive fishing trips. We use a wheelchair accessible pontoon boat to access many of the lakes located across New Mexico. The species of fish we target include; walleye, trout, bass, salmon, tiger muskie and catfish. To attend a GO Unlimited adventure please use the contact us page and complete the registration form. A waiver/media release can also be located on the contact us page and needs to be submitted with your registration form.

Just for Kicks offers a fully inclusive, adaptive martial arts program designed to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their siblings, friends, and peers. Instruction is provided for individuals across the lifespan and at any ability level on a year-round weekly basis.

Located in downtown Albuquerque, OFFCenter Community Arts Project is a non-profit supporting and celebrating creativity in all its forms. They aim is to enhance the lives of all people in the community by providing a safe and supportive environment for art-making and social interaction. They aim to encourage and respect creativity in all its forms, partner with other groups to serve more people, develop and promote economic opportunities for artists, and continuing to evolve and grow.

Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation Equipment for the Physically Challenged. Free shipping over $99.

Provides families and individuals with easy access to destinations and attractions that are trained and certified in autism and special needs care. Website includes directories of Certified Autism Travel Professionals and Certified Autism Center destinations and resources for traveling with an individual with special needs.

Provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that children with disabilities are given full access to quality education, support, and resources.

Services Include:

• Early Intervention
• Early Childhood Education
• Make the First Five Count Childhood Development Screening Tool
• Nationwide Directory for Inclusive Child Care Programs
• Camping and Recreation Programs
• Family Support and Resources
• Transportation Assistance and Support
• Employment and Training
• Financial Capability and Homebuying

​Reach for the Stars Hot Air Balloon Foundation is a non-profit corporation with unique, easy-entry custom baskets allow people with limited mobility, as well as wheelchair users, to experience a tethered ride or a traditional flight. They offer a wide range of services including traditional flights, tethered flights, educational booths and programs, nights glows, static inflations and walk-in events. The foundation seeks to have the balloon experience available to community events, camps, balloon festivals, organizations and corporations as well as to individuals wanting a private flight.

Provides fishing outings for children with special health care needs.

• Disability Related Sports