Recreational/Leisure/Arts Activities & Instruction

Located along the Rio Grande River near downtown Albuquerque, the ABQ BioPark consists of: The ABQ BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium, and Tingley Beach.

Come to Chatter Paint where we encourage messes and painting outside the lines! It’s a place for creatives and non-creatives, artists and non-artists alike. We also offer a black light experience for all your social media needs.

Chatter Paint is perfect for birthday parties, a fun night with friends, a unique date night, a family night out, or for those who want to throw paint at each other.

Daniel Webster Children’s Park in South Los Altos is colorful, bright and inviting to children of all ages and abilities. The accessible ramps expand throughout the entire PlayBooster® play structure where kids will find interactive sensory panels, multiple climbers, and playground slides. The OmniSpin® spinner brings kids of all abilities together to interact and play. Additionally, SkyWays shade structures were integrated into the playground design to protect visitors from UV rays and heat.

At Cima Live, Laugh, Play, we believe in the therapeutic use of motion to assist in self-regulation and emotional well-being. The benefits of a Sensory rich atmosphere are well documented and we have been utilizing them since 2011. Our staff members at Cima Live, Laugh, Play are actively enriching the lives of children and creating a community of passionate people who love being healthy and having fun! We are the perfect place for pre-teen children who need some extra movement and motion. We offer a variety of swings, a trampoline, riding cars, a zip-line, and an assortment of toys and play sets that are sure to bring out the smiles and giggles.

Nose to Toes Yoga Studio Owner, Liz Fitzgerald, is an experienced Kids Yoga Teacher, who guides kids in Summer Camps, Afterschool classes, Birthday Parties, Private & Group Classes. We teach kids how to move their body in coordination with their Super-Power Breathing. KIDS LOVE YOGA BECAUSE IT IS FUN! In our studio, kids of all abilities learn to bend and stretch to build strength, flexibility and focus. We create works of art and learn to work together and make new friends. Our Lil' Yogi Summer Camp-ages 4-8, runs 4 days from 6/22-6/25. Camp times of 9am-12noon. Cost is $175/per child. Our Powerful Warriors Summer Camp-ages 9-13, runs 4 days from 7/13-7/16. Camp Times of 1pm-4pm.

Greetings Trans and Queer Lobos, Allies, Advocates, and Accomplices! Thank you for visiting the LGBTQ Resource Center. To promote a more inclusive campus, the LGBTQ Resource Center provides a number of services to students, staff, and faculty. Some of these are also available to community members. Services include:

a. Educational Programming;
b. Computer Pod (UNM affiliates only);
c. Counseling;
d. HIV Testing;
e. Library through the LIBROS system (UNM affiliates only);
f. Lounge Area;
g. Safer Sex Resources;
h. Safe Zone Trainings.

Self Serve is a sex-positive, health- and education-focused adult shop and resource center. We believe that sex is healthy and pleasure is good for you. Everyone on staff at Self Serve is a trained sex educator, and we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where our customers can learn about sex. We carefully curate our products before we decide what to carry to ensure that everything on our shelves is body-safe and the best quality available on the market. Self Serve offers:

a. Fun and informative classes & workshops;
b. High quality, non-toxic toys;
c. Premium, glycerin-free lubricants;
d. Essential items for sexual health;
e. Body products;
f. Books;
g. Safer sex supplies;
h. BDSM gear.

The UNM Women's Resource center has been and continues to be an advocate for women on campus and in the community promoting the establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures which address issues of institutionalized sexism & racism, sexual harassment, and all other forms of discrimination in the classroom, on campus, and beyond.

Accessibility is important to the UNM Women's Resource Center. Reaching out to all genders and parents in the community, the WRC is a safe, a family friendly environment offering a universal restroom, family friendly computer pod, and lactation stations throughout campus for women returning to work, or study.

The WRC is working REMOTELY at this time, however, interested parties being provided include:

a. Virtual confidential and anonymous advocacy appointments,
b. Resource navigation,
c. Free counseling telepatherapy,
d. Survivor support chatroom,
e. SNAP Application Assistance,
f. Eating Disorder Group,
g. New Student Parent Programming,
h. New Virtual Yoga

Empowering communities to elevate individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through inclusion, advocacy, and friendship. Hosts educational, inclusive events and programs for New Mexico’s Autism Community.

Events Page: https://elevatethespectrum.org/events/

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).

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy, education, and science at public libraries across the United States throughout the summer.

Wilderwood: A Unique Program

Wilderwood Equine Therapy’s program is a unique equine-assisted and college-equivalent classroom curriculum designed by autistics for autistics. The three-semester (9-month) program is for autistic teens and adults to strengthen their self-perception and self-possibility, achieve career and employment goals, and embrace and celebrate the innate connection between horses and autistics.

Wilderwood also rescues unwanted horses, provides them a lifetime loving home, and educates the community about horses and autism.

The fastest growing music school in New Mexico is Music on the Westside. Every year, we teach hundreds of classes to kids ranging in age from 4 to adult, including pupils with special needs. We help teach any instrument you or your child wants to learn: piano, electric and acoustic guitar, drums, ukulele, voice, violin, and cello, all at one place.

Since 2001, ABWL has served the Greater Albuquerque Community as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Our aim is to collaborate with others to provide the essential assistance for persons with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives, including employment, education, leisure, and relationships. We also educate others about the challenges that persons with developmental impairments experience. We give community outreach information such as events and fundraisers.

The mission of Rio Arriba County Senior Program is to encourage the Seniors’ of Rio Arriba County both well and frail to utilize our programs and services to enrich their lives by providing a coordinated system of opportunities to promote independent living, and overall well being with the primary focus on the rural and low-income minority.

Services include Congregate Meals, Home-delivered Meals, Transportation, Recreation, Adult Day Care and Personal Care Options.

Senior Affairs provides activities and opportunities to promote active and healthy aging.

Call our Senior Assistance Line (505) 764-6400 or TTY: 1-800-659-8331, Mon. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Down Syndrome Families of Las Cruces is a place where families can find love, hope, encouragement, and support. We want to provide opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to grow, learn skills that will help them be self-sufficient, and provide a community where they can have friends and activities. We also strive to educate the community on Down syndrome and special needs.

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.

Mile High Little League has a Challenger League for children and young adults who have disabilities.

VIP Program
The AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.

VIP teams may include:

Blind or visually impaired
Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
Mentally or emotionally challenged
Autistic
Down syndrome
Cerebral Palsy

The Mountain Dojo is an inclusive, donation-based Art and Movement school. 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 Just for Kicks, and Stef Graner, formerly Full Spectrum Drumming, these classes are adapted to fit their students' abilities and needs. Ultimately, they want all individuals to have fun, learn new skills, and connect to others. All classes are by donation. They believe that everyone should have a chance to take classes no matter their economic situation. Check out their schedule at www.themountaindojo.com. Contact Stef Graner at 701-720-8634 or stefgraner@gmail.com for more info.

SAGA offers Shining Stars classes for children who have disabilities.

This playground is wheelchair accessible and has a soft, rubber mat surface for playing on the ground. The playground is shaded, and the equipment is accessible to children of all ages and abilities. Restrooms are accessible.

La Ladera is a fully integrated and inclusive playground for children of all abilities. It has a smooth surface and is wheelchair accessible.

La Ladera Inclusive Playground is designed so that children of all abilities – including those with physical and developmental disabilities – can use the playground, side by side.

Sensory play equipment such as bongos, bells, chimes, mirrors, mazes, and kaleidoscope prisms for children, especially for those with autism and other sensory processing disorders, accessible OmniSpin Spinner, Oodle Swing, and molded bucket seat swing were added to accommodate children with physical disabilities. Infrastructure includes a 1,980 square-foot shade structure, 1,800 square feet of PebbleFlex safety surfacing, accessible parking spaces, and sidewalks.

A Park Above has inclusive play equipment that is accessible to children of all ages and abilities. There is a water splash area, a labyrinth, a basketball court, special equipment, musical instruments, hills, tunnels, slides, wheelchair swings, and shade structures. Restrooms are accessible.

The City of Albuquerque Open Space Division has several accessible recreation locations for all visitors. A list of accessible trails in the Albuquerque area can be found on the website.

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 is the only camp in New Mexico that is for Teens and kids with physical disabilities. Camp Adventure provides opportunities for campers to unleash the possibilities of their abilities in areas of sports, music, art, and more.

Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation is a philanthropic organization providing individualized services that bridge the gap for families and children with special needs that enable them to reach their full potential by giving them the same opportunities as children who are typically developing.

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.

Mixed Ability/ Adaptive Dance Program
Mixed Ability is a way of teaching in which participants of different abilities are taught together in the same class. Other terminology is integrated dance, inclusive dance, or adaptive dance.

Provides early childhood and adult services.

Adult Services:
Living Supports - Family Living
Community Integrated Employment
Customized Community Supports
Living Supports - Supported Living
Respite Services

Child Services:
Special Instruction & Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Service Coordination
Speech & Language Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Vision Services
Hearing Services
Nutrition Services
Social Work Services
Psychological Services
Family Education & Counseling
Medical-Related to Diagnosis & Evaluation
Nursing Services
Health Services
Transportation Services
Respite
Center-Based Playgroup - Ages 2-3 years of age

Creating opportunities for inspirational discovery and the joy lifelong learning through interactive experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Special Olympics is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.

Provides therapeutic riding programs. Individual and group riding for individuals with special needs.

Services: Using Equine movement as part of Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy, aka Hippotherapy

Insurances Accepted: Presbyterian, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Molina, and Centennial Care/Medicaid MCOs: Presbyterian, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Molina

Other: Facility therapy dog also a treatment option

Using Equine movement as part of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, aka Hippotherapy

Eligibility/Ages: 3 years to adulthood; Initial screening to determine eligibility

Insurance Accepted: Presbyterian, DD Waiver, Mi Via Waiver, Private Pay, and Centennial Care/Medicaid MCO: Presbyterian

Our center is dedicated to full accessibility in the arts for people of all abilities, ages, cultures and income levels.
The N4th program in the visual, performing and literary arts offers artists with disabilities a year round schedule of classes, presentations, exhibitions and sales opportunities. The classes, resident performing arts companies, events and community connections all operate from the North Fourth Art Center, which includes two programs that serve everyone in the Albuquerque arts community, N4th Theater & N4th Gallery.

N4th Theater is a well-equipped and accessible black box theater for both in-house and community use. N4th Gallery exhibitions feature artists from the community as well as N4th artists and touring exhibits in a series of professionally-mounted exhibits annually.

Since 1985, the Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico has offered therapeutic recreational activities to children and adults with disabilities. Today, ASPNM proudly 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 you are interested in getting involved as an athlete, volunteer, or supporter, please contact us for more information.

Since 1957, ARCA has provided opportunities for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and cognitive disabilities to enjoy great lives. ARCA is a private not-for-profit organization opening doors for over 700 children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and cognitive disabilities to live great lives. Since 1957, our services continue in the spirit of our founding Albuquerque families. We provide customized opportunities for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and cognitive disabilities to live, work and enjoy rich recreational experiences in valued community roles.

Services include Acquired Brain Injury Services, Independent Living, Supported Living, Family Living, InterCare Living, Meaningful day Program, Supported Employment, ARCA Janitorial Services, La Paloma Greenhouse, SMART Living Program, Health Services, Health Promotion Initiatives, Foster Care, Prader-Willi Syndrome Project, and Respite.

Provides classes based in musical exploration. Kindermusik focuses on these developmental areas: Language, vocal, cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, social emotional, and musical development.

Online Locator: Find a Kindermusik class near you.

National internet-based locator