Recreational/Leisure/Arts 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.

Self Serve is a sex-positive, health- and education-focused adult shop and resource center. They believe that sex is healthy and pleasure is good for you. Everyone on staff at Self Serve is a trained sex educator, and they strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where their customers can learn about sex. Self Serve offers: Fun and informative classes & workshops, High quality, non-toxic toys, Premium, glycerin-free lubricants, Essential items for sexual health, Body products, Books, Safer sex supplies, BDSM gear.

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.

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. They collaborate with libraries to create an inclusive literacy based program that is enjoyable for all ages, provide a reproducible program with a unified theme, share resources and offer professional support. Their programs include early literacy, a children's program, a teen program, and an adult program

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

New Mexico Autism Society is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America and follow their mission statement: Improving the lives of all affected by autism. They strive to create a community of acceptance, support and connection for those affected by autism in New Mexico. They do the following: meet monthly; support autism groups in NM; provide and promote autism-related educational programs and conferences for the community; advocate and educate regarding state and federal legislation to assist families and individuals with autism; plan recreational activities to promote emotional support for families; work on state and local committees with other agencies and organizations to further goals and to improve resources. They work with the Autism Programs at the Center for Development and Disability at the University of New Mexico, in addition to working with other autism providers throughout the state.

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.

​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 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

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.

Arranges and provides all-inclusive vacation packages for adults with various intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Services Include:

• Leisure Activities/Recreation
• Traveling Attendants for People With Disabilities