Socialization is an important part of development for all children. Having a place to go where children can play together both indoors and outdoors is imperative for a healthy mental well-being.
So when you have children with disabilities, or limitations on what they can do, the opportunities for socialization can be greatly decreased.
However, with a little research you can find resources for parents as well as a host of opportunities in which your child can participate in the Pierce County area.
Start by looking at the local park district activity calendar. Pierce County Parks and Recreation offers many activities, events, and outings for disabled children. They include:
Ongoing Weekly Programs
The Weekly Scene - Each week children of all ages can select one night during which they can play games, dance, and participate in the arts.
Metro Milers - is a group for people who want to learn about nutrition and fitness.
Daytimes - provides activities for children ranging from crafts, and playing games, to socialization and exercise.
Outdoor Adventure Club- in this club your child can learn about the outdoors, and do activities such as rock climbing and hiking.
Special Olympics and Sports
This program encompasses fitness and sport-training. The following is a list of upcoming sports programs:
September - Bowling, Volleyball
November - Basketball
Other programs:
Tacoma Around the Town - Designed for people with disabilities, this initiative gives disabled children a chance to have fun on trips that have included: dinner and a movie, lunch and bowling, horseback riding, quad racing, county fairs, rock climbing, and trips to museums.
Out and About - This program allows disabled people age 15 and older to take trips outside Tacoma, including: Long Beach Kite Festival, Seattle sporting events, Emerald Downs, Future of Flight, Olympic Game Farm, Snoqualmie Pass, Space Needle and whale watching.
Info or to volunteer: 591-5314 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Washington PAVE - is a non-profit organization that shares information and resources with people who have children and adults who have disabilities.
Below are some resources offered through PAVE:
360 Military Family Center - This is a center for military families who have children with disabilities. Through the center, families can get health care, mental health and special education early intervention assistance, and up to 15 hours of respite care a month.
Community Inclusion Program - provides meetings and events
Specialty Training of Military Parents - (STOMP) - is a federally funded program that provides support, activities, and training to military families throughout the United States and overseas.
Info or to volunteer: PAVE, 6316 So. 12th St. Tacoma, 565-2266, email:pave@wapave.org, www.wapave.org.
Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities
This is a non-profit organization that provides information for families with children with developmental disabilities, that includes resource links, a newsletter, a resource guide, educational meetings and workshops, information on resource fairs, how to advocate for your child, and how to have your voice heard on topics of concern in the state legislature.
Info or to volunteer: 564-0707 or www.pc2online.org.