Find in-person or virtual activities for children who have special needs and their parents and families. Many events provide sensory-friendly and inclusive activities for all abilities. Check out the following happenings in the region.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events are subject to change. Please check with venues before attending an event to ensure times and availability are valid and to understand health guidelines. Please follow state guidelines, including wearing face coverings, maintaining 6 feet apart from others and washing hands. Visit northeastohioparent.com for more upcoming events.
MONDAY-THURSDAY
Flight. A social skills group that offers different interventions to meet each child’s specific needs and can serve as an alternative for preschool/kindergarten or school preparation for children starting school in the future. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Reaching New Heights, 6960 S. Edgerton, Brecksville, 440-241-8366, reachingnewhts.com
TUESDAYS
Sensory-Friendly Jump. Less crowded environment with sound reduction and modified safety measures. 7-8 p.m. Sky Zone, 750 Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, skyzone.com
WEDNESDAYS
Adaptive Hip Hop Class. This energetic dance class will focus on trends in hip hop dance that are age appropriate and adaptable for any ability. Meets in-person and virtually. Ages 7 and up. 4-4:45 p.m. Beyond Words Music & Dance Center, 6048 Royalton Road, North Royalton, beyondwordscenter.org
THURSDAYS
Move It, Groove It. A virtual exercise class designed by board-certified music therapists that joins the power of music with purposeful movement for people of all abilities. Ages 12 and up. The Groovy Garfoose, 440-252-2822, groovygarfoose.com
Sib’s Support Club. For children who have a sibling with special needs where they can gain peer support and participate in fun, social activities. Third Thursday of each month. Boys meet 4:15-5:15 p.m. and girls meet 5:30-7 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com
ONGOING
Buddy Builders. Designed for children with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome who need help with the subtle details of being a friend. Participants will cooperate, collaborate and converse. Ages 8-12. ABA Outreach Services, 6537 Brecksville Road, Independence, 216-272-3963, aba-therapy.com
Commanders of Communication. Designed for children who need to learn to gracefully win and lose games, expand pretend play, compromise and increase flexibility. Ages 5-8. ABA Outreach Services, 6537 Brecksville Road, Independence, 216-272-3963,
aba-therapy.com
Welcoming Spaces. To help make your visit as enjoyable and engaging as possible, the museum has partnered with Monarch Center for Autism’s Welcoming Spaces Program to develop customized visual, social, communicative, sensory and behavioral supports. Children’s Museum Cleveland, 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmcleveland.org
January 4-2/22
Adapted Music Lessons. Individualized lesson format facilitated by a board-certified music therapist. Music Therapy Enrichment Center, 26121 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-250-0091, mtecincorporated.com
January 9
The KIDnections Group Virtual Cooking Class. Anyone in your household of any age who can cook or assist with cooking is invited to participate. 10-11 a.m. The KIDnections Group, thekidnectionsgroup.com
January 16 & 23
Virtual Music Therapy & More. Virtual hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills, as well as behavior. 10-10:30 a.m. Connecting for Kids, connectingforkids.org/music
January 19
Sensory Storytime. Children of all ages and abilities are welcomed to this interactive, inclusive storytime specifically designed to support the developmental needs of those with sensory challenges. 6:30 p.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, 440-942-3200, we247.org
Are we missing your event? Please email [email protected] to be added to this list!
