Everyone Deserves the Chance to Participate and Succeed
At the YMCA, we offer comprehensive inclusion and adaptive support services across a variety of programs, from fitness, swimming, and adaptive sports to day camp, overnight camp, child care, and more.
Our dedicated staff team is trained to provide personalized support, whether through one-on-one assistance, small group activities, or dedicated adaptive programs. In our safe and supportive environment, individuals with disabilities can build confidence, make friends, and reach their full potential.
Explore Our Programs
Find the programs and support services that are right for you or your family. Select a category below to jump to more information.
Join Our Online Community
Find resources, friends, and support in our Y 4 All Abilities Facebook Group.
Fitness & Swim Programs
For children and adults with documented developmental disabilities in qualifying areas, the YMCA offers personalized, one-on-one support in fitness and swimming. Each program is developed with the participant's guardian to accommodate individual needs, build confidence, encourage socialization, and promote independence.
Session Details
Fitness
60-minute sessions
Swimming
30–35-minute sessions
All activities are age-appropriate, and no equipment is required.
Program Locations
Available at participating YMCA locations in:
St. Louis City
St. Louis County
Fees & Financial Assistance:
Standard facility costs apply, with no additional fees for adaptive support. Financial assistance is available.
Questions or Ready to Get Started?
Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support, to learn more about the program and getting started.
Designed for ages 13 and up who need adaptive support for success, No Limits Fitness helps participants build essential fitness skills, independence, and overall well-being in a welcoming, supportive environment. Activities may include seated Zumba, yoga, exercise bands, and balance and stability training.
Ages
13 and up
Session Details
4 weeks · Once per week · 40 minutes
Program Locations
Kirkwood YMCA
Kirkwood, MO
Edward Jones YMCA
Maryland Heights, Missouri
South County YMCA
St. Louis, Missouri
Fees & Financial Assistance:
$40 for YMCA members; $60 for nonmembers. Financial assistance is available.
Questions?
Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support.
Semi-private Adaptive Swim designed for individuals that highlights swimming skills and swim safety. Classes are designed to meet participant needs.
Program Length
6 weeks
Session Schedule
Once a week · 30 minutes
Program Locations
Locations and availability may vary. Please contact our Adaptive Support team for current program locations and additional information.
Fees & Financial Assistance:
$147 per session. Financial assistance is available.
Questions or Ready to Get Started?
Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support, at sherri.rocklage@gwrymca.org to learn more about locations, availability, and getting started.
Child Care
For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years with diagnosed disabilities, the Y offers individualized support to help them play, explore, learn, and connect with others in an enriching early childhood environment.
Program Schedule: Year-round, Monday through Friday, full-day programming.
Program Locations
Illinois
Tri-City YMCA Youth Development Center
Granite City
Missouri
Bayer YMCA
St. Louis City
Edward Jones YMCA
Maryland Heights
Mid-County YMCA Minier Center
Brentwood
Fees & Financial Assistance:
Standard Early Childhood Education fees apply, with no additional cost for inclusion support. Financial assistance is available.
Questions or Ready to Get Started?
Email Meredith Nero, Program Director – Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
The Y offers individualized support for children ages 5–13 with diagnosed disabilities through our recreation-based Y Club Before & After School Enrichment Program. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can play, build friendships, develop confidence, and grow alongside their peers within their school community.
Program Schedule: Follows the school-year calendar.
Program Locations
Y Club is offered at various locations throughout the Gateway Region. Explore our offerings to find locations, schedules, and registration information.
Don't see your child's school? Contact the child care director at your local YMCA branch. If there is enough interest, we may be able to expand Y Club programming to additional schools.
Fees & Financial Assistance:
Standard Y Club fees apply, with no additional cost for inclusion support. Financial assistance is available.
How to Register
When registering online for Y Club, please indicate in the registration Q&A section if your child has a disability diagnosed by a doctor or school. Your YMCA branch will follow up by email with additional information and any required forms.
Questions?
Email Meredith Nero, Program Director – Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
Summer Camp
The Y offers individualized support for children ages 5–13 with diagnosed disabilities through our recreational Summer Day Camp programs. We strive to create meaningful inclusion opportunities for all children by providing additional support with social skills, behavioral needs, and physical access so campers can participate, make friends, and enjoy their summer.
Program Schedule: Weekly camp sessions throughout the summer.
Program Locations
Summer Day Camp is offered at participating YMCA locations throughout the Gateway Region. Explore our camp offerings to find locations, schedules, and registration information.
Fees & Financial Assistance:
Families pay standard Summer Day Camp fees, with no additional cost for inclusion support. Financial assistance is available.
How to Register
When registering online for Summer Day Camp, please indicate in the registration Q&A section if your child has a disability diagnosed by a doctor or school. Your YMCA branch will follow up by email with additional information and any required forms.
Questions?
Email Meredith Nero, Program Director – Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
YMCA Camp Lakewood gives children and teens ages 6–17 with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures, build friendships, develop independence, and experience the excitement of overnight camp in a supportive environment.
Ages
6–17 years
Camp Sessions
3-night and 5-night sessions offered weekly throughout the summer
Fees & Financial Assistance:
Families pay standard YMCA Camp Lakewood fees, with no additional cost for inclusion support. Financial assistance is available.
How to Register
When registering online for YMCA Camp Lakewood, please indicate if your child has a disability diagnosed by a doctor or school. The YMCA team will follow up by email with additional information and any required forms.
Questions?
Email Meredith Nero, Program Director – Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
Adaptive Sports Programs
Adaptive Sports Programs at the Y give children and adults with disabilities opportunities to get active, learn new skills, build confidence, and enjoy sports in a safe, welcoming environment. With a variety of programs offered throughout the year, participants can have fun, connect with others, and experience the benefits of being part of a team.
Program Schedule: Various adaptive sports programs offered year-round. Schedules and availability vary by program and location.
Program Locations
Chesterfield YMCA
Downtown Belleville YMCA
O'Fallon Park Rec Complex
South County YMCA
Wildwood YMCA
Fees & Financial Assistance:
Fees vary by program. Financial assistance is available.
Questions?
Email David Cox, Adaptive Sports Director, for more information.
Employment Preparation
TEAMWORK helps young adults ages 18–24 with disabilities build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to navigate life after high school. Through hands-on learning, meaningful experiences, and community connections, participants receive support as they prepare for greater independence in adulthood.
Program Opportunities
Education & Job Training
Developing skills for employment and everyday life.
Social Opportunities
Building friendships and connections through social events.
Health & Wellness
Supporting healthy habits and overall well-being.
Volunteerism
Giving back and becoming involved in the community.
Program Location
Monroe County YMCA
Fees & Financial Assistance:
$50 per month. Financial assistance is available.
Questions or Interested in TEAMWORK?
Contact Alyssa Frank, Monroe County YMCA Executive Director, for more information.
Our Impact
Meet some of our participants' stories on how they have been impacted by the Y.
Andrew's Y Story
"Adaptive Fitness has helped my son gain confidence, become more socially engaged and most importantly, has taught him to swim independently! There are so many benefits to this wonderful program and we hope to continue in it." – Kate P.
Sam's Y Story
Sam has lost 128 pounds through the Adaptive Fitness program. Sam’s mom says, “You are truly changing Sam’s life! What you do matters. I’ve been involved in a great deal of programming for people with disabilities over the years and yours is top tier.
Colin's Y Story
"Have you ever met someone who exudes joy and excitement? Colin is that person! He joined Adaptive Fitness in February 2022. His goal is to become stronger, lose weight and breathe better. Colin works extremely hard to achieve his goals with a big smile on his face. If you see Colin working out, he does not mind if you stop to say hello!" - Dominique, Adaptive Fitness Instructor
Thank You to Our Partners!
We're thankful for the generosity of our partners who provide additional support funding.
