At the YMCA, everyone deserves the chance to participate and succeed. That's why we offer comprehensive inclusion and adaptive support services across various 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.
Online Community
Find resources, friends and support in our Y 4 All Abilities Facebook Group.
FITNESS AND SWIM PROGRAMS
ADAPTIVE FITNESS/SWIM
Programming Information:
For children and adults with documented developmental disabilities in qualifying areas, the YMCA offers personalized, encouraging one-to-one support in fitness and/or swimming to accommodate specific fitness needs while fostering socialization and independence. We develop an individualized program with the guardian to help meet goals. Fitness sessions are 60 minutes and swimming sessions are 30-35 minutes. Workouts are age appropriate and no equipment is required.
Program Locations:
St. Louis City YMCAs
St. Louis County YMCAs
• Fee: Standard facility cost with no additional fees. Financial assistance is available.
• Learn more & begin: Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support, and view the Adaptive Fitness/Swim Handbook.
NO LIMITS FITNESS
Programming Information:
For ages 13 and up who need adaptive support for success, the Y offers an introduction and practice of essential skills to enhance independence and well-being. Activities may include seated Zumba, yoga, exercise bands, and balance and stability training. Sessions are 4 weeks/1x a week for 40 minutes.
Program Locations:
Kirkwood YMCA
Four Rivers YMCA (Washington, MO)
St. Charles County YMCA (St. Peters, MO)
Fee: $40 for members, $60 for nonmembers. Financial assistance is available.
Questions: Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support.
ADAPTIVE SMALL-GROUP SWIM PROGRAM
Programming Information:
This class is designed for children and adults with disabilities who seek to learn and practice water safety skills within a small group environment. Sessions are 6 weeks/2x a week for 30 minutes.
Program Locations:
Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support.
Fee: $147. Financial assistance is available.
Learn more and begin: Email Sherri Rocklage, Senior Director of Adaptive Support.
CHILD CARE
Please note that ensuring the best match between your child and our support staff may take several weeks. While we strive to accommodate all needs, there may be instances where a child's requirements surpass our program's scope.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Programming Information:
For ages 6 weeks to 5 years with diagnosed disabilities, the Y offers tailored support to provide children with enriching opportunities as they play, explore, and engage with others. Early Childhood Education is a year-round, Monday through Friday, full-day program.
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)
View YMCA Early Childhood Education centers.
Fee: Standard Early Childhood Education (ECE) fee with no additional cost. Financial assistance is available.
Learn more and begin: Email Meredith Nero, Program Director - Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
Y CLUB BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
Programming Information:
The Y offers support to children ages 5-13 who have diagnosed disabilities within our recreation-based childcare program held within schools. Our priority is to create a secure environment where children can thrive in their school community alongside their peers, engaging in play and personal growth. The program follows school year schedules.
Program Locations:
The following YMCAs offer Y Club programming in school districts and individual schools in their service areas.
Illinois:
Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA (Maryville)
Tri-City YMCA Youth Development Center (Granite City)
Missouri:
Edward Jones YMCA (Maryland Heights)
Four Rivers YMCA (Washington)
Jefferson County YMCA (Festus)
Kirkwood YMCA
Mid-County YMCA (Brentwood)
O'Fallon YMCA (O'Fallon, MO)
St. Charles County YMCA (St. Peters)
South City YMCA
South County YMCA
View YMCA branches and their Y Club school locations.
If you’re interested in receiving care at another school, please contact the child care director at your YMCA branch. If there is enough interest, we may be able to serve another school.
Fee: Standard Y Club fees with no additional cost. Financial assistance is available.
Sign Up: When you sign up online for Y Club, let us know in the Q&A section if your child has any diagnosed disability from their doctor or school. The YMCA branch will email more information and forms to you. Registration for the 2024-25 school year will open May 1, 2024.
Questions: Email Meredith Nero, Program Director - Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
SUMMER CAMP
Please note that ensuring the best match between your child and our support staff may take several weeks. While we strive to accommodate all needs, there may be instances where a child's requirements surpass our program's scope.
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Programming Information:
The Y offers 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 in the community through extra support in social skills, behavioral needs, and physical access. Weekly sessions are held throughout the summer.
Program Locations:
View YMCAs offering Summer Day Camp
Fee: Families pay standard camp fees with no additional costs. Financial assistance is available.
Sign Up: When you register online for Summer Day Camp, let us know in the Q&A if your child has any diagnosed disability from their doctor or school and the YMCA branch will email more information and forms to you.
Questions: Email Meredith Nero, Program Director - Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
YMCA CAMP LAKEWOOD
Programming Information:
Children and teens ages 6-17 with disabilities stay away from home and enjoy outdoor activities and the overnight camp experience when they attend YMCA Camp Lakewood. Five- and three-night sessions are held weekly throughout the summer.
Program Location:
YMCA Camp Lakewood in Potosi, MO
Fee: Families pay standard camp fees with no additional costs. Financial assistance is available.
Sign Up: When you register online for YMCA Camp Lakewood, let us know if your child has any diagnosed disability from their doctor or school and the YMCA branch will email more information and forms to you.
Questions: Email Meredith Nero, Program Director - Child Care & Camp Inclusion/Adaptive Support Services.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS
BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, BOWLING & MORE
Programming Information:
For children and adults with disabilities, Adaptive Sports Programs at the Y provide the chance to play sports and participate in learning opportunities in a safe, fun atmosphere. The Y offers many adaptive sports programs year-round.
Program Locations:
Chesterfield YMCA
Downtown BellevilleYMCA
O’Fallon Park Rec Complex (St. Louis City)
South County YMCA
Wildwood YMCA
View YMCA Adaptive Sports programs.
Fees: Vary by program. Financial assistance is available.
Questions: Email April Van Winkle, Adaptive Sports Director.
EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION
TEAMWORK: TRANSITIONING ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES INTO MEANINGFUL WORK
Programming Information:
TEAMWORK assists young adults ages 18-24 with disabilities to become independent adults after high school. The Y provides support through education and job training, social events, health and wellness initiatives, and volunteerism.
Program Location:
Monroe County YMCA
Fee: $50 per month. Financial assistance is available.
Questions: Email David Cox, Senior Program Director.
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
Contact Us
We're thankful for the generosity of our partners who provide additional support funding.
