Older children can benefit from recreational summer or day camps, which provide varied activities for kids of different ages, abilities and interests. These camps aim to build each child’s confidence; they enable participants to have fun and feel independent in a setting away from their families. Camp may provide disabled kids with access to activities such as:
- Athletics (such as adaptive baseball, tennis or horseback riding)
- Arts and crafts
- Music and theater
- Swimming
- Fishing
How will I know if they can provide the appropriate level of care for my child?
The level of medical support and supervision at each camp can vary depending on the target population they serve. It is important for parents to research individual programs to ensure the one you choose is the best fit for your child. Typically, camps of this type will conduct a short screening interview with parents to mutually determine if their camp is a good fit for the child.
Locate camps near you
Programs can be administered through local or community recreational organizations, state programs, or independent entities. Organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) can point parents at resources in their local area. UCP has branches in every state and some states even have regional chapters too!
The following resources can help you begin your search for the perfect summer camp for your disabled child:
- Local Autism Support Branches [such as this one, in Michigan]
- Local Departments of Human Services/Councils on Developmental Disabilities
- Individual State Family Networks [such as the Vermont Family Network]
- Developmental Disabilities Summer Camps
- Retreats, Camps & Recreational Programs for Developmental Delay
- Camp Resources
- Specialized Children’s Camping Experiences
- Disabled World Camp Links Collection
- New Horizons Camps
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Special Needs Resource Directory: Camps and Recreation
- Children’s Dayton Special Needs Camp Resource Directory
About HIE Help Center
HIE Help Center is run by ABC Law Centers, a medical malpractice firm exclusively handling cases involving HIE and related birth injuries since 1997.
If you suspect your child’s HIE may have been caused by medical negligence, contact us today to learn more about pursuing a case. We provide free legal consultations, during which we will inform you of your legal options and answer any questions you have. Moreover, you would pay nothing throughout the entire legal process unless we obtain a favorable settlement.
You are also welcome to reach out to us with inquiries that are not related to malpractice. We cannot provide individualized medical advice, but we’re happy to track down informational resources for you.