Resource Links for People with Disabilities
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN ACCESS TOURS: American Sign Language, audio description, sensory friendly, and memory-loss-focused tours available with paid admission. The Missouri Botanical Garden is offering free access tours and classes specially designed for the disability community. Visitors can request accommodations for any class being offered at the Garden’s three locations including the Missouri Botanical Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve. Register for Classes here or call 314-577-9506.
PACK Dance Company Specialized Dance Class: This adaptive dance program offers universally accessible dance taught by occupational therapy students and trained adapted dance instructors. We are in the Central West End at 465 Taylor Avenue, 63108. This class is for children with disabilities, ages 4-18 and meets on Saturdays from 11:30-12:30 starting August 17. Pack Dance offers scholarships if the cost of the program is a barrier. Contact arica@packdance.org or call 314-546-1477 for information. Cost is $100-$160 for 6-12 week sessions.
Missouri State Parks Beach Chairs Available for Use: Missouri State Parks strives to provide accessible outdoor recreation for all. Beach chairs can help visitors access designated swim areas that may not be suitable for traditional wheelchairs. Missouri State Parks currently has 18 beach chairs in place across the state. This program is sponsored by Missouri State Parks. For detailed accessibility information for each Missouri State Park and Historic Site visit www.mostateparks.com/page/105811/beach-chair-program
TOP SOCCER, ST. CHARLES, MO: TOPSoccer Saint Charles is a local non-profit that provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive. We play seasonally. Email topsoccersaintcharles@gmail.com for questions related to play schedule, donations, volunteering, or other details. FACEBOOK PAGEGrant National Historic Site Accessibility Resources: We want to make a visit to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site an enjoyable experience, while providing the highest level of accessibility for persons of different abilities. Our park website provides detailed information about what we offer at Accessibility – Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site. In addition, the park has a new Junior Ranger book that includes a variety of activities to include people of all ages and abilities. For more information call 314-842-1867 ext. 230
Opera Made Accessible: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis strives to ensure audiences can access opera and experience it as fully as possible, Sensory-conscious Performance & Aids, Accessible Seating, Designated accessible parking, Curb to Seat Service, Accessible Restrooms, Large Print & Braille Programs, Options for Service Animals, Audio Description, and Assistive Listening Devices. Information
L’Arche St. Louis Summer Theater Program (STL), weekly on Mondays from June 10-July 29 at L’Arche St. Louis, 9445 Litzsinger Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144. Join other adults with intellectual disabilities in an inclusive environment while exploring fundamentals of theater. No experience needed. Enjoy the fun! Space is limited and registration is required. For additional details or to reserve a spot, contact Kathie Grant at kathiegrant@larchestlouis.
Sensory Friendly Sundays and Kulture City Sensory Bags at Saint Louis Science Center: The Saint Louis Science Center is proud to announce it has earned a Sensory Inclusive™ certification through a partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit committed to sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. Through the partnership, the Science Center has introduced Sensory Bags that include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, a visual cue card/feeling thermometer and a KultureCity lanyard. In addition, this summer, the Science Center is introducing Sensory Friendly Science Time, a period on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11am, May 26th through September 1st. During these times, guests will experience a reduction in loud noises from the lobby’s ball machine and the Earth Science gallery’s animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, modified lighting, sound reduction and adjustable captioning devices in the OMNIMAX® Theater, sensory and mobility modifications for shows at the McDonnell Planetarium, and dedicated sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Energy Stage. Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager at 314-289-4461 or douglas.bolnick@slsc.org ~ Information
Music Exploratorium (STL), Join your friends at Different Dynamics at The Music Exploratorium serving both youth ages 7-17 and adults. If you loves music, register now to see the inclusive music studio, meet Greg, and make music with new friends. Visit https://differentdynamicsstl.
Harbor Unlimited LAUNCH Events (SCC): FREE monthly activities for families and their loved ones with disabilities. Most events are FREE unless noted. We need volunteers as well. Visit www.harborunlimited.com/events for information and to RSVP.
Celebrating Neurodiversity at the Weber Road Library (STL). Join us on the first Saturday of every month for engaging activities for adults with disabilities and their caregivers. Each month will be a different theme. The program is free and open to any geographic area. Weber Road Branch ~ Event Information
Best Buddies Colleges: St. Louis Arc and Best Buddies Colleges are partnering again this year to help people make connections that can lead to lasting friendships. When you are a part of Best Buddies Colleges, you are committing to making a new friend. The commitment is for at least a year with the expectation that both members are attending regular chapter meetings and engaging in contact with one another on a weekly basis. Communications include phone calls, text messages, social media, emails, etc. We encourage buddy pairs to get together for a hangout at least once a month. Click here for additional information. If you’d like to become a member, click here, choose Missouri and Best Buddies College and then select either Lindenwood University, St. Louis University, or Washington University. Once you register, someone will reach out to you to connect you to meet and greet events and to notify you of a friendship pairing.
Adult Tandem Bike Riding (STL): Achilles St. Louis in partnership with Cycle St. Louis launched an Adult Tandem Bike Riding Program that takes place every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm, starting from the Forest Park Visitor Center. Come ride with us or volunteer to help. Email us HERE. Trailnet BIKE RIDES – Free for those with disabilities. Join Cycle St. Louis for local bike rides in partnership with Big Shark Cycling. Cyclist with disabilities (riders & assistants) get FREE rides, upfront parking, and modified short routes with turnarounds. Cycle St. Louis is now a program of the Recreation Council. Visit our website for more information.
The Arc’s LAUNCH Program is now serving St. Charles residents: Launch is designed for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 16-30, who are interested in beginning to plan for their future. This program offers a combination of one-on-one coaching sessions and group classes to identify and work toward an individual’s goals in relationship development, education, employment, and independent living. Email next@slarc.org or call 314- 569-2211.
- LifeCourseConnect. Learn to manage and organize your plans for achieving a great life. Click here to learn more. Contact a LCC navigator HERE
- St. Louis Self-Advocates Youth Group, Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for ages of 14 and 29 who have a diagnosed disability. Contact Madeline Webster at mebster@slarc.org.
- St. Louis ARC Launch Program for ages 16-25 available in St. Charles County and Jefferson County: Information, or contact JR Johnson at 314-817-2295.
- St. Louis ARC Life Tech Program: Life Tech is a program that supports people with IDD as they identify, acquire, and learn how to use technology to help in their day-to-day life. This personalized, goal-oriented approach pairs assistive technology solutions with individual technology needs.
- CONNECT Meetup Events: Empowers individuals with disabilities 25+ to lead an independent life using individualized and community supports. Click here ~ If you need a device to connect to these groups, apply to get your own tablet through the Recreation Council’s E-Connect initiative – Apply for Recreation Council Tablet Program
- Capable Kids and Families, serving families from birth through 7 years old experiencing a developmental delay; contact Jschaffner@slarc.org or 314-817-2247. www.slarc.org/programs
Think you can’t WATERSKI? Think again!! People with disabilities are invited to try this amazing sport. Visit the MDWSA website to watch our video and for more information. All skiing slots are full for summer 2023, but come out to our MDWSA ski event on August 11 at Lake St. Louis to see how we ski and be ready to sign up for events next year. Information
KEEN – Kids Enjoy Exercise Now: KEEN St. Louis is excited to provide our programs in St. Louis. We have a new, dynamic leadership team and a sustainable path for KEEN St. Louis to thrive. KEEN Sports offers our athletes the opportunity to play, move and have fun with our amazing volunteers. ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE. Register HERE
Craftability Craft Classes: Craftibility Foundation’s mission is to teach children of all abilities to learn to be comfortable & show empathy towards adults with special needs and the elderly population through arts & crafts projects. To do this, a Craftibility instructor conducts arts and craft projects for youth of all abilities and students interact with adults with special needs during each class. Our virtual inclusion club is for neurotypical middle school and high school students who teach an arts and crafts project with an assigned Craftibility lesson plan to adults with special needs.Contact Terri Canis at craftibility@gmail.com to register or call (314) 369-7176 ~ www.Craftibility.org
Bear Cubs Specialized Running Team (STL): Held on the campus of Washington University, Bear Cubs Running Team provides accessible athletic opportunities for families of children with special needs by providing free, weekly running programs led by volunteer varsity college student athletes. Information: www.sites.wustl.edu/bearcubsrunning or 513-505-7396.
TASH Friday Self-Advocate Virtual Coffee Break. It’s an informal virtual get-together. Each week we send out a meeting agenda with three topics of conversation. We have a lively group of regulars. We generally have two fun topics (favorite holiday meal, fantasy vacation) and one more serious about self-advocacy, disability policy, self-determination, etc. You can sign up for notices about the group at the Zoom registration page.
MO Department of Conservation – FREE Nature and Outdoor Classes & Programs: The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers FREE nature classes for outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities. Topics include in wildlife, fishing, hunting, outdoor journaling and painting, hiking, and more. Registration is required for most classes unless indicated.
Down Syndrome Association (Virtual): FREE virtual activities including dance, bingo, Ukulele, and Friday Game Night. All ages. In-person activities resume when construction is finished at our office. Information
Easterseals Midwest Self-determination in Action Project (STL): Free Courses available to St. Louis County and St. Louis City residents with developmental disabilities and/or autism. To enroll, contact Kendyll King at kendyll.king@esmw.org or 636-893-7252 ~ Flyer
Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome at St. Lukes Hospital Campus. Cost $25 per class. Class Schedule
Danceabilities Specialized Dance Classes: We are a dance and movement class for EVERY ability at St. Charles Performing Arts Centre, 63303 and Dance Factory in Maryland Heights, MO. Check out the Facebook page for the latest information about upcoming sessions of special needs dance classes. Information ~ TEACHERS: Tori Bowden & Laruen Burmester, (314)269-3180 or danceabilities.class@gmail.com
Wheelers and Dealers Square Dancing Club (not specialized): We love to square dance. Contact us if you want to learn for free. We dance once per week in St. Charles, MO. Information
Stargazing (SCC), Every Friday from 6:30-9:30pm at Broemmelsiek Park, 1516 Schwede Road, Defiance, MO, US 63341. Bring the family out for our Friday Night Public Stargazing at and discover constellations and stars through complex telescopes. For information, visit www.asemonline.org or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535. Advanced registration requested for large groups of 10 or more. St Charles County Park Website
EMERGE EVERYONE: FREE Weekly Fitness Class for Adults with Disabilities: Emerge Everyone is our non-profit that offers specialized service for exercisers with intellectual disabilities. Thanks to Andrew’s Hugs, Emerge Everyone has been able to expand to our Saint Charles and Wentzville location. We currently offer Saturday classes on a regular basis. www.emergefitnesstraining.com/emerge-everyone
Fully Inclusive Playgrounds: Unlimited Play
Ways to Have Fun in St. Charles County (not free – cost varies)
Rec Hall STL: Restricted to ages 21 and older. Our first location opened in St. Charles County on February 5th with a full bar, private event space, airbowling, cornhole, ping pong, bocce, darts, giant jenga, giant beer pong, a lounge, and more. Phase 2 will include an outdoor deck, patio, and turf. We have a St. Louis location in the works! www.rec-hall.com
Play Street Museum: We offer a safe and imaginative kids indoor play area for the simple reason that it is fun for children. Play Street Museum is an interactive children’s museum and indoor play area purposefully designed to encourage a young child’s sense of independence, exploration, and creativity. www.playstreetmuseum.com
Triathlon Club for High School Age Youth: Our mission is to assist High School kids in living a healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives. We do Triathlons not to compete against others; rather for the camaraderie of training, feeling better, and feeling fulfilled by crossing the finish line. www.hstriclub.org
Websites, Technology, Travel, and Resources
Missouri Assistive Technology: As Missouri’s federally funded 21st Century Assistive Technology Act Program, the mission of Missouri Assistive Technology is to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology and related services. At home, work, school or play, assistive technology provides choice, opportunity, and independence. Funding Resources ~ Swap’n’Shop ~ Here are two local agencies that host used equipment swap programs: Paraquad Device Swap (STL) ~ Delta Center Equipment Exchange (SCC)
ASL Google Chrome Extension: This service overlays American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation on the streaming platforms, Disney+ and Netflix, for more accessible captioning. Information
The IDD Gateway Resource Guide was developed as a resource for service providers, individuals, and families to have access to information about regional resources in one place. This tool is designed to be interactive and will often link users to other agency sites to gain a deeper understanding of their services. This tool is owned and operated by the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County. Visit the Website
ACCESSIBLE GO Hotel Booking Web Tool – Information Here
Accessible Leisure and Travel: Sponsored by the Governor’s Council on Disability, these links provide a wealth of information relating to accessible leisure and travel. Check out the portal HERE.
Accessible Trails in MO: Whether you’re looking for an easy, short, wheelchair-accessible trail or a long wheelchair-accessible trail, you’ll find what you’re looking for with trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The Hiking Project: Find a trail in Missouri for your hiking level.
Great Rivers Greenway Trails: Visit this site for information on 28 trails including amenities and trail conditions. Venture out to one of these beautiful trails to walk, bike, or roll.
101 Family Day Trips – Check out this listing of fun places you can go around town. (some places charge an entry fee)
Mental Health Resources: Information HERE
MO School for the Blind – Newsletter: Resources for yourself or a child with vision impairments. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter: Subscribe Here ~ Or get a guide to Recreation and Leisure for those with vision impairments: Available Here
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, formerly called Emergency Broadband Benefit for people who cannot afford internet service. Pays $30 per month toward internet service. Complete the application at GetInternet.gov or call 1-877-384-2575. People on Medicaid qualify! For questions, contact Jamile Kadre at Jamile.Kadre@fcc.gov.
The Governor’s Council on Disability (GCD): The Governor´s Council on Disability (GCD) promotes full participation and inclusion for Missourians with disabilities in all aspects of community life by educating citizens, businesses, schools, universities and others of their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. We conduct educational seminars and on-site training as well as publish a legislative newsletter, a resource directory (available online only), and informational brochures on topics relating to people with disabilities. www.disability.mo.gov/gcd
Missouri Family-to-Family, Good Life Groups: The Missouri Family-to-Family (MOF2F) through the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) connects individuals with disabilities and their families to information, resources, emotional support, and more. Visit their Facebook page, website, or call 1-800-444-0821.
Eventbrite FREE Virtual Events – Find something you love to do using the search tools on the left column of this Eventbrite page that lists whole host of FREE events.
Varsity Tutors, PLUS: Virtual camps and classes for youth through high school age. www.varsitytutors.com ~ Large Group classes are FREE
Missouri Resource Guide – New Edition Now Available: There are many resources available in Missouri to help you and your family move towards a healthier, more stable future. This guide will focus on helpful resources that support three major steps as you work towards a better future: Information
MO ABLE Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
Treasurer Fitzpatrick announced a partnership with CoxHealth, allowing employees to deposit money from their paychecks directly into their MO ABLE accounts. Launched in April 2017, MO ABLE allows people with disabilities and their families to save up to $15,000 per year, tax-free, without losing federal benefits. Open an ABLE account today! For more information about the MO ABLE program, visit MOABLE.com.
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Medicaid Recreation Perks
If your family member with a disability is enrolled in a managed Medicaid program, you are entitled to some recreation benefits you may not know about. Home State and Missouri Care will pay the annual membership fee to Scouts, YMCA, LINC, 4-H, Girls on the Run, and Boys and Girls Club. MO Care will pay for 10 horseback riding lessons for people with Autism, art therapy (for those who qualify), and camps for youth with diabetes and visual impairments. See the attached information sheet and contact your MO Health Net provider for information.
