Community Resources

The resources on this page are programs and services for people with disabilities.

For specialized programs for people with disabilities, Click HERE
For weekly events and activities for everyone, Click HERE

Join the Self-Advocate Virtual Coffee Break on Fridays, Feb 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2024 Since 2020 TASH has been hosting a 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.

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.

ACCESSIBLE GO Hotel Booking Web Tool – Information Here

Delta Center Equipment Exchange:

Delta Center for Independent Living strives to meet the needs of lower income adults with disabilities, helping them remain independent and living in their own homes. One way we do this is by recycling used Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Individuals donate equipment they no longer need, and we give it to income eligible adults who need it but can’t afford it. Please consider donating your unwanted equipment to our cause. www.DCIL.org

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.

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.

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 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

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

The SignUp Google Chrome Extension overlays American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation on the streaming platforms, Disney+ and Netflix, for more accessible captioning. Information

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

The Community Council of St. Charles County shared this amazing resource directory of assistance programs. Focus your smart phone on the QR code box (the box with black designs) and click on the link that appears. Ta-Da! You’re connected to local resources for family and life assistance. Information

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.

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

Missouri Assistive Technology Swap’nShop: MAT’s Swap ‘n Shop is a person-to-person exchange program designed to connect individuals looking to buy, sell, trade, or donate durable medical equipment and assistive devices (bikes?) Swap ‘n Shop Exchange.

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.  Click HERE to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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

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

Fully Inclusive Playgrounds: Unlimited Play
Marvin Owens, 4, plays on the Variety Wonderland Playground, in Forest Park, on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Photo by Hillary Levin, St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Great Rivers Greenway Trails: Visit this site for information on 28 trails including amenities and trail conditions. Click HERE. Venture out to one of these beautiful trails to walk, bike, or roll!

Adult Adventure Funding: The Recreation Council has funding for ages 18 and older who want to experience an overnight adventure. Perhaps plan a trip with a friend to the beautiful YMCA Trout Lodge. Contact the Recreation Council to inquire about funding opportunities to help pay for you, and support staff you need to hire to go with you. Adventure Flyer ~ Adventure Ideas

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.

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

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

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

Although these new resources are not free, you may qualify for a Recreation Council voucher to take golf lessons, take part in a program, or join a club.  www.recreationcouncil.org/applications

www.emergefitnesstraining.com/emerge-everyone

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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.