Looking for events that are special-needs friendly or resources for your special needs child? Here are some in Northwest Arkansas we know of- Please contact me at Karaa@macaronikid.com if you know of others we should consider including in this guide. Please share with friends if you find this guide helpful. Click the link of each for more info.
Ability Tree - Ability Tree in Siloam Springs offers events throughout the year. Community Branch locations offer disability-inclusive programming, events, support, and more for the entire family, to bring them out of isolation and back into community.
AMC Fiesta Square- Sensory-Friendly Movies- This program provides a special opportunity for families affected by autism to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program will have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! Every second & fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM. Movies listed on Macaroni Kid calendar. 479 575 0026 for more info.
Tom's Trail for Everybody at Ozark Natural Science Center- ONSC created an ADA accessible trail that connects the main parking lot with the wooded habitat of the observation deck, the meadow habitat of the recreation field, a simulated wetland, and the pond. By creating the accessible trail that is connected to the main parking lot, we provide an area that is safe and accessible for those who need a less steep and rocky hike. The trail includes diverse ecosystems to maximize the connection with nature, and allows us to provide a full experience of education opportunities along the trail. The accessible trail can be navigated by an all-terrain wheelchair or an all-terrain rolling walker as well as most motorized wheelchairs.
Miracle League Arkansas- baseball league for kids with a disability. The field is at Randall Tyson Park in Springdale.
NWA Mom to Mom- Mom 2 Mom is a non-denominational, faith-based support group for mothers of special need’s children of any age. This group will help special needs mothers to grow in His love through prayer, sharing with other moms and supporting each other in our journey through life’s day to day triumphs and challenges. Our group will be having monthly Mom's Night Out events each month and other events for moms and also for our families throughout the year. Contact Susan at 479-366-2713 or at susaneroberts@hotmail.com
Autism Involves Me- AIM hosts monthly events for the autism community to engage in. It is a time to meet great people in an environment safe for individuals on the autism spectrum. In addition, we bring professional resources and information sources to the Northwest Arkansas Community to inform and educate parents and caregivers on key information to know.
AIM Teens- A new group designed specifically for NWA Teens on the Spectrum
Welcome Teens and Parents! This new teen division will focus on providing social opportunities for teens on the Autism Spectrum to find and make lasting connections and lifetime friendships. Social skills are an important foundation of having positive relationships with others like friends, partners, and peers. Each social event will focus on key social skills sessions and will provide them with a structured social atmosphere to practice!
Are you on Facebook? Be sure to join our private AIM Teens Facebook Group. There you will be in a safe space to discuss all things Teens, find other families to connect with, and stay up to date on activies. We are so excited about this new adventure!
Down Syndrome Connection of NWA- The Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas has been supporting families in Northwest Arkansas, since 2002. What started as a group of parents supporting each other has turned into a professional, working organization of parents, friends, business leaders, volunteers, educators, therapists and others, working to provide a connection in our community. We hope you will join us in our continued growth. Our mission is to facilitate inclusion and respect for individuals with Down syndrome within the Northwest Arkansas Community, ensuring that they have access to the support and the resources necessary to reach their full potential at all stages of life. Our vision is a Northwest Arkansas Community in which individuals with Down syndrome are able to participate in a meaningful way at work and at play, are able to achieve their aspirations, and are welcomed as valued community members.
Sources for Community Independent Living- The Mission of SOURCES for Community Independent Living Services is to promote the independence of persons with disabilities by facilitating and supporting their full integration and participation in ALL aspects of community life. SOURCES provides services, support, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, their families and the community. We are dedicated to consumer-directed services, recognizing that individuals who know the most about their service and support needs are individuals themselves. Peer Support Group connecting youth (14-17) with disabilities to one another to share life experiences, explore transitions to adulthood and support each other through encountered barriers.
Arkansas Hands & Voices- Arkansas Hands & Voices supports all families with children who are deaf / hard of hearing regardless of communication choice. We embrace parent and professional collaboration to enable deaf/hard-of-hearing children to reach their full potential.
Bailey & Oliver's Kids Foundation- Bailey & Oliver’s Kids Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c )(3) organization established in 2011 to provide resources for helping children in need. The Kids Foundation supports hOofin' iT, Occupational Therapy Services. HOofin’ iT, hippotherapy (equine therapy) provides specialized occupational and/or physical therapy for children with diverse needs. By using horses and outdoor activities, students are motivated to reach therapy goals in a fun and natural environment. Learn more at https://www.baileyoliverlawfirm.com/pages/community/hoofin-it/
Courage Therapeutic Riding Center- Courage Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding to under-resourced individuals. Our vision is to stimulate, motivate, and engage individuals to create a deeper connection with themselves and others. We promote independence, personal growth, and presence of mind through equine-assisted activities.
Staffed with PATH International-certified instructors, Courage evaluates the needs and abilities of each individual client. Through our services, we provide a unique, experiential opportunity for all ages and abilities.
Community Connections AR- We provide arts, sports, and extra curricular activities for kids, teens, and young adults in Arkansas. We’ve recently expanded into NWA and held soccer, art and bowling programs this past Spring. We also provide a monthly Parent Support Group with childcare in Rogers. Community Connections was created with the goal of helping families address various health, developmental, and social needs by offering comprehensive programs and services not currently available in our Arkansas communities.
Northwest Arkansas Community Parent Resource Center- Arkansas Support Network’s (ASN) Family Support Program received a federal grant to fund the Northwest Arkansas Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC)--the first in the state—and serve families of children with disabilities ages birth through 26. It serves four counties, Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington. The NWA CPRC, while advocating for children in special education, specifically emphasizes training and information for all families, including: foster families, parents who are working to reunite with their children, and the parents of young people in the juvenile justice system, and self advocates. In addition, the CPRC collaborates with professionals working with these three groups. We would love to hear from you! For more information, contact us at cprc@supports.org or call (479)927-4100.
To learn more about ASN visit www.supports.org
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For a comprehensive listing of state and national organizations that provide support and education for families impacted by special needs please visit the Center for Exceptional Families online listing here.
