Personal goals and individual achievement — that’s the focus of our Diverse Abilities programs, which provide quality programming for individuals with intellectual, physical, and/or emotional disabilities.
These programs promote peer and family interaction in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. Participants ages 5 and up can enjoy a variety of instructional, social, and sports programs ranging from Aquatics to Zumba, each designed to meet their individual needs, interests and capabilities.For more information about Diverse Abilities programming, please contact Mary Gagliardi at 609.581.9622 ext. 121 or mgagliardi@hamiltonymca.org.The Hamilton Area YMCA is committed to an inclusive environment. For more information regarding our inclusive program offerings and accommodations, please contact Mary Gagliardi at 609.581.9622 ext. 121 or mgagliardi@hamiltonymca.org.
As with any program of this nature, volunteers play an important and vital part. “Buddies” engage with our program participants and are there to provide help with learning different skills as well as just being there to talk to when needed. If you or someone you know would enjoy this experience, click on the Volunteer Registration link under "Downloads" to get involved.
Instructional programs meet on a weekly basis and focus on the personal goals and individual achievements for all participants. Our programs focus on the importance of appropriate social interaction and demonstrating proper social skills. All programs promote peer and family interaction in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. Membership to the Hamilton Area YMCA is required for most programs. See each program for details. Program fees apply. Parent participation may be required if the participant cannot work within ratios listed.
Program Dates: January 19 - March 911:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Basketball is open to individuals with disabilities ages 12+. This program provides different levels of instruction for everyone. Athletes are grouped by age and ability level to the best of our ability. Participants will learn skills and drills, as well as play in non-competitive scrimmages.Athletes should wear athletic type clothing as well as proper athletic type shoes, and bring their own water bottle labeled with their name.
This dynamic class offers a high-energy combination of aerobic dance, stretching, and muscle resistance training to boost cardiovascular health, increase joint flexibility, and build muscle strength. Using easy-to-follow dance moves and exercises, the goals of this class include improving coordination and concentration, increasing metabolism, and perfecting posture. This class is set to music and designed for fun! All fitness levels are welcome, and exercise modifications will be demonstrated to accommodate all abilities. Participants MUST be able to work with a 7 to 1 ratio.
This class is a fun and social alternative to a classic exercise class. Dancers learn basic steps, rhythms and routines.
View our Aquatics page or contact Nicole Bizuga at 609.581.9622 ext. 128 for more information.
The Diverse Abilities Swim program focuses on reaching children and adults with disabilities in a continued effort to promote equal opportunities for all.
Through the Diverse Abilities swim program, parents and caregivers of children with disabilities will be given the opportunity to provide their children with the means to learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills in a safe environment. For more information, please contact Nicole Bizuga, nbizuga@hamiltonymca.org.Please complete this intake form so we that we are aware of your child or adult's individual needs.
Non-swimmers and beginners who have basic skills in the water will learn technique and build confidence through various activities. Instructors work on individual needs in a group setting.
Private swim lessons are available for individuals with diverse abilities looking to improve skills and build an understanding of safety. After completing the intake form, instructors will be matched and create a plan to introduce skills to students.
The Hamilton Area YMCA is committed to an inclusive environment for individuals with and without disabilities who want to participate in programs and activities together. In order for individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible, reasonable accommodations may be provided. Reasonable accommodations are individualized techniques and resources used to enhance program participation without fundamentally altering the program.
