Activities with Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health

Our Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health (ARCH) program offers year-round adaptive activities for your child as well as family activities to meet other children with similar differences. Here, we want all children to feel welcome to explore recreation. Find what sport or program fits your needs below.

Adaptive skiing and snowboarding

The ARCH program began with skiing, and it continues to be one of our most popular activities. The winter ski and snowboard program gets your child involved through adaptive equipment, fun instruction and support. Adaptive equipment may include:

• Outriggers or forearm crutches fitted with a ski tip for balance and control
• Ski bras to help keep skis aligned
• Sit skits, mono- or bi-skis that allow your child to ski in a sitting position
• Ski bikes for an alternative way to sit while skiing

We collaborate with the National  Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) to provide five weeks of lessons at Winter Park Resort for a discounted price. These lessons are tailored to meet the goals of each child. Registration opens in early fall.

Summer adaptive sports programs

Many activities are available in the summer months. Registration for summer activities opens in April.

• Biking: We collaborate with the NSCD to provide a day of trail biking. This includes a fitting with an adaptive bike for your child. We also provide family bike days that allow for exploring with an extra set of hands and eyes from volunteers and staff.
• Golf: Learn the basics of driving, chipping, putting and golf etiquette alongside golf professionals. Adaptations and one adaptive golf cart are available based on your child’s individual needs.
• Fencing: Discover the basics of fencing movements, sword safety and proper body movement. Seating and standing adaptations are available for all abilities.
• Horseback riding: Climb in the saddle and learn more about the fun and freedom that comes with horseback riding. Horsemanship skills have many benefits like improving posture, balance, strength and speech.
• Sailing: Everyone is welcome from first timers to more experienced sailors. Join us on the water to learn the basics of sailing.
• Water sports: We have canoes, kayaks and paddle boards available to learn water safety and proper paddling skills.

Ongoing adaptive sports programs

Certain activities in our program are available on a rolling registration basis.

• Indoor rock climbing: We invite climbers of all levels to learn more about rope work, belay commands, climbing movement and crag etiquette in a climbing gym.
• Social events: We provide a variety of programs where your family can come together in a relaxed environment such as bowling, game nights, athlete meet-and-greets and museum trips.

Although we offer many of our programs on a consistent basis, some activities can change depending on availability and funding. For our most up-to-date list of upcoming programs, join our monthly mailing list here.

Who can participate in ARCH

While our team welcomes children of all abilities, we do ask for certain criteria to ensure safety and that the group has the best experience possible. These qualifications can include:

• Your child is 8 to 18 years of age with a physical disability. If your child is out of that age range, some programs may be suitable for younger children. Contact hayley.bevan@childrenscolorado.org for more information.
• Your child does not have significant cognitive or language limitations.
• Your child can use the bathroom with minimal assistance.
• Your child can follow instructions and volunteer requests.
• Your child can participate in group activities without the need for one-on-one behavioral management.
• If your child has seizures, they must be well controlled by medication.