Special Needs Programs- Madison Parks and Recreation

06/11/2026

Madison Parks & Recreation was honored to provide our gym space for adaptive sports and support athletes of all abilities. Thank you UAH Ability Sport Network & Lakeshore Foundation for allowing us to be a small part of such an inspiring event!

06/10/2026

📸 Summer is off to an amazing start with Madison Parks & Recreation Special Needs Programs!

We've been busy creating, exploring, learning, and having fun through our Art Classes, Adaptive Pickleball, All Ways Outdoors, and Sensory Friendly Movies. From painting masterpieces and trying new sports to exploring nature and enjoying a movie in a welcoming environment, our participants have been making memories and building connections all summer long.

Thank you to all of the families who have joined us so far—we love seeing our community come together and can't wait for all the exciting programs still to come!

☀️ Here's a look at some of our summer fun so far!

06/08/2026

💬 Fill in the Blank! 💬

💙 One thing I wish more people understood about disabilities is _____________

Every person and family has a unique experience, and sharing our perspectives helps create a more inclusive and understanding community.

We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 👇

Send a message to learn more

06/05/2026

🎬🍿 FREE Sensory Friendly Movie Morning! 🍿🎬

Join us on Tuesday, June 9 at 9:30 AM for a Sensory Friendly Movie at Cinemark Bridge Street!

✨ Tickets are FREE – just be sure to register in advance and then meet us at our table in the theater lobby to pick up your ticket before the movie begins.

Our Sensory Friendly Movie experience is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants:

💡 Lights will remain on at a lower level
🔊 Sound will be reduced
🧩 Sensory supports will be available to borrow
🚶 Movement is welcome
💙 Stimming is welcome
🌟 Taking breaks as needed is encouraged

Best of all, our Special Needs Program group will have exclusive access to the theater, creating a comfortable and supportive space for everyone to enjoy the movie together.

🍿 Concessions are available for purchase at the family's discretion.

We can't wait to see you there for a fun morning at the movies!

🎟️ Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCoj_guD9IrVeRl7lketcjOJGV3DApIttuuE297YcnHZwAZQ/viewform

06/03/2026

💡 DID YOU KNOW?

Laughter is more than just fun—it has real benefits for our minds and bodies!

😁 Laughter can help:
✨ Reduce stress and anxiety
✨ Improve mood
✨ Strengthen social connections
✨ Encourage communication
✨ Build confidence
✨ Even provide a little physical exercise

That's one of the many reasons we make fun a priority in our programs. Whether we're playing games, creating art, exploring the outdoors, participating in adaptive sports, or sharing a silly moment with friends, those smiles and laughs are helping build meaningful connections and positive experiences.

At Madison Parks & Recreation Special Needs Programs, we believe recreation should be enjoyable, welcoming, and full of opportunities to create joy.

❤️ Because sometimes the most important thing we accomplish in a program is helping someone leave with a smile.

What activity always makes you or your loved one laugh? Tell us in the comments!

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06/02/2026

⚾🍧 Scoop Up Support for an Amazing Cause! 🍧⚾

Mark your calendars for June 15th and treat yourself to a sweet way to give back!

Our friends at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in Madison have created the Home Run Hero Italian Ice, and 20% of all sales will be donated to the Miracle League of Madison! Just be sure to mention Miracle League of Madison when purchasing!❤️💙💛

The Miracle League of Madison will provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball, build friendships, and be part of a team. Every scoop purchased helps us build our fully accessible field at Palmer Park!

📅 June 15th
⏰ 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice – Madison, AL

Stop by, grab a Home Run Hero Italian Ice, and help support a league where everyone gets a chance to shine! 🌟

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post and inviting your friends and family to join us.

⚾❤️🍧

06/01/2026

Rainy Day Thoughts: What is a favorite hobby or creative outlet that brings you joy?

05/29/2026

We’re counting down to summer with Madison Special Needs Programs!

Next up: our summer community programs.

This summer, we are excited to offer inclusive community-based opportunities through partnerships and programs designed to support connection, recreation, and participation for all abilities.

Community programs this summer include:

Sensory Friendly Movie at Cinemark Bridge Street
Tuesday, June 9, July 7th and August 4th
9:30 AM
All ages welcome

Madison Special Needs Programs has reserved the theater so families can enjoy the movie in a more comfortable and supportive environment with others from our program.

Tickets are free. Families may purchase concessions if they would like.

During the movie, lights will be turned up slightly, sound will be lowered, and sensory supports will be available. Stimming, movement, vocalizations, and breaks are welcome.

Meet us at the theater on Tuesday, June 9 for the 9:30 AM movie to receive your free ticket and enjoy the show! Registration is required.

Respite Nights
Offered once a month
Age groups: 4–12 and 13+
Siblings are welcome
$15 per person
Dinner provided, or participants may bring their own dinner.

Activities vary each month and may include free choice activities, nature walks, outside time, gym time, art, collaborative games, dinner together, and ending the evening with a movie.

Please visit our website for upcoming dates and times.

Library for All: Interactive Program for Adults with Disabilities
In partnership with Madison Public Library
Chair Yoga with Madison Special Needs Programs
June 26
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

We are excited to partner with Madison Public Library for Library for All, an interactive program designed for adults with disabilities. Madison Special Needs Programs will be joining them for a chair yoga session on June 26.

Whether families are looking for a sensory-friendly movie experience, a supportive respite night, or an inclusive library program, we are excited to continue building community opportunities for all abilities this summer.

Registration information: https://www.madisonal.gov/1329/Special-Needs-Programs

05/28/2026

Our sensory rooms at the Madison Community Center are here to support participants during programs and events!

These spaces are available during any Madison Special Needs Programs held at the Community Center and are designed to provide a calm, supportive environment when participants need a break, sensory tools, or a quieter space to regulate.

Come check out our sensory supports and get ready for our summer programs starting next week! We are so excited to welcome participants and families into a season full of connection, recreation, and inclusive fun.

Madison Special Needs Programs is committed to creating spaces where all abilities feel welcomed, supported, and included.