WHERE EVERYBODY BELONGS

Everybody belongs at the New Canaan YMCA.  We strive to ensure that all members can utilize our facility regardless of need or ability.  Our inclusion and support needs programs are adapted to provide assistance allowing members with diverse abilities to participate in programs within our Y.   We proudly offer programs, support services, special events, volunteer opportunities, and employment for over 130 kids, teens, and adults with special needs each year.

Through our programs, individuals build confidence, make friends, and develop independence in a supportive and welcoming environment.  Our support needs department offers support aides for individuals to participate in traditional programs as ability allows, as well as a wide range of specialized programs designed specifically for individuals with special needs.

YSN Junior Sensory Gym Fitness (Ages 5-11, with supervision of a parent/caregiver)

This Kid Zone program is specially designed for families with young children with special needs. Participants are encouraged to explore different stations (i.e., ball pits, swings, inflatables, trampolines, climbing structures). Taught by a gymnastics instructor, children will be encouraged to play and will have opportunities to actively interact with their environment, explore their senses, and work on core strength, balance, and social skills. Parents/caregivers are required to stay to supervise and may join in to play along. Private therapists welcome!

YSN Junior Dance Jam (Ages 5-12)

Get ready for endless fun! We’ll dance, march, jog, shake, skip, and even limbo while learning new dance moves. Jr. Dance Jam invites children of all abilities to dance along to their favorite songs, learning energetic moves in a playful and supportive environment with friends.

YSN Junior Swim Instruction (Ages 5-12)

An instructional swim program that is designed to focus on body position, control, water safety skills, and fundamental swim strokes. Participants should be comfortable in a body of water.

A variety of afternoon and Saturday programs for young adults with special needs! Programming includes wellness and fitness classes, like cooking, swimming, and sports. There are also a variety of classes in the arts, like theater, music, and more!

YSN Wildcats Basketball (Ages 10+)

Join us for this fun sports opportunity to play basketball and participate in drills in a fun and supportive setting with peer buddy volunteers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills, focus on sportsmanship, play, and practice non-competitive basketball games together, socialize with friends, and, most importantly, have fun. All abilities welcome to join! Runs in the winter.

YSN Cardio Drumming & Dance (Ages 13+)

This modern-inspired drum & dance program is an exciting way to exercise while having fun with friends. Each class begins with a warm-up of cardio drumming, followed by dance routines, and ends with a cool-down and stretching. Each participant can request a favorite song to be added to our playlist for 45 minutes of fun-filled music and movement!

YSN Fall Striders (Ages 13+)

This is a run-walk fitness program designed for all abilities! It is an instructional class for YSN teens who want to run (and walk) to improve endurance and strength. Each session will consist of a warm-up, stretch, workout, walk/run ratios, and cool down. Classes will take place in the back field or at New Canaan High School’s track, weather permitting, and in the Wellness Center during rain or other inclement weather. Runs in the fall.

YSN Rhythm Hearts Theater (Ages 13+)

Join us for a program designed especially for individuals with diverse needs, incorporating music, art, and theater. This program adapts stories from a wide variety of sources (short stories, classic rhymes, movies, Disney, Broadway, cartoons, etc.) into plays, which provide opportunities for peer socialization and self-expression. Led by Music Therapist Matt Hennessey, the session will conclude with a theater production compiling all the original works of the 8-week session.

YSN Swim Club (Ages 13+, must be an independent swimmer)

A non-competitive program that is designed to be instructional for YSN teens who want to swim for fitness and improve endurance and skills. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, as well as 50 yards continually. Class is held in the Forese Family Lap Pool (deep water). Please note: first-time registration requires Director’s approval.

YSN Teen & Young Adult Free Swim (Ages 13+)

Join us for a free swim social hour with friends and get some exercise in the Forese Family Scooter Pool (warm pool).

YSN Y-Tunes & Yoga Stretch (Ages 13+)

Join for an afternoon of tunes and musical fun with Nick Depuy! Singing, movement, musical games, and song choices, all designed to boost social skills, language development, and communication. The class is followed by a relaxing 30-minute yoga stretch.

YSN Healthy Living: Cooking & Fitness (Ages 16+)

Our healthy living program is designed specifically for teens and young adults. This is an instructional class for those who enjoy fitness with friends. Each session consists of warm-up/stretch, workout, walk/run ratios, and a cool down. Great for all fitness levels! The class concludes with preparing and sharing a healthy snack with friends.

YSN Roaring 20’s Hangouts (Ages 17+)

Community outings, dinner field trips, and enriching evening activities at the Y are specially designed for young adults with special needs. Dinner is included each evening.

Special Cares Support (Ages 3+)

An inclusive program available at Camp Mini (ages 3-5, Pre-K) & Camp Y-Ki (entering grades 1+) offers campers of varying limitations the opportunity to participate in a traditional camp experience with additional support for up to 4 weeks of camp at no extra cost. Extra support is offered based on availability and need.

Camp Jam for Teens & Young Adults (Ages 13+)

For more information on YSN programs, contact Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Inclusion & Support Services at 203-920-1656 or [email protected]