Adaptive Activities for Adults
Stay active in the YC community through social and recreational opportunities, disability empowerment, and advocacy and outreach.
Youth Challenge doesn’t stop when you turn 18! Our adult programming is for YC alumni, volunteers, and new friends alike to stay connected, build community, and continue growing together. Many programs are available in both in-person and virtual formats.
Social & Recreation Activities
We host regular activities for adults with physical disabilities across Northeast Ohio to create a fun, inclusive, and active community. Our programs include:
- Fitness and wellness
- Outdoor adventures like handcycling, hiking, kayaking, and camping
- Adapted recreation such as gardening, bowling, painting, and ceramics
- Community service projects
- Team sports
- Holiday celebrations
Disability Empowerment
Discover opportunities to connect virtually or in-person with disability empowerment discussions like:
- Traveling with a disability
- Disability rights and policy
- Independent living
- Dating with a disability
- Understanding disability services and benefits (DODD Waiver System, Social Security, Medicaid, Paratransit)
Advocacy and Outreach
Get involved in advocacy and outreach initiatives to advance inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. There are many ways to become an advocate:
- CLE Disability Pride events
- Disability awareness events
- Learning and leadership opportunities (Barrier Free CLE, NRTea Time at CSU)
- Developmental Disability Day at the Ohio Statehouse
Eligibility
Adults with physical disabilities find community among peers who understand their journey, while volunteers grow as supportive allies. Everyone forms meaningful connections through shared experiences.
As members of the YC Adult Community, you are expected to provide your own transportation to and from programs. If you require any personal assistance at programs, please make arrangements to provide your own personal care assistant, as staff are limited. The suggested seasonal donation is $25.
I’ve been a part of Youth Challenge for 33 years. In that time, I’ve had so many incredible opportunities. Every sport or activity you’ve ever done, Youth Challenge probably does it too, but they go the extra mile and do it better.
Youth Challenge shows the community that just because we may look different due to our individual disabilities, we’re the same as everyone else. I’ve learned so many life lessons through this program and made lifelong friendships along the way.
- Bob Vitko, Alumni Participant
Why Join Youth Challenge as an Adult?
Adulthood can come with new challenges and opportunities, especially when navigating life with a disability. YC’s adult programming helps build a sense of belonging, encourages healthy living, and fosters lifelong friendships in an inclusive, supportive space.
Activities for Adults With Disabilities Near Cleveland
Need More Information?
Contact Lisa Friel, Alumni Engagement & DEI Manager, at [email protected] and Sara Steimle, Alumni Program Coordinator, at [email protected], or call 440-892-1001.