The Ability Center of Virginia delivers programs and services to children and adults with disabilities throughout Hampton Roads, the Peninsula, Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Helping children and adults with disabilities lead productive, happy lives. ACVA has 3 programs available for participants to join; Ability Days, ArtWorks, and Camp Ability.

Our mission is to provide unparalleled support, guidance and resources for students with special needs and their families, ensuring access to educational opportunities, services and accommodations. With our team of experienced educators, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers and educates learners and their families of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and all federal protections for people with special needs. We strive to build a respectful community for all marginalized students; this helps to ensure they receive instruction, support and accommodations to access the general education curriculum and find success.

We are dedicated to empowering families to learn how to advocate effectively. We also offer tutoring services to any student in need regardless of ability and grade level.

​Aid Another provides inclusion programs that exclusively considers special needs families. Aid Another provides inclusive educational, cultural and recreational programs that are designed to improve quality of life, reduce isolation and enhance social settings.

Arts for Learning Virginia offers an array of arts performances and workshops grounded in the core curriculum, residencies for children of all ages, and professional development in arts-integration techniques that improve students’ literacy skills, motivation to read, and ability to learn. Programs for children with special needs are available.

NOTE: Programs are provided online and within school and community programming throughout Hampton Roads.

Our mission is to promote pediatric brain injury prevention and early detection through comprehensive education and advocacy. We are dedicated to empowering families, healthcare providers, and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure safe environments and effective accommodations for children affected by brain injuries.

Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater (FACT) holds an annual Camp GonnawannaGOagin’, which is a weekly summer camp for children as young as 6 and adults up to age 40.

A not-for-profit organization serving the needs of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

Special Needs Clubs of Hampton Roads are inclusive community programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities by creating safe, supportive, and engaging spaces to connect, grow, and thrive. These clubs offer social, recreational, educational, and life-skills activities that promote independence, confidence, and meaningful friendships. Serving children, teens, and adults across the Hampton Roads area, the clubs celebrate abilities, encourage self-expression, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Through collaboration with families, volunteers, and local partners, Special Needs Clubs of Hampton Roads help participants build skills, discover passions, and enjoy full participation in their community.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Studio Seventeen offers a full variety of classes in dance and tumbling! Classes for all ages and abilities including an adaptive dance class for children with special needs.

Swimming at the Y helps people thrive—in and out of the water. Swim lessons provide kids and teens with the opportunity to set goals and achieve success, learn water safety and enjoy swimming as a form of exercise. Through swimming lessons, swim teams, lap swimming and more, the YMCA of the South Hampton Roads provides a safe environment for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

AQUATIC PROGRAMS

• Swim Lessons
• Swim Teams
• Adaptive Swimming
• Family Open Swim
• Water Safety Programs
• Water Exercise Classes

POOL LOCATIONS

Chesapeake:
Great Bridge Family YMCA
Greenbrier Family YMCA
Taylor Bend Family YMCA

Norfolk:
Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA
Y on Granby (Outdoor pool only from May 23- August 18)

Portsmouth:
YMCA of Portsmouth
Effingham Street Family YMCA (Outdoor pool only from May 24- August 25)

Suffolk:
Suffolk Family YMCA

Virginia Beach:
Hilltop Family YMCA
Indian River Family YMCA
Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA
Princess Anne Family YMCA

Multiple programs for Hampton Roads families including fitness and athletic programs for kids and families, toddler programs, swim lessons, arts and theater programs, preschool programs, before/after school child care, summer and out of school camps, teen leadership programs and more.

Young Life Capernaum in the Hampton Road's vision is to build friendships with kids with disabilities and their families and introduce them to the incredible person of Jesus. Local groups and camp programs.