Adaptive Programs

From summer camp and swimming to after school classes, our adaptive programs enhance physical fitness and coordination, and are modified to meet individual needs. Contact our team to get started on a plan individualized for you.

Our Team

Dianne DiPeri
Assistant Aquatics Director
ddiperi@ymcanyc.org
718-551-9319

Summer Camp

We host camps that are geared for children with developmental disabilities. The main goal of our camp is to fully integrate our children with special needs into our typical day camp setting. Camp days include swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, sports and other recreational activities. Over 60 children with disabilities are served in our Cross Island YMCA summer camp.

This camp is subsided through the generous support of Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation.

Camp Information

Swim Programs

Inclusion in Aquatics 
This physical fitness program is designed to encourage our children to enjoy using their bodies, learn to move correctly, and develop self-confidence through physical activity. The primary objective is to develop the child’s motor skills in the gym and pool while teaching the basics of gymnastics and swimming. Through this class the child and parent become aware of how to be safer both on dry land and in the water. Activities are based on the developmental abilities of the child.

Browse our group swim lessons to find a swim class that meets your family's needs.

See Schedules

Special Olympics Training

Sports vary throughout the year and include swimming, tennis, track and field, basketball, bocce, and hockey. Training is two hours per week plus competitions. Over 50 athletes participate in Special Olympics with the Cross Island YMCA. 

Zumba^® for Teens & Adults with Developmental Disabilities

ZUMBA^® is a fusion of Latin and International music, utilizing dance themes that create a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness program. The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. This class is modified especially for individuals with disabilities and meets once a week year round. 

See Schedules