Adapted Programs and Inclusion Services

In conjunction with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, the Parks and Recreation Department offers the Recreation Afterschool Program (also known as RAP) at Adams, Monroe, Roosevelt, and Washington Elementary Schools.

This program strives to give children with special needs the same recreation experience as all other children. Inclusion support staff create opportunities for increased independence and socialization. Children of all abilities work together, adapt to each other’s strengths, and learn to understand and accept each other. Let our well trained recreation staff make a difference in your child’s life.

The City of Santa Barbara currently has two beach wheelchairs (one manual and one motorized) available to the public and visitors free of charge, seven days a week during regular operational hours. Beach wheelchairs are located at the Cabrillo Pavilion at East Beach.

Requests for the wheelchair can be made online at the link below. For help please call Cabrillo Pavilion staff at (805) 897-2616.  Completion of a liability waiver and identification is required for reservations.

The beach wheelchairs were funded by a grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy in 2019.

The bowling league is one of the longest running recreation programs for Adapted Programs. Some players have been on their teams for 20 years! Children, adults and seniors are all welcome and included. The group bowls each year from October through May and sometimes competes in tournaments. Bowling takes place on select Saturdays at Bowlero from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participation costs $20 per person and includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, and lunch. Participants can either pay cash at the door or sign up in advance online.

Bowling League Schedule Bowling League Flyer Sign Up For Bowling League

Seasonal dances set to different themes are popular with all participants. Dancers love to dress up for Halloween in October, dance with their sweetheart for the Valentine's Dance, and formal dance attire for the Spring Fling dance. The ever-popular Karaoke is often scheduled to add to the excitement. The dances are held at one of the many beautiful recreation facilities of the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department.

Halloween Dance Flyer

If you or someone you know is interested in more dance opportunities, World Dance For Humanity offers free dance classes.

Join Jessica Parsons and friends in this fully inclusive class where everyone is welcome. This is a fun class where people of all ages and abilities can use yoga as a way to become stronger, more flexible, develop core strength, and improve overall health. Yoga is noncompetitive and works with the individual. Learn to modify and adapt the yoga postures to suit your needs. It is a great time to make friends and try new things!

Please bring a yoga mat and towel. Ages 6 and up. Caregivers and parents may attend free of charge and are invited to participate. Aids may attend the class with their clients and are encouraged to participate with the group. For more information, please call the Carrillo Recreation Center at (805) 897-2519. Daily drop-in fee is $8 or you can sign-up for the entire session by clicking the link below.

Register for Inclusive Yoga Inclusive Yoga Videos

Each year, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Adapted Recreation Program hosts a Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Westside Neighborhood Center. Lunch is served in shifts at 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

Thanksgiving Luncheon Flyer