
SPECIAL SERVICES
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Recognizing the need for quality, adaptive, programming for individuals with special needs, HAWKS programs help individuals gain confidence, promote independence and responsibility, and work together, as well as nurture a healthy and active lifestyle. All programs are led by qualified individuals who help create a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. HAWKS classes offer a variety of accommodations for participants as needed, including reduced class size, increased structure, and individualized attention.
View a complete list of available classes below.
EXERCISE CONNECTION
In partnership with the YMCA’s Special Services,
an Exercise Connection (EC) instructor leads
a class for individuals with Autism Spectrum
Disorder, Developmental Delays and other special
needs. This highly visual, well-structured class
encourages independence and enhances social
skills while improving fitness levels. Visit www.
exerciseconnection.com for more information.
Click here to register!
YOGA
Enjoy a weekly yoga practice
designed for those with special
needs. Improve strength,
balance, and flexibility while
reducing stress. Practice guided
meditation along with breathing
techniques designed to calm the
mind and body.
Click here to register!
Special Needs Private Swim Lessons
These one-on-one lessons are 30 minutes in length.
DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL IS NEEDED PRIOR TO
REGISTRATION. Interested swimmers should fill out a
Private Swim Lesson request form.
We are known for our special needs private lessons
specifically designed for each participant with the
initial goal of water safety in and around the water.
Please contact Missy Contri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
for more information.
Special Olympics Aquatics Team
Join us for fun and exercise or train with us to compete.
Special Olympics Swim Team
Special Olympics Swim team
offers our Swimmers the best
combination of team sport and
individual challenge.
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Friday 3:15pm group is for those swim team members that attend Cove school. They will be picked up from Cove School and brought to the Y for swim practice. Parents will then pick up from the Y after practice.
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Friday 4:30pm group is for those swim team members under that age of 13 years. It does not require the swimmer to have strong swimming abilities as we will teach them safety in the pool as well as swimming in a fun environment. Depending on swimming abilities some older swimmers may be invited to the Friday 4:30pm swim time.
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Friday 5:15pm group is for those swim team members over the age of 13 years old.
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Sundays 11:00am practice is for all swim team members of all ages and abilities. Swimmers will be placed in proper swim team groups for practice.
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All participants for competition must be at least 8 years
old and able to swim 25 yards on their back and front.
All participants for competition must be at least 8 years old and able to swim 25 yards on their back and front.
Please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for skill assessment and class placement.
Special Services Personal Training
Certified trainers who participated in the
ACSM/Exercise Connection certificate are
available to work with individuals with special
needs to create a personal exercise plan
which has been proven to increase focus,
improve academic performance and reduce
stereotypical behaviors for individuals on the
spectrum of autism. This program is available
to all individuals with special needs. For
additional information, please contact Ellen
Mirochnick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Swim Programs
Special Olympics Swim Team
Special Olympics Swim team offers our
swimmers the best combination of team
sport and individual challenge. See page 17.
Private Swim Lessons
We are known for our special needs private
lessons specifically designed for each
participant with the initial goal of water
safety in and around water. See page 17.