Community Resource Guide for Families
65 resources for Montgomery County & the DMV
Adaptive sports • therapy grants • camps • assistive tech • support groups
5268 Nicholson Lane, Suite A, Kensington, MD 20895
Adaptive Sports & Movement
Programs for kids who love to move — baseball, hockey, tennis, soccer, and more.
Adaptive Sports
Bennett Blazers Adaptive Sports – Kennedy Krieger Institute
Who It Helps
Youth with physical disabilities
What It Offers
Adaptive sports programs across multiple disciplines for youth with physical disabilities
Location
3825 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD
Contact
Cost
Confirm with organization
Eligibility
Youth with physical disabilities
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)
Who It Helps
Youth with cognitive and/or physical disabilities
What It Offers
Free, volunteer-supported, open and unstructured recreation and sports programs
Location
Greater DC / Montgomery County area
Contact
Cost
Free
Eligibility
Youth with cognitive and/or physical disabilities
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
Montgomery Cheetahs Hockey Club
Who It Helps
Athletes with developmental disabilities
What It Offers
Adaptive ice hockey program for athletes of all skill levels
Location
Montgomery County, MD
Contact
headcoach@montgomerycheetahs.com
Cost
Confirm with organization
Eligibility
Athletes with developmental disabilities
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
Miracle League of Montgomery County
Who It Helps
Children with disabilities
What It Offers
Adaptive baseball league — every child bats, runs the bases, and scores
Location
17950 Germantown Park Dr, Germantown, MD
Contact
Cost
Confirm with organization
Eligibility
Children with disabilities
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
JTCC Adaptive Tennis
Who It Helps
Athletes with disabilities
What It Offers
Adaptive tennis programs designed for athletes with physical and developmental disabilities
Location
Junior Tennis Champions Center — College Park, MD area
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
CP Soccer
Who It Helps
Athletes with cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury
What It Offers
Competitive and recreational soccer for athletes with CP, stroke, and TBI
Location
National org; DMV-area teams available
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
Open Door Sports
Who It Helps
Youth and adults seeking inclusive sports and recreation
What It Offers
Inclusive sports leagues and recreational programs across the DMV
Location
DMV region
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports
Spirit Club Foundation
Who It Helps
Individuals with disabilities seeking fitness and inclusion
What It Offers
Fitness and inclusion programs for individuals with disabilities
Location
Confirm with organization
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Sports · National HQ in Rockville
Move United
Who It Helps
Youth and adults with physical disabilities
What It Offers
National leader in community adaptive sports with 257+ member organizations in 45 states — covering recreational, competitive, and educational programs across 70+ adaptive sports. HQ is in Rockville, MD
Location
451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 608, Rockville, MD (national HQ); programs nationwide via local member orgs
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Varies by program
Eligibility
Youth and adults with physical disabilities
Last reviewed: July 2025
Recreation, Arts & Social Programs
Inclusive theater, life skills, farm programs, and social connection.
Recreation & Arts
Potomac Community Resources (PCR)
Who It Helps
Teens and adults with developmental disabilities
What It Offers
Recreation, life skills, and social programs
Location
9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, MD
Contact
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Recreation & Arts
ArtStream
Who It Helps
Individuals with disabilities interested in theater and performance
What It Offers
Inclusive theater organization providing meaningful performance opportunities
Location
Silver Spring, MD area
Contact
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Recreation & Arts
Red Wiggler Community Farm
Who It Helps
Adults with developmental disabilities; families seeking inclusive community
What It Offers
Inclusive working farm with vocational training and community programs
Location
Germantown, MD
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Aquatics
Adaptive and inclusive swim instruction in the Montgomery County area.
Aquatics
Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program – Bender JCC
Who It Helps
Individuals with disabilities of all ages
What It Offers
Inclusive swim instruction for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities
Location
Bender JCC of Greater Washington – Rockville, MD
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
JCC financial assistance may be available — confirm directly
Last reviewed: July 2025
Camps & Summer Programs
Summer camps, directories, and specialty experiences for children with disabilities.
Camps
Adventure Amputee Camp
Who It Helps
Children with limb differences
What It Offers
Camp experience designed specifically for children with limb differences
Location
Varies — confirm with organization
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Scholarships may be available — confirm directly
Last reviewed: July 2025
Camps
Adaptive Summer Camps – Spina Bifida
Who It Helps
Children with spina bifida
What It Offers
Summer camp for children with Spina Bifida
Location
Pennsylvania
Cost
Varies by camp
Last reviewed: July 2025
Camps
Maryland Special Needs Camp Guide – Chesapeake Family
Who It Helps
Families seeking camp programs for children with disabilities
What It Offers
Regional directory of camps for children with special needs in Maryland and beyond
Location
Maryland and surrounding region
Cost
Varies by camp
Last reviewed: July 2025
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Equine-assisted therapy programs near Montgomery County.
Therapeutic Riding
Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding
Who It Helps
Children and adults with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities
What It Offers
Equine-assisted therapy programs
Location
Barnesville, MD
Contact
Cost
Scholarships may be available — confirm directly
Last reviewed: July 2025
Therapeutic Riding
Maryland Therapeutic Riding
Who It Helps
Children and adults with disabilities
What It Offers
Therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities
Location
Crownsville, MD
Contact
Cost
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Therapeutic Riding
Great and Small
Who It Helps
Children and adults with physical, developmental, emotional, and learning disabilities
What It Offers
Equine-assisted activities and therapies, including therapeutic riding and hippotherapy
Location
Rickman Farm Horse Park, Boyds, M
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Rider fees apply; scholarships/financial assistance may be available — confirm directly
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Assistance & Grants
Grants and programs to help cover therapy, equipment, AAC devices, and more.
These grants and financial assistance programs may help cover costs for therapy, adaptive equipment, communication devices, and related services. Eligibility and funding availability change frequently — always contact the organization directly before applying.
Financial Aid
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
Who It Helps
Children who need help paying for medical or therapy services
What It Offers
Medical grants up to $5,000 for therapy, equipment, and services
Cost/Grant
Grants up to $5,000
Eligibility
Children with medical needs; confirm income and insurance requirements
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Maryland
LISS – Low Intensity Support Services
Who It Helps
Individuals with developmental disabilities in Maryland
What It Offers
Maryland state grant program for supports and services not covered elsewhere
Cost/Grant
Grants up to $1,000
Eligibility
Must have an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis; confirm with DDA
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid
First Hand Foundation
Who It Helps
Families facing medical financial hardship
What It Offers
Financial assistance for medical expenses, equipment, and treatment
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid
HealthWell Foundation
Who It Helps
Individuals with chronic conditions
What It Offers
Financial assistance for healthcare costs related to chronic and serious conditions
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid
Patient Advocate Foundation
Who It Helps
Families facing serious illness
What It Offers
Financial support and case management services for families navigating complex medical situations
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Speech & AAC
Small Steps in Speech
Who It Helps
Children who need speech therapy or AAC devices
What It Offers
Grants for speech therapy and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid
Different Needz Foundation
Who It Helps
Children with disabilities needing therapy, equipment, or assistive devices
What It Offers
Grants for therapy, medical equipment, and assistive devices
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · AAC
iTaalk Foundation
Who It Helps
Individuals who are nonverbal or have communication challenges
What It Offers
Provides AAC devices for individuals with communication challenges
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Equipment
Variety – The Children's Charity
Who It Helps
Children who need adaptive bikes or mobility equipment
What It Offers
Provides adaptive bikes and mobility equipment to children in need
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Equipment
Friends of Disabled Adults & Children (FDAC)
Who It Helps
Individuals who need adaptive equipment
What It Offers
Adaptive equipment grants
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Sports
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Who It Helps
Athletes with physical disabilities
What It Offers
Grants for adaptive sports equipment
Eligibility
Athletes with physical challenges; confirm directly
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Sports
Kelly Brush Foundation
Who It Helps
Individuals with spinal cord injuries
What It Offers
Funding for adaptive sports equipment
Eligibility
Individuals with spinal cord injuries; confirm directly
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Montgomery County
My Turn Program – Montgomery County
Who It Helps
Children ages 3–18 in Montgomery County with developmental disabilities NOT currently receiving state or county long-term funded services
What It Offers
Limited financial assistance for recreational activities, summer camp, and related needs; outreach and education for families; a great first stop for families not yet connected to the DDA system
Contact
Cost
Free (limited funds available)
Eligibility
Montgomery County residents ages 3–18 with a developmental disability; must not already receive DDA-funded long-term services; funding cycles: recreation July–Jan, summer camp Feb–early July
Last reviewed: July 2025
Financial Aid · Maryland
The Arc Baltimore – Family Fund Grant
Who It Helps
Families of children under 21 with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy
What It Offers
Grants for urgent and meaningful needs: medical expenses, therapies, summer camp, equipment, and other quality-of-life services. Applications accepted twice per year (February and August)
Cost/Grant
Grants available
Eligibility
Child under 21 with diagnosed IDD; families may apply once every 24 months; confirm current eligibility requirements
Last reviewed: July 2025
Adaptive Equipment & Technology
Devices, loan programs, accessible home modifications, and durable medical equipment.
Equipment & Tech
ABLEDATA – Assistive Technology Database
Who It Helps
Anyone seeking information about assistive technology
What It Offers
National database of assistive technology products and resources
Cost
Free to search
Eligibility
Open to all
Last reviewed: July 2025
Equipment & Tech
AbleGamers Foundation
Who It Helps
Individuals with disabilities who want to access gaming
What It Offers
Adaptive gaming technology and accessibility resources
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Equipment & Tech · Maryland
Maryland Technology Assistance Program – Equipment Connections for Children
Who It Helps
Children in Maryland who need assistive technology
What It Offers
Assistive technology loan program for Maryland children
Cost
Loan program — confirm fees directly
Eligibility
Children in Maryland; confirm with program
Last reviewed: July 2025
Equipment & Tech
Ryan's Place Foundation - formerly Lollipop Kids Foundation Equipment Closet
Who It Helps
Families who need adaptive equipment
What It Offers
Adaptive equipment loan closet
Cost
Confirm with organization
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Equipment & Tech
Project ReBoot
Who It Helps
Families with limited technology access
What It Offers
Low-cost computers and technology for families in need
Cost
Low-cost
Eligibility
Confirm with organization
Last reviewed: July 2025
Equipment & Tech · Home
Ashley Elevator & Lifts
Who It Helps
Families needing accessible home modifications
What It Offers
Accessible home modifications including lifts and elevators
Cost
Paid service — confirm pricing directly
Eligibility
Open to all
Last reviewed: July 2025
Equipment & Tech · Maryland
Maryland EQUIPS
Who It Helps
Anyone in Maryland with an illness, injury, or disability who needs medical equipment or assistive technology
What It Offers
Free medical equipment and assistive technology — wheelchairs, walkers, bath equipment, communication devices, and more — available for pickup at locations across Maryland
Location
Multiple pickup locations across Maryland
Cost
Free
Eligibility
Open to all Maryland residents with an illness, injury, or disability
Last reviewed: July 2025
Accessibility Passes
Free park and recreation passes for individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility Pass · Maryland
Maryland Universal Disability Pass
Who It Helps
Maryland residents with qualifying disabilities
What It Offers
Free access to all Maryland State Parks for individuals with disabilities
Cost
Free
Eligibility
Maryland residents with qualifying disability — confirm eligibility requirements on the DNR website
Last reviewed: July 2025
Accessibility Pass · National
National Park Interagency Access Pass
Who It Helps
U.S. residents with permanent disabilities
What It Offers
Free lifetime pass to all U.S. National Parks and federal recreation areas
Cost
Free (one-time $10 processing fee if obtained by mail)
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities
Last reviewed: July 2025
Family Support Groups & Community Networks
Finding your people makes everything easier. These communities get it.
Finding your community makes all the difference. These organizations connect families with peers, advocates, and information that can feel impossible to find on your own.
Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC)
Support, resources, and community for families and individuals with Down syndrome in Montgomery County.
MCITP Family Support Network
Peer community for families currently or formerly involved with the Montgomery County Infant and Toddler Program. Offers connection, events, and resources to help ITP families support one another.
Sixx Cool Moms of Kids with Disabilities
Community network for mothers and caregivers of children with disabilities.
CHASA – Children's Hemiplegia & Stroke Association
Support, information, and peer connection for families of children with hemiplegia or pediatric stroke.
xMinds – Autism Education & Advocacy
Advocacy, education, and community for families of children and adults with autism in Montgomery County.
Team IMPACT
Connects children facing serious illness or disability with college athletic teams — building belonging, confidence, and lasting friendships through the power of team.
Team Up for 1
Matches children with disabilities with volunteer "teammates" for one-on-one friendship, activities, and community inclusion — because every kid deserves a team.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) – Maryland
Advocacy, services, and community resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities and their families across Maryland.
MainStreet Connect
An affordable, accessible housing community and membership-based community center in Rockville for people of all abilities. Offers programs, social activities, and community connection. Financial assistance available for membership.
50 Monroe Place, Rockville, MD 20850 · (301) 810-3199
Early Childhood Programs
Birth–3 programs and early intervention resources for our youngest families.
Hosted by MOCO Movement Center
First Friday Playdate for ITP Families
Who It's For
Families currently enrolled in the Montgomery County Infant and Toddler Program (ITP) — and families who have recently aged out and want to stay connected
What It Offers
A free monthly gathering at MOCO Movement Center where ITP families can meet each other, play alongside their children, ask questions, learn about what comes next after age 3, and connect with our pediatric therapy team. No agenda. Just real community.
When
First Friday of the month · 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM · September 2026 through June 2027 · No session in January · April TBD
Register
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZXbTQCl7ejhfc9WR0SWwFGsgNXa3i6rJ8G29vgH-TLLkYHA/viewform
Walk-ins welcome too
Location
MOCO Movement Center · 5268 Nicholson Lane, Suite A · Kensington, MD 20895
Contact
Cost
Free
No registration needed
Just show up. Bring your child. Bring your questions.
Last reviewed: July 2025
Early Childhood · Montgomery County
Montgomery County Infant & Toddler Program (ITP)
Who It Helps
Families of children birth–3 with developmental delays or disabilities in Montgomery County
What It Offers
Free early intervention services under IDEA Part C — including developmental therapy, speech therapy, OT, PT, and family support — delivered in the home or natural environment
Location
Rockville, MD (services provided in home and community)
Contact
To apply: referral.mditp.org
Cost
Free (federally funded through IDEA)
Eligibility
Children birth through kindergarten age in Montgomery County with a developmental delay or diagnosed condition; referral can be made by anyone including parents — no doctor's referral needed
Last reviewed: July 2025
Early Childhood · Montgomery County
Child Find – Montgomery County Public Schools
Who It Helps
Children ages 2–21 in Montgomery County who may have a disability or developmental delay
What It Offers
Free evaluation and eligibility determination for special education services under IDEA; families can refer their own child for evaluation — no doctor's referral required
Location
Montgomery County Public Schools
Contact
Call Child Find: 301-947-6080
Or contact your local MCPS school in writing
Cost
Free (federally mandated)
Eligibility
Any child ages 2–21 residing in Montgomery County who is suspected of having a disability; parents may request an evaluation in writing at any time
Last reviewed: July 2025
Early Childhood
The River School – Parent-Infant Program
Who It Helps
Families of infants and toddlers (birth–3) with hearing loss
What It Offers
Free early intervention program for families with children birth–3 with hearing loss; includes auditory-verbal therapy and family coaching
Location
Washington, DC area
Contact
Confirm with organization
Cost
Free to qualifying families
Eligibility
Children birth–3 with hearing loss
Last reviewed: July 2025
Clinical Research Opportunities
Studies at NIH, Kennedy Krieger, Children's National, and more — right in the DMV.
Participating in clinical research is a personal decision. These resources help families explore opportunities relevant to their child's condition. Always discuss research participation with your child's medical team first.
Clinical Research
ClinicalTrials.gov
What It Offers
National registry — search for clinical research studies by condition and location
Cost
Free to search
Last reviewed: July 2025
Clinical Research · Bethesda
NIH Clinical Center
What It Offers
World's largest hospital dedicated to clinical research, located in Bethesda, MD
Location
Bethesda, MD
Contact
NIH Patient Recruitment: 800-411-1222
Last reviewed: July 2025
Clinical Research · Housing Support
Children's Inn at NIH
What It Offers
Free housing and family support for families participating in NIH clinical research studies
Location
Bethesda, MD (NIH campus)
Cost
Free to qualifying families participating in NIH studies
Last reviewed: July 2025
Clinical Research
Kennedy Krieger Institute Research
What It Offers
Research studies focused on pediatric developmental disabilities and brain disorders
Location
Baltimore, MD
Last reviewed: July 2025
Platform
GoFundMe
Givebutter
Bonfire
Website
Best For
General crowdfunding; widely used for medical and therapy expenses
Fundraising platform with event and campaign tools
Sell custom merchandise to raise funds for your cause
Fundraising Platforms Families Often Use
Tools for raising funds for therapy, equipment, and accessibility needs.
Many families raise funds to help cover therapy, equipment, or accessibility modifications. The platforms below are commonly used tools — listing here does not mean MOCO endorses any specific platform.
Frequently asked questions
What free adaptive sports programs are available for kids in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Are there grants to help pay for pediatric occupational or speech therapy?
How do I apply for an AAC device for my child?
What summer camps are available for children with special needs in Maryland?
Are there therapeutic horseback riding programs near Kensington or Rockville, MD?
How does the Maryland Universal Disability Pass work?
How can I find clinical research studies for my child near Bethesda, MD?
My child is under 3 and I think they have a developmental delay. Where do I start in Montgomery County?
What is Child Find and how do I request an evaluation for my child?
Does MOCO Movement Center accept new patients?
Know a Resource We Should Add?
This guide is a living document. If you know of a program, organization, or resource that would help families in our community, we'd love to hear about it. All suggestions are reviewed by MOCO staff before being added — your input helps the next family who visits this page.