Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions assistance dogs enable people with physical and developmental disabilities to be more independent and active. These four-legged miracles enhance their partner’s quality of life by helping with routine physical tasks and providing 24/7 loving companionship. Not only do Canine Companions assistance dogs pick up dropped items, turn on lights and open doors, but they also provide unconditional love, motivation and a social bridge to the community. To a child at the park, having an assistance dog means going from being known as “the kid in the wheelchair” to becoming “the kid with the cool dog.” For an adult, it means not having to constantly ask someone for help. And that’s just the beginning.

Since 1975, Canine Companions has created more than 3,300 life-changing partnerships nationwide. Thanks to supporters like Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation, Canine Companions provides all dogs, training and ongoing follow-up services completely free of charge.  (Back to top)

Family Karate Adaptive Program
It began with some borrowed wheelchairs and techniques demonstrated at a Torrey Pines Kiwanis meeting. It has evolved into program classes in Rancho Penasquitos, La Mesa, Solana Beach, Oceanside, Escondido and Murrieta. Brothers Steve and Mark Truscott teach children in wheelchairs, braces and those with other disabilities the discipline and sport of karate. "This has been a first sport for a lot of kids," says Truscott. "Now, many of our students do all sorts of sports. You can’t teach these kids without getting inspired." Visit our website at familykarateusa.com.  (Back to top)

Grossmont High School Adaptive Physical Education
In the Grossmont Union High School District students that receive Adapted Physical Education services have had an Individual Education Plan created for them which may be the only Special Education service that the student receives. Classed are divided into different four week sport/recreational units during which the students are taught specific skills and practice different drills within that sport. Proper modifications and adaptations are made according to the students needs for each activity. Some of the sports and recreational units that are covered in classes include swimming, soccer, tennis, football, ultimate frisbee, bocce ball, and croquet. Also incorporated into the Adapted Physical Education class is cardiovascular fitness training such as hiking, stair climbing or a workout on the track. Funding from the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation will be used for equipment purchase.   (Back to top)

Hage Elementary Kids Programs
The Integrated Life Skills classroom at Hage Elementary School is part of the Special Education program within San Diego City Schools. The program is for children who have moderate to severe cognitive disabilities as well as physical challenges. Hage Elementary has two Integrated Life Skills classrooms, one each for lower and upper grades. Within the classroom and community, emphasis is placed on the child’s independence in the skills of communication, socialization, academics, recreation, vocation, self-help and integration with children in their general education classes. The program utilizes adaptive equipment and technology to assist the students with communication, mobility, and access to computers and recreational activities. The goal is to provide an enriching, caring and supportive classroom situation so students can be successful in their home, school and community environments.  (Back to top)

Helen Woodward Animal Center, Therapeutic Riding Program
Helen Woodward Animal Center's Therapeutic Riding program began in 1987.  It provides a unique form of therapy to children and adults through weekly interaction with our specially trained horses.  The weekly riding sessions are not only beneficial for muscle control and balance, but also for the special bonds that are formed between rider and horse.  Students in the program have ranged in age from four years to 80 years old.  The horses are specially trained by the Center's staff to be therapy horses.  After successful careers as jumpers, show horses, and polo ponies, these horses now enrich the lives of people with special needs.  The Therapeutic Riding program at Helen Woodward Animal Center is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).  For information, call (858) 756-4117 or log on to: www.animalcenter.org.  (Back to top)

Kids on the Block
Kids on the Block of San Diego is an educational program that uses life-sized puppets to represent children with a variety of physical and learning disabilities, medical conditions and social problems. The puppets, who travel throughout the San Diego community performing at schools and special programs, address a wide range of issues that affect today¹s children. They speak out about what it¹s like to have a disability, be abused or have other cultural and social challenges. The interaction between children and the puppets reinforces the unique and often humorous exchange of facts and feelings that is the essence of each performance. KOB reaches thousands of children annually in elementary schools and community programs throughout San Diego County. Since its inception in 1985, over 900,000 children in our community have had the opportunity to hear Kids on the Block¹s positive message. For information call (619) 770-8689 or log on to www.kobsd.org.    (Back to top)

KPBS Radio Reading Service
The KPBS Radio Reading Service broadcasts the readings of newspapers, books and magazines to those who are blind, have low vision or are physically impaired. Throughout the week, a large pool of local volunteers read from sources as diverse as The San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Time magazine and local grocery ads. Readings and programs air 24 hours a day and can only be heard via a special radio provided by the service. For more information, call (619) 594-8170 or log on to www.RadioReadingService.com.   (Back to top)

In addition, the YMCA never turns anyone away due to an inability to pay. The YMCA grants financial aid and scholarships to those adults, families, seniors, and children who cannot afford the full price of the programs and services. This “charity” is what makes the YMCA unique.  For more information about the La Jolla YMCA’s programs and services, visit their web site at: LaJolla.YMCA.org or call (858) 453-3483.    (Back to top)

Mission Bay Aquatic Center
The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is the world’s largest instructional water sports facility. Last year, over 14,000 students participated in wakeboarding, kayaking, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, and rowing classes. The Center has been conducting water sports activities for persons with disability for over 25 years and during that time have developed procedures and equipment that make water sports accessible to persons with all levels of ability.  These practices and equipment have been emulated by programs and organizations throughout the world.  With the outstanding teaching and leadership skills of the staff at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, persons with disabilities can enjoy the thrills associated with these exciting sports. Several community organizations such as the National MS Society, Sharp HealthCare Rehabilitation Services, and City of San Diego Therapeutic Services team up with the Mission Bay Aquatic Center to offer accessible water sports events uniquely for persons with disabilities.  For information, call (858) 488-1000.  (Back to top)

Operation Game On
Operation Game On provides a fun sort of rehab for combat injured troops (both mental and physical injuries) on the golf links. The program provides golf lessons, specially fitted custom golf clubs, and playing opportunities throughout San Diego County.  The newest innovation is  Freedom Golf Network that grants the vets playing opportunities on golf courses throughout San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties at either no cost or reduced green fees .

Paws'itive Teams
Paws’itive Teams provides service dogs for persons with disabilities, enabling these persons to live more independent lives and to achieve an enhanced quality of life. Our dogs are custom trained to meet the specific needs of the individual. All placements are limited to San Diego County, where lifetime support is provided following every placement. A trained dog can improve a person’s quality of life and become a valuable assistant to accomplish the goal of independence. This four legged “assistive device” gives unconditional love and provides valuable psychological, emotional and social support. Our dogs are trained using conditioning training methods and are kept in the trainer’s home until placement with their disabled partners. Preparing a dog begins as early as 7 weeks and culminates with placement at approximately 2 years. Once the dog’s new partner is chosen, further training is customized to emphasize specific skills needed by the individual. For more information, call (858) 674-0845 or visit www.pawsteams.org.   (Back to top)

The San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation’s (SDASF) mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with physical disabilities through sports and recreation. SDASF offers adaptive sports opportunities, such as competitive and team sports, instructional camps, and sports clinics, based on the needs and interests of the physically disabled population residing in San Diego County. The La Jolla Festival of the Arts proudly supports SDASF's Injured Servicemembers Program, Year Round Sports, and Jr Wheelchair Sports Camp. For more information about The San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation (SDASF) visit http://www.sdasf.org or call (619) 336-1806.  (Back to top)

San Diego Unified School District Adapted Physical Education
Adapted Physical Education is part of the Special Education program within the school district. It serves students with a wide range of disabilities, from preschool through high school, that demonstrate gross motor deficits which may inhibit their ability to safely or successfully participate in the general physical education program. Students receive a diversified program of motor and fitness activities that are modified to meet state physical education standards and individual student goals. Specialized equipment is necessary to adapt and modify the curriculum so that all students are successful. Our goal is to enable all students to participate in physical education in the least restrictive environment that promotes maximum interaction with the general school population.  (Back to top)

Sharp HealthCare Quad Rugby
Sharp HealthCare’s involvement with quad rugby dates back to 1989—the infancy of the sport itself. It was only two years later that Torrey Pines Kiwanis saw the value of this program and began to partially sponsor the team with funds earned from the La Jolla Art Festival. Sharp’s quad rugby program has been a model organization since inception, one which other programs nationwide attempt to emulate. This approach was validated when Sharp won their first National Championship in 1996 and subsequently four times since then. For information on Sharp Edge Quad Rugby call Steve Kal at (858) 939-3048.  (Back to top)

Sharp HealthCare Adaptive Yoga
There are many physical and mental benefits derived from practicing hatha yoga. Most yoga classes are designed for students who can do standing poses. Sharp Rehabilitation Services Recreation Therapy offers an adaptive yoga class designed for individuals with physical limitations. At Sharp, recreation therapist and yoga teacher, Debbie Moore leads a class using modified poses. The weekly class is performed from raised mat tables in the physical therapy gym. The class is open to anyone in San Diego who has a physical limitation. Current  students include those with spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, post-polio and other mobility limitations. Due to the adaptive nature of the yoga class, many of the students state that they receive the same benefits from practicing hatha yoga as their able-bodied counterparts. These benefits include increased feelings of relaxation, deeper breathing, increased flexibility, increased posture or alignment, and less muscle stiffness and pain. For more information, call (858) 939-3048.  (Back to top)