Disability Services
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.
The purpose of the Disability Services Team is to “provide Prince George’s County residents with disabilities opportunities to participate in community recreation programs of their choice.”
Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) programs meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and facilitate the development of leisure and recreation skills, socialization, independence, and overall quality of life. Programs are highly structured utilizing trained staff, adapted equipment, and activities accompanied by a high staff/participant ratio with small participant groups. Therapeutic Recreation programs are for Prince George’s County residents only.
![](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TR50thSipNPaint24-032.jpg)
Programs include, but are not limited to:
- Adapted aquatics, sports, and outdoor programs
- After School programs
- Art programs
- Fitness/Health and Wellness programs
- Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies (Veterans)*
- Performing Arts Club*
- Special Events
- Summer Day Camps
- Teen and Adult Social Clubs*
*Membership programs
Find a therapeutic recreation class (there are a lot!!) or read more about our special programs below.
For more information email [email protected] or call the Special Programs Division at 301-446-3400; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
Accessibility & Adapted Aquatics
![swim instructor and student](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/swim-instructor2.jpg)
![aqua tone class](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AquaTone-cane-1-768x1024.jpg)
Accessibility
The Department of Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing quality services and recreation programs that are inclusive and accessible to all patrons. Our aquatics facilities offer patrons access in the forms of pool lifts, water wheelchairs, water walkers, handrails, sloped entries, and adult changing tables. Please note that all pools will not have the same accessible amenities, please contact the facility of your choice for more information.
Program Access & Inclusion Services
Reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities are offered in our general recreation programs. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. For more information about accommodations and modifications, email: [email protected]
Adapted Aquatics Programs
Take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of the water with our expanded program offerings. Are you seeking to learn new skills, recover, relax, or just have fun? Adapted Aquatic programs allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live more, play more with the use of adaptive equipment and specialized instruction. For more information about any of the below programs, email: [email protected]
Adapted Aquatics: AquaTone
Join us for an exciting, low-impact workout with lots of music. Exercising in water helps to improve your flexibility, lessen your joint stiffness and pain, and improve your heart health. Relieve stress with gentle movements and breathing techniques. This program is designed specifically for adults, 18+, with disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County. Individuals must be able to participate independently with minimal assistance or bring their own aide/companion. All abilities welcome! For more information, visit pgparksdirect.com and search activity code: 25414.
Offered at the following facilities, on a seasonal basis:
- Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex (SAARC)
Brandywine, MD - Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center
Fort Washington, MD - Allentown Splash, Tennis & Fitness Park
Allentown, MD
Adapted Aquatics: AquaFit
Looking for a class that combines low-impact fitness with the therapeutic benefits of the water? This small-group fitness class includes cardiovascular, flexibility, and strengthening exercises for a total-body workout and is designed for adults, 18+, with disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County. Instructor teaches from the water and provides hands-on support and guidance. Flotation devices, adapted equipment, and modified exercises accommodate various skill levels. Class is held in chest-deep water. Individuals must be able to participate independently with minimal assistance or bring their own aide/companion. All abilities welcome! For more information, visit pgparksdirect.com and search activity code: 25420.
Offered at the following facilities, on a seasonal basis:
- Fairland Sports & Aquatics Complex
Laurel, MD
Adapted Aquatics: Learn-to-Swim Lessons
Want to learn how to swim, but had no success in group lessons? Adapted Aquatics Learn-to-Swim lessons are designed for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, aged 4+, who reside in Prince George’s County. Register today and gain self-confidence and comfort in the water with swimming basics such as water entry and exit, breath control, submerging, and floating/gliding. Treading in chest-deep water and arm/leg actions will be introduced. Lessons take place once weekly for 40 minutes, for 6 or 8 weeks. There will be a 1:1 instructor/student ratio. For more information, visit pgparksdirect.com and search activity code: 25627.
Offered at the following facilities, on a seasonal basis:
- James E Duckworth Special Center
Beltsville, MD - Ellen E. Linson Splash Park
College Park, MD - Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex
Landover, MD - Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex (SAARC)
Brandywine, MD - Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center
Fort Washington, MD
C.H.O.I.C.E.S.
Choose a Hands-on Opportunity, Integrating into Community, Empowered Self-direction.
Parks & Recreation CHOICES is a resource developed for Prince George’s County adult residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities. With a focus on weekday and daytime opportunities, learn all that Parks & Recreation CHOICES has to offer. Sign up, get involved, and give a new activity a try!
![CHOICES participants in a cooking class](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/choices-cooking-class-1024x768.jpg)
![CHOICES participants in a pool during an Aqua Fitness class](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_1008-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/choices-rock-climbing-2-768x1024.jpg)
C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Calendar
Services
CHOICES offers free and low-cost recreational and social activities, including $5 fitness classes. “Try-It Clinics” provide the chance to learn a new sport or activity. The weekly walking group, “KiloMEETers” meets at paved trails and indoor tracks. There are recurring monthly programs including but not limited to BINGO, Art, Zumba and Movie Days.
CHOICES was developed for individuals who live in a group home, attend a day program, utilize self-directed services with an aide, or live independently, and are seeking meaningful activities and social opportunities Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm.
Participation Guidelines
- Have an intellectual or developmental disability
- Must be an adult, aged 18 and up.
- Graduated High School and live in Prince George’s County
- This is a self-directed program; no direct supervision or personal care is provided.
- Each registrant who is not fully independent will need a companion/staff/family member to accompany them to activities. Companions do not need to register.
Additional Information
To learn more about the program, please email [email protected], or call the Special Programs Division at 301-446-3400; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies (For Veterans)
![program logo](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Healthy-Minds-Bodies-Logo.png)
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation recognizes the challenges faced by veterans returning home with a disability. To help meet veterans’ wellness needs, the Department established a chapter of the Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies program in 2011 for FREE to qualified veterans.
![](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HMHB-Biking-2019-1-1024x768.jpg)
Eligibility
- Serves all military veterans
- 10% or more service-related disability
- Honorable discharge
Applications
To learn more about the program, please complete an “Interest Form”
or email [email protected], or call the Special Programs Division at 301-446-3400; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
Services
HMHB program is designed to provide fitness, recreation, peer support, and networking opportunities for qualified veterans and their families. As a veteran accepted as a member of the HMHB Program, you will receive:
Monthly Social & Recreational Events
- HMHB members-only recreational classes and clinics
- Information about events and local veteran resources sent out via a monthly e-Newsletter
One-Year Promotional Pass (OYPP)
- Fitness & Aquatics Combo Pass valid for entry into ANY of Prince George’s County, Department of Parks and Recreation’s:
- 45+ Community Centers & Fitness Centers
- 13 Aquatic Facilities
- Only one (1) Promotional Pass per qualified veteran
- Valid for one (1) year from the date of issue
- Passes do NOT include Group Fitness or Aquatics Classes
- Members can also designate a “Workout Partner” to receive a One-Year Promotional Pass to serve as a battle buddy in the gym for motivation and support. Workout Partners must have a Parks Direct Account.
Personal Training
- Members receive up to fifteen (15) 1-hour Personal Training Sessions with a trainer certified in Post-Rehabilitation Exercise
- HMHB Personal Training is currently only located at the following facilities:
Wayne K. Curry, Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road Landover, MD 20785
Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex
13601 Missouri Avenue Brandywine, MD 20613
Social Clubs
Designed to provide a variety of community-based recreational activities and experiences, social clubs are a great way to socialize, make friends, recreate, learn new hobbies, and stay active in the community!
Participation Guidelines
- Must reside in Prince George’s County
- Have an intellectual or developmental disability
- Meet the age requirements of the club
Membership
Registration for 2023-2024 Club is currently closed. Registration for 2024-2025 clubs begins in December 2024.
- Clubs meet twice a month; activities are facilitated and supervised by trained, experienced staff.
- Once registered, you will receive a newsletter each month. Sign up for the activities that interest you; events may have an additional fee of $5 and up, depending on the activity.
- To pay for Membership Fees by placing a credit on your account, log in to Parks Direct with your account. Under “History & Balances”, visit “Add Credit”.
In-Person Teen Social Clubs (Ages 13-21)
Teen Scene Social Club Registration Form, 2024-2025, Ages 13-21 (PDF)
Teen Scene Social Club Welcome Letter (PDF)
Teen Scene Social Club Flyer (PDF)
- Enrollment for the Teen Scene Social Club begins in August – October of the school year.
- Fee is $55 for the school year, September- June; meets twice a month at meetup location.
- Various activities can include Paint & Sip, Games and Arcades, Themed Parties, Bowling, Movie Day/Nights.
- Exclusive members-only monthly newsletters.
In-Person Adult Social Club (Ages 21+)
- Enrollment for the Adult Social Club will begin on January 3, thru March 31, 2024.
- Fee is $70 for the year; meets twice a month at meetup location
- Various activities can include Paint & Sip, Games and Arcades, Trips in the DMV area such as festivals, movie theater, sport venues to name a few.
- Exclusive members-only monthly newsletters.
Requirements
The Commission is committed to providing quality parks and recreation opportunities in a safe, healthy, and enjoyable environment. Therefore, participants are required to conduct themselves, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a rational and reasonable manner, and in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Commission.
Additional Information
For more information about these Social Clubs, email [email protected] or call 301-446-3400; Fax: 301-446-3401.
Program Access
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is dedicated to providing quality services and recreation programs that are inclusive and accessible to all patrons. The Commission will ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by taking all reasonable steps to remove barriers to participation in programs and services. The Commission is committed to maximizing program participation.
For more information email [email protected] or call the Program Access Office at 301-249-7200; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive Equipment available include, but are not limited to:
- Accessible Golf Carts
- Adult Changing Tables
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Adaptive Archery
- Water Walkers
- Water Wheelchairs
Inclusion Services Provided
Services include, but are not limited to:
- Audio description
- Assistive listening devices
- Information in alternative formats (e.g., large print or Braille)
- Sign language interpreters
- Trained support staff
- Use of Companions
Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications Request
Reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities are offered in our general recreation programs. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
Request Forms
View the Companion Agreement Form FAQ (PDF).
Learn more about the different interpretive services (PDF) available.
Downloadable Forms
Companion Agreement Form – English (PDF)
Companion Agreement Form – Spanish (PDF)
Participation Assessment Form – Spanish (PDF)
Participation Assessment Form – English (PDF)
Patrons with questions regarding program accessibility and requests for reasonable accommodations should:
Contact the facility in which the program resides.
Requests for accommodations should be made at least 14 calendar days in advance of the program start date.
Complaints/concerns should be filed within 14 calendar days of the incident/occurrence.
Concerns and requests should be placed in writing and include information on the specific program/service, location of program, requested accommodation, and/or incident/occurrence.
If the facility does not resolve the request / complaint within 14 calendar days.
Communicate directly to the departmental administration any concerns, which are not resolved within 14 calendar days by the program facility, and/or any compliance violations. Compliance violations should be filed within 14 calendar days of an incident/occurrence. They may be filed initially with the program facility or directly with the departmental contact.
What to do if the request / concern is still not addresses after contacting the facility and the administering department?
If there is no satisfactory resolution of an issue within 14 calendar days of notification to the department, the patron may contact the Office of the Executive Director.