The children's charity Variety (varietyphil.org) runs afterschool programs for children with disabilities at high schools throughout Greater Philadelphia. In liaison with social services and community organizations, it aims to build up students' academic, social and emotional skills. Variety believes the extra attention helps them do better at school, build relationships with peers and adults and develop new abilities and greater confidence.
Child Guidance Resource Centers (cgrc.org) run afterschool services for children and youth with developmental delays, autism and related disorders. With major centers in Havertown, Coatesville and Norristown, CGRC helps more than 3,000 children. The afterschool program is based on group games and activities and aims to help students learn to socialize by working and playing together. Additional services include outpatient counseling and therapy, extended school year programs (ESY) and a summer therapeutic activity program.
The YMCA (ymca.net) welcomes all children, including those with special needs, to afterschool activities at locations throughout PA, and adapts the activities to each child's individualized educational program (IEP) "within reason." As an inclusive organization committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y extends the idea of afterschool care to offer opportunities for out-of-school activities that are open to children of all abilities and their families.
Kidscare (kidscareofpennsbury.com) runs afterschool programs throughout Pennsbury for school-age children of all abilities, including those with special needs.
While Easter Seals centers (sepa.easterseals.com) do not offer afterschool programs as such, they do offer a range of therapeutic and educational services for children with disabilities, including evening social and respite programs for different age groups and conditions (such as autism). Rock climbing, dance, art and yoga are just some of the activities on offer. There are Easter Seals centers ithroughout Pennsylvania.
Aaron's Acres (aaronsacres.org) in Lancaster County supports children with special needs and their families by providing regular Friday evening and Sunday afternoon activities: arts, crafts and outdoor activities for children aged five to 12; shopping, bowling and meals out for young people aged 13 to 21.
The Philadelphia Society for Services to Children (pssckids.org) offers support at home to families with young children, specifically including physically and developmentally disabled children. The Friends Neighborhood Guild (friendsguild.net/ministries.asp) offers a free afterschool enrichment program for students "less able to help themselves" in North Central Philadelphia. The Cerebral Palsy Association of Chester County, Inc (ccdisability.org) runs special programs for children with physical disabilities, including a monthly mealtime group session. The Women's Christian Alliance (wcafamily.org) provides support services for families with disabled children.