It is the purpose of Bellevue’s Parks & Community Services to provide people who live with disabilities the opportunities and choices for recreation, socialization and fitness so that they can participate more successfully in the life of our community.
Vision
People living with disabilities successfully participate in program(s) of their choosing throughout the Bellevue area.
The Choices for People with Disabilities Plan provides an outline of recreational choices available for residents with disabilities. The Plan describes the process that Parks & Community Services uses to support the inclusion process & specialized recreation, thereby encouraging those living with disabilities to participate in the programs of their choosing.
Adaptive Recreation Opportunities
Summary of programs offered at Highland Community Center, not all programs are offered each quarter.
For current offerings, please see the City of Bellevue Connections Guide or register online at register.bellevuewa.gov
All new participants must meet with Mary Boyle, Community Services Coordinator. Please call 425-452-4118 or email mboyle@bellevuewa.gov to schedule a meeting. New participants will not be able to register until meeting with the coordinator.
For Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Arts and Crafts:
Come and get your creative juices flowing, and make fun arts and crafts projects! (Afternoon Program)
Artistic Inspirations:
This evening art class is for the more serious artist. Each week a different medium will be taught, from watercolor to colored pencil drawings and more.
Cooking with Ease:
Learn basic cooking techniques for a tasty meal. Participants will share the meal that is prepared. Please note: Participants will only share what is prepared and will want to eat dinner before coming to class. (Evening Program)
This 10-week course is centered on weekly adventures into the community for a day filled with fun and excitement! Participants must register for this course to be entered into the "lottery drawing."
Full Fitness Fun:
Learn about nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to live a healthy lifestyle. This class requires commitment to do some form of exercise outside of class time. You will also exercise during class two times a week. We will have a variety of exercise routines to keep you motivated. We will also learn to make good choices in restaurants that taste good. (Evening Program)
Dancing:
Each quarter participants explore popular dances. Come and learn dances from modern dances, classic ballroom, and traditional line dancing. It's a great time in a fun and easy-going environment. (Evening Program)
Bingo:
Come try your luck and possibly win prizes (not money). Not everyone will win, but maybe it will be you! (Evening Program)
Friday Night Out:
Develop a new network of friends over dinner and a movie. You may bring a dinner or buy your dinner at the Crossroads Mall. Bring $14.00 for the movie. Participants are responsible for their own money. The class will meet for drop-off and pick-up at the Crossroads Regal Cinema Movie Theater. There are times we must see a 3D movie at a cost of $19.00 if there are no other PG-13, PG or G rated movies. (Evening Program)
Highland Hangout:
Want something fun to do after work or school or you just want to come early? Now you have the chance to come to the Highland Center and hang out with friends. A variety of activities will be available including movies, games, reading materials and crossword puzzles. There will be something for everyone to do. Bring your dinner or snacks to eat before your evening programs begin. Participants must be able to self-motivate, as this program will not have staff to supervise. Wandering around the building will not be allowed. (Afternoon Program)
Movie Time:
Bring your dinner and enjoy a movie in-house with your peers. Participants can bring up to two movies (rated: G, PG, or PG13) to submit to the group vote each week.
Social Club:
Each week the group will work together through socially-engaging activities such as playing a game or singing karaoke. (Evening Program)
Basketball:
Exercise and fun are rolled into one! New players at all levels of ability are welcome. We practice twice a week, and Special Olympic competition is optional. (Evening Program)
Saturday Bowling:
Come out to Tech City Bowl and knock down a few pins with your friends, show off your skills and just have fun! Special Olympic competition is optional. Our coaches provide leadership at the Special Olympic tournaments. If a participant needs assistance with toileting, eating, dressing, or severe behavior intervention, an assistant must accompany that participant during their stay at the tournaments. (Morning Program)
Cheerleading:
Be part of a cheerleading squad, come learn new skills and work as a team. This team will be part of the Eastside Elite program which is the official cheerleading program of the Bellevue Parks & Community Services. This class is open to teens and adults. Tuition includes a Dream team elite T-Shirt. Participation in performances is optional. (Evening Program)
Multi-Sport:
Come and enjoy playing a variety of fun sports with friends. This class will play basketball, volleyball, hockey, kickball and indoor softball. This will be a great opportunity to try out a new sport. (Evening Program)
Soccer:
Exercise and fun all rolled into one! New players at all levels of ability are welcome. We practice twice a week. Special Olympic competition is optional.
Softball:
Take me out to the ballgame! It’s fast, furious and fun. Learn the fundamentals of the game while enjoying team sports. (Evening Program)
Tennis:
(Held at Robinswood Tennis Center)
Participants are introduced to basic tennis skills with the focus on participation and building self-esteem. (Afternoon Program)
Track:
Exercise and fun all rolled into one! New players at all levels of ability are welcome. We practice twice a week.
*Special Olympic Tournaments:
Highland participates in Special Olympic Tournaments for the following sports: basketball, bowling, soccer, softball, and track. Special Olympic competition is OPTIONAL. Our coaches provide leadership at the Special Olympic tournaments. If a participant needs assistance with toileting, eating, dressing, or severe behavior intervention, then an assistant must accompany that participant during their stay at the tournaments.
Aloha Picnic and Dance: Highland presents their annual summer picnic and Aloha Dance. Celebrate your summer with friends as there will be plenty on this warm summer evening. Picnic starts at 5 p.m. with the dance to follow at 7 p.m. Caregivers and Parents, FREE!
Barn Dance: Grab your hats 'n boots and mosey on down to Highland's Barn Dance! Spin yourself around 'n round with a "YEEHAW" with friends and dance the night away. Caregivers and Parents, FREE!
Disco Fever: Come dressed to the max, dress up or come just as you are, and boogie the night away. Caregivers and Parents, FREE!
Halloween Howl: Start planning your costume now! Come dance the night away if you dare. Our annual costume showcase will highlight the evening. We'll have witch's brew and spooky delights for all. Caregivers and Parents, FREE!
Holiday Ball: Get out your holiday best and plan an elegant evening, or just come as you are. Caregivers and Parents, FREE!
Seafair Cruise: Meydenbauer Yacht Club provides the ships and volunteers to join the parade along the Lake Washington Shoreline. Individuals interested in attending, please register. Space is limited. Meet at Meydenbauer Yacht Club, 9927 Meydenbauer Way SE; Bellevue, WA 98004.
We are Currently Offering:
- Social Club (Virtual)
- Each week the group will work together through socially engaging activities such as playing a game or singing karaoke. An e-mail is sent out shortly before the program starts with the login information. (Afternoon Program)
- BINGO (Virtual)
- Each week the BINGO game will be hosted on Zoom. A BINGO card is e-mailed to you and a physical copy is sent out with chips. Winners are mailed out real prizes. An e-mail is sent out shortly before the program starts with the login information. (Evening Program)
- Health & Wellness (Virtual)
- This class will discuss nutrition and self-care while also exploring various exercises. Dust some of the rust off those trainers and try something new like yoga, tai chi, and stress busting stretches. Routines demonstrated in this class will focus on balance, breathing, and flexibility. An e-mail goes out shortly before the program starts with the login info. (Afternoon Program)
- Crafts w/ Mary (Virtual)
- Get your creative juices flowing and make a fun craft project with a Highland staff and your peers. After registering a kit will come to your door with all the supplies needed to participate. An e-mail is sent out shortly before the program begins with the login info. (Afternoon Program)
- Special Dance Event (Virtual)
- Highland takes their dances virtual!! Get dressed up or just as you are and join your peers and Highland staff to dance the night away.
Brain Injury Support Group
Resources, fellowship is all a part of the bi-monthly support group. Program is intended for those living with head injuries and their loved ones. Group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at Highland Community Center, (except for holidays) from 12:30-2:30pm. For more information please call 206-897-5755 or visit BrainInjuryWA.org
For Adults with Physical Disabilities
Physical Disability Exercise
- This specialized class is developed and adapted for adults with physical disabilities. Whether you are seeking to maintain motor strength, enhance range of motion, or build your social network this fitness course has something for you.
- ***All new participants must meet with Mary Boyle prior to registering. Please call (425) 452-4118 or e-mail mboyle@bellevuewa.gov for your appointment. ***
Wheelchair Basketball (Drop-In)
- Drop-in, no pre-registration required! This opportunity gives brisk exercise and friendly competition. Bring your own wheelchair for this challenging workout. Ask us how a City of Bellevue Punch Pass saves you money
Quad Rugby (Drop-In)
- Come and join in on this wheelchair sport for some rough and tumble fun. Save when you purchase a play pass.
Payment
Per City of Bellevue policy, payment is due upon registration. City of Bellevue offers scholarships to Bellevue Residents. The City of Bellevue Parks Department also accepts DDA Respite funds for programs (DDA does not cover any tech/material fees). If you do not live in Bellevue or qualify for a scholarship, but still need financial assistance, please call us at 425-452-7686.