It’s time to start planning some exciting and engaging winter events and activities! To assist you, Union O&P has put together a list of some of the best adaptive, accessible, and inclusive winter programming available in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Whether you are a parent or caregiver, or an individual with a disability, this guide is perfect for filling your winter days with fun activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Pittsburgh Adaptive Sports and Physical Activities
ASCEND ADAPTIVE INDOOR CLIMBING – South Side, Point Breeze and Erie, PA
As the weather gets colder, take the opportunity to explore adaptive climbing at ASCEND Climbing. ASCEND offers accessible climbing for individuals of all abilities. Everyone is welcome to visit the facility at any time, including service dogs. To ensure you make the most of your experience, staff members are available to schedule individual sessions with you. Additionally, ASCEND hosts community events focused on adaptive climbing!
Learn more about ASCEND
THREE RIVERS ADAPTIVE SPORTS (TRAS)
Bowling Season – Ongoing
The Three Rivers Adaptive Sports Bowling Program has become a popular activity for both TRAS members and non-members, regardless of their abilities. Participants often include individuals who have faced challenges due to brain injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
A key factor in the program’s success is its inclusive environment, which allows family and friends of participants to join in on the fun. Special equipment, such as ball-launching ramps and bowling balls with retractable handles, ensures that everyone can participate at the same level of ability. Additionally, volunteers are always present to assist bowlers as needed.
Register for Bowling
MIGHTY PENGUINS SLED HOCKEY
What would winter be without ice? The Mighty Penguins Organization aims to provide an inclusive, fun, safe environment for all who wish to play sled hockey. To ensure the safest and most productive experience for all, players are grouped into one of six teams: Youth Novice, Junior Gold, Junior Black, Adult Gold, Adult Black, and Senior. The divisions reflect players’ skills, time playing, and desire to participate in activities (i.e. weekly practices, tournaments, scrimmages). Each team has different requirements, expectations, and goals. Both the player and the coaches must work together to ensure a smooth transition at the right time in the player’s sled hockey career as coaches determine proper team placement to safeguard player growth and development.
Learn more about Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey
PITTSBURGH CURLING CLUB – Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair curling is played with the same rocks and on the same ice as able-bodied curling. Wheelchair curling is a unique sport that can be played by a wide range of ability levels and ages.
Learn more about The Pittsburgh Curling Club
THE PITTSBURGH STEELWHEELERS
Wheelchair Rugby: Wheelchair Rugby (formerly referred to as Quad Rugby), is a sport with roots going back to wheelchair basketball and ice sled hockey.
Wheelchair Basketball: Usees many of the same rules as its counterpart, but special rules accommodate dribbling and shooting from a wheelchair.
Handcycling: the adaptive form of cycling that can be enjoyed by anyone with a disability that still allows some upper body functionality.
Learn more about The Pittsburgh Steelwheelers
ALLEGHENY COUNTY PARKS – Accessibility in the Parks
Whether it is the Latodami Winter Solstice Owl Prowl or snow fun at Boyce Park – Allegheny County is committed to ensuring that everyone can explore and experience the natural beauty of the parks and have equal access to county programs, services, and activities.
Learn more about Allegheny County Parks
Adaptive Skiing Spots
HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT (TRAS)
January to March 2026. TRAS is offering Saturday lessons each week at Hidden Valley Resort. TRAS may also be able to provide lessons outside of our Saturday program by appointment pending volunteer/instructor availability.
Register for Ski Lessons
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN ADAPTIVE WINTER SPORTS – West Virginia
Snowshoe, in partnership with Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, is proud to carry on the tradition of “Skiing is for everyone!” Their adaptive program offers one-on-one lessons for 3 and 4 Track Skiing, Mono and Bi-Skiing, the Visually Impaired, and individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
Learn more about Snowshoe Mountain Adaptive Winter Sports
CAMELBACK
Visit Camelback Mountain Resort in the Poconos for ski and snowboard lessons designed for people with disabilities.
Learn more Camelback Adaptive Winter Sports
Pittsburgh Museums and Libraries Sensory-Friendly Programming
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
Children and families with autism spectrum disorders and sensory sensitivities can enjoy a fun, friendly experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Lights and sounds in spaces throughout the museum are adjusted and designated Quiet Areas offer spaces to take a break. Sensory Kits with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, an assortment of fidgets, and other items are available. Sensory Friendly afternoons take place on the second Tuesday of every month from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Regular admission rates apply.
Learn more about Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
Carnegie Science Center – Sensory Sensitive Science Hours
Sensory Sensitive Science Hours are held on select Sunday mornings. Exhibit lights and sound effects are adjusted and special hands-on activities are added to foster a safe, welcoming, and most of all, fun, environment for all visitors. Whenever possible, low-sensory versions of shows and demonstrations are hosted by Buhl Planetarium, Demonstration Theaters, or other departments. Early entry is also offered on these days, to provide reduced wait times and a calmer entry experience. A Quiet Space is available during Sensory Sensitive events for visitors who need to take a break.
Learn more about Carnegie Science Center – Sensory Sensitive Science Hours
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials (including single use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc.) will be available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little (or as long) as you want about dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. Check the museum’s website for dates and times.
Learn more about Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh seeks to provide meaningful, seamless experiences to all community members through welcoming, accessible spaces, materials in a variety of formats that are easy to discover and use, high-quality programming, and technologies designed to meet customer needs. If you would like to attend a program or event at any of our locations and need accommodation—or have general questions regarding accessibility at CLP—please contact the Library’s Coordinator of Accessibility, Equity & Belonging by phone (412-622-1390)
Learn more about Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Sensory Friendly and Accessible Theater
Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
Experience the joy of dance in a supportive theater setting all year long. Check PBT’s performance schedule for these special performances.
PBT’s annual sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker returns on Sunday, December 15, 2024, 4:30 p.m.! At this performance, PBT welcomes anyone with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivity or other individual needs. These performances have a relaxed atmosphere which means they are perfect for families with small children. It’s a judgement free zone where performers, theater staff and patrons are accepting of additional sound and movement in the audience and lobby.
Learn more about PBT
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Heinz Hall is committed to making performances and facilities available to all patrons. Wheelchair Accessible Seating is available at all Heinz Hall shows. If a wheelchair location is desired, please notify the ticket service representative at the time of purchase. This will help us ensure that the fixed seat can be removed before you arrive at the theater. Doormen and ushers are available for assistance at every performance.
Learn more about Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Open Up
Open Up’s mission is to teach mindfulness tools through movement practices and interactive arts while centering people living with disabilities. Open Up classes are designed to be accessible for people with and without disabilities. They are for everyone! Their programs include inclusive, engaging, enjoyable activities – such as yoga, movement, breath work, dance, games, and more. They want all people to be able to have ease of access in finding avenues for increasing their sense of overall well-being. They believe that all people should be able to experience joy in community with others.
Learn more about Open Up
About Union O & P
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. is a family-owned and operated company with over 100 years of service in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We have always been dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care with a professional and compassionate approach. Our services and techniques are continuously being upgraded to achieve the highest standard of excellence.
Locations
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. offers 19 locations throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Services may vary by location.
