Accessible & Sensory-Friendly Spots In & Around Champaign County
The mission of Moore’s Rescue Ranch is to collaborate with local organizations that support children with disabilities, creating meaningful volunteer opportunities with the animals. These experiences will help children learn how to care for the animals, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. The ranch is also home to The Kitty Crib, a sensory-friendly cat café designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and friends. The Kitty Crib officially opened on September 28, 2024, and is now welcoming visitors at the ranch’s current location.
Healing Horse Stables provides a space where individuals of all abilities, including those with special needs, can experience the positive impact of equine-assisted activities.
They offer therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, riding for relaxation, and horsemanship programs. Their public riding instructor provides lessons for individuals ages 6 and up, including adults.
Easterseals Timber Pointe, once Camp Heffernan of the Boy Scouts, has provided camping experiences for children with disabilities since the early 1950s. After purchasing the property in 1989, Easterseals and the Timber Pointe Charitable Foundation transformed it into a year-round, inclusive camp and retreat center. Campers enjoy activities like zip lining, fishing, boating, arts and crafts, horseback riding, and more. The camp offers adaptive outdoor adventures that foster independence, confidence, and lasting memories for individuals with disabilities or health challenges.
The Penguin Project® is a unique production in which all featured roles are performed by young artists (ages 11–24) with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, intellectual and learning disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and other neurological differences.
These artists are supported on stage by peer mentors (ages 12–24) without disabilities, who volunteer to work alongside them throughout 14 weeks of rehearsals and the final performance. By providing full access to the performing arts, The Penguin Project® shows that a disability does not limit a child’s ability to shine, grow, and fully participate in meaningful life experiences.
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) is an intergovernmental cooperative formed by the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts in 1985. CUSR offers year-round recreation and leisure opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Their mission is to support participants in building skills through enjoyable and inclusive recreational, social, and leisure experiences.
CUSR programs encourage individuals to explore new interests, form friendships, and develop lifelong leisure skills. Services include inclusive and cooperative programs, after-school activities, special events, overnight trips, summer camps, Special Olympics, and more. CUSR and its member park districts are committed to providing opportunities that support individuals in reaching their highest potential through recreation.
The Staerkel Planetarium offers sensory-friendly shows designed to create a welcoming and comfortable experience for all guests. These shows feature "lights up, sound down" settings and maintain a relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to come, go, and move around as needed.
Thanks to a partnership with The Autism Program at the University of Illinois (TAP@UIUC), social stories have been created for each type of planetarium visit. These resources are available for download on their website to support families in preparing for their trip.
See concerts, performances, and other fun events at the State Farm Center! Follow the link for their accessibility information.
The University of Illinois Wheelchair Athletics program is dedicated to providing dynamic, well-rounded wheelchair sport camps that foster both athletic and personal growth. These camps offer young athletes the opportunity to sharpen their skills, deepen their knowledge of the sport, and build lasting friendships—all while having fun. Campers benefit from top-tier coaching, experience life on a college campus, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
This website provides information on a bunch of accessible places around CU including accommodations & restaurants, so you can plan ahead on where to eat — Because who doesn’t love to look ahead at the menu?!
Larkin’s Place at The Stephens Family YMCA
The Stephens Family YMCA offers inclusive and adaptive programming for youth and adults, including wheelchair basketball, art classes, and other recreational opportunities. Through Larkin’s Place, a dedicated inclusion initiative, the YMCA promotes accessibility with a universally designed facility and a full-time director focused on inclusive practices.
Programs like school break childcare can include support from inclusion counselors, and members have access to therapy services and a sensory room—ensuring everyone can feel welcome and supported.
Hiking Around
Lake of the Woods features newly paved, wide trails that are ideal for accessibility. These smooth paths make it easy for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices to enjoy a walk side by side with friends and family, making outdoor time more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. While you’re there, you can visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie! On the other side of Route 47 you’ll find Buffalo Trace, which also offers a wide, paved trail, but is much less shady.
Chambana Moms has put together a list of hiking areas around the area. Look for the child emoji for ones that are accessible for those needing to roll!