Body
KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer–led organization that provides one–to–one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. The mission is to foster self–esteem, confidence, skills and talents of athletes through non–competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet individual goals.
KEEN welcomes every child, regardless of the nature or severity of a disability. In its open, unstructured and noncompetitive environment, every child can enjoy every activity without the fear of losing or not being the best. Athletes gain confidence and self–esteem, and perhaps most important, a sense of social belonging. And they have fun!
KEEN athletes have disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and various intellectual and developmental disabilities. Unlike other recreation programs for individuals with disabilities, KEEN provides an open, unstructured environment for people with any type of disability, including those with significant needs. For some of the children and young adults who are unable to participate in other programs, KEEN may be their only recreational activity.
KEEN programs are offered entirely free of charge to families and caregivers.
Check with your local affiliate to see what programs are offered in your area. KEEN now has programs in these seven cities:
Washington DC
Chicago
St. Louis
Los Angeles
San Francisco
New York
Phoenix
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
1900 K Street, NW
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20006
866-903-KEEN (5336)
inform@keenusa.org
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.
© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433
