Adaptive Recreation Opportunities
Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO) provides quality and equal opportunities for recreation and leisure programs to community members with disabilities. Open to people of all abilities, the ARO program offers healthy and fun experiences through inclusion support, transition services, specialized programs and adaptive equipment rentals. ARO services strive to foster independence for the individuals we serve within their recreation experiences.
Inclusion Support
Individuals of all abilities and ages are welcome to register for any recreation program, and the Recreation Department will do its best to provide reasonable accommodations. Recreation offers a spectrum of inclusion services.
Request for Inclusion Support must be submitted at least two weeks before the start of a program. Inclusion support will be determined by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or Behavioral Specialist and can include staff training to create a more inclusive environment, program adaptation, adaptive equipment, additional staff or other accommodations. Each individual requesting inclusion support will be assessed and support can be changed as individuals work toward the goal of independence in programs.
Once you have submitted a request, you will be contacted via email for follow-up. If you do not receive a follow-up within two weeks, please call 970-224-6125 to confirm.
Questions? Please contact ARO@fortcollins.gov.
Transition Services
ARO offers leisure education for individuals transitioning from school to adult services. These programs provide collective recreation experiences and resources on how to continue involvement. For more information, contact ARO@fortcollins.gov.
ARO also offers consultations with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to support new community members as they transition to local programming. Consultations discuss recreation opportunities, barriers to leisure goals and support options.
Specialized Programs
Open to people of all abilities, these programs are specially adapted for individuals with physical, intellectual and/or emotional disabilities to empower them in their everyday lives. Programs are goal-oriented and work on improving social or physical skills, activities of daily living or leisure goals.
Additional Resources
Equipment Rentals
ARO utilizes and maintains a plethora of unique adaptive equipment that allows for individuals of all abilities to recreate how they choose. It includes but is not limited to a Freedom GRIT chair, various types of cycles, sport chairs and other equipment. If you would like to rent a piece of equipment to utilize, please complete our Equipment Rental Request Form below. Once submitted, a staff member will follow up with availability and equipment options.
Rental Fees
- $5 per day for equipment rental
- + additional $5 per day late fee if returned late
Please note: Our equipment is selected to support a broad spectrum of community members and not fit to unique individuals. Padding and supports are available to assist with fit. Equipment is also used in programs and may not always be available for use.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
These 1:1 swim lessons are designed for individuals with disabilities and are tailored to each swimmer’s needs. To get started, fill out our interest form to be matched with an instructor. Please allow up to seven business days for a response. Instructor availability is limited – waitlisting may occur.
Adaptive Personal Training
Our Adaptive Personal Trainers provide specialized, 1:1 fitness instruction designed for individuals with disabilities. Participants will be assigned a Certified Personal Trainer to exercise with at one of the City's recreation facilities. Schedules are created by the trainer and participant. Personal Trainer assignments depend on availability. A cancellation notice of at least 24 hours is required.