IMPORTANT NOTE: Currently, all Lifelong Learning class and program information is available at this site: www.aarecedonline.com.

Rec & Ed has offered adapted programs for adults and children with disabilities since the 1970s. Rec & Ed’s programs serve participants in Ann Arbor as well as those from surrounding communities. Although Rec & Ed provides a diverse array of recreation and education programs in our community, and all of our programs are inclusive for people with disabilities and special needs, our adapted programs are specifically designed for people with disabilities. The participants we serve in our adapted programs range from people with mobility/physical limitations to Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, seizure disorders as well as other developmental disabilities. All are welcome!

What Programs Are Offered? 

We offer three seasons of adapted programs:  Fall (starting mid-September), Winter (starting mid-January), and Spring (starting April). Currently, Strike Force Bowling and Fun Night Out run each of the three seasons, click the links for more info and to register.

Strike Force Bowling

Our largest and longest running program is Strike Force Bowling, a non-competitive bowling league which has run for over 30 years and serves 20-30 participants per season. Every year we get new participants, but many participants sign up season after season. Some have even been enrolled for over 20 years! Strike Force Bowling runs from 4:00-5:30pm on Mondays, the bowling alley provides ramps and bowlers can use the bumpers depending on preference. All participants get an award at the end of the season pizza party as well as a t-shirt in the fall and winter seasons. 

Tom Ellison has been the staff lead for Strike Force Bowling since 1988 and creates a fun and welcoming environment for our bowlers. Tom goes out of his way to get to know our participants and their families, and he can always make our bowlers laugh and smile. To help Tom out, we rely on volunteers to make sure that the program runs smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact 734-994-2300 ext. 53203. 

Fun Night Out

Nan Nelson has been leading adapted programs since 1987. Fun Night Out is a weekly social gathering on Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30pm. Nan works with our participants to create crafts, cook, play games, sing songs and have fun! Nan knows how to connect with all of our participants to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all. 

Who Can Take Adapted Programs? 

Anyone can register and the fees are the same whether you are a resident or not. Many of our participants live in Ann Arbor, but at least a quarter of our participants come from surrounding communities. Most programs are for grades 9th-adult. 

What Type of Assistance is Provided to Participants? 

Many of our participants who need one-on-one assistance are accompanied by an aide or a family member who stays with them for the duration of the program for the safety and stability of our participants. For those who are more independent, volunteers and staff can assist and help out as needed. Reasonable accommodations are made for our participants whenever possible; if you are enrolling a new participant to our program, please contact our office 734-994-2300 ext. 53203 to let us know how we can best serve your child or family member!

Registration Fees

We strive to keep our adapted programs as affordable as possible. To help families with registration fees, we offer need-based financial scholarships for residents of the AAPS district. Click here for more details on how to apply. Scholarship co-pays are listed in the course description. To register for classes online, click adapted programs or call our office, 734-994-2300 ext. 53203.

Want to Support These Programs? 

If you are interested in volunteering your time or making a financial donation to support or sponsor these programs, please contact the Adult Enrichment Supervisor at 734-994-2300 ext. 53203.