Overview
The Merrimack Valley YMCA is committed to inspiring others to reach their full potential, offering numerous programs to support people with disabilities age 15+. Below are the program offerings for Y Abilities. Please note, not every program is offered year-round. For more information, please contact Jessica Borges.
Classes
These classes are for members only and included free as part of your membership. Sign up via the MV YMCA app.
Y-Abilities & Friends Spin
This is a sensory friendly spin class designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their friends, and caregivers.
Y-Abilities & Friends Cardio
Y-Abilities Cardio focuses on providing safe, accessible, and effective cardiovascular workouts for people of all abilities, body types, ages, and fitness levels.
Sessions
These programs are open to both members and non-members. Registration cost depends on your membership level.
Stronger Together
This eight-week program offers adaptive fitness exercises, structured social engagement, and mindfulness training, all tailored to support individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Join us to build strength, confidence, and community.
Y-Abilities Swim
This class prioritizes skill development and skill progression, with a strong emphasis on water safety skills. Core skills include floating, climbing safely in and out of the pool, and learning the fundamentals of basic swim strokes.
Food Creation
Our Adaptive Cooking Class is an inclusive, hands-on cooking experience designed for individuals with different abilities and levels of independence. The class creates a welcoming environment where everyone can participate, learn new skills, and enjoy the process of preparing delicious treats.
Special Olympics Partnership
The Andover/North Andover YMCA has also partnered with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts to bring additional programs to teens and adults. These programs are free and open to the public.
- Fall offering: Pickleball
- Winter offering: Floor Ball
- Spring offering: Powerlifting
Financial Assistance
It is the goal of the Merrimack Valley YMCA to provide services for individuals and families who wish to participate in the activities and programs of the Y, regardless of their ability to pay. Our financial assistance program is made possible thanks to the many generous donors who support the Merrimack Valley YMCA. If you are interested in learning more about our financial assistance program and/or applying, please complete the application below.
