Developmental Disabilities
Creating inclusion, connection, and support for every member of our community.
Why it Matters
Across Cleveland, thousands of people live with developmental disabilities. It's not just about care. It's about connection, understanding, and being seen. Just like neurotypical people, individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities are always learning — academically, socially, and in life skills. With the right support, education, and training, they can continue building new skills and independence throughout their lives.
YouthServeCLE has partnered with three incredible Cleveland organizations serving this community. Students connected with them through volunteering opportunities that expanded empathy and built real relationships across ability lines.
In October 2025, YouthServeCLE packed three events into one month: a night of baseball alongside Achievement Centers for Children athletes (nothing better than a ballgame), an epic kickball game with Empower Sports ("Kickball. Elite vibes. Empower Sports never disappoints."), and a Rec2Connect community event that closed October strong. Jen Knott, founder of Rec2Connect, joined for a spotlight interview — sharing her vision for a more inclusive Cleveland. 234 reel views later — people were paying attention.
You can get involved with any of the organizations below to support inclusion and opportunity for people of all abilities in Greater Cleveland.
What We Did
Nothing better than a ballgame ⚾️ Huge thanks to Achievement Centers for Children for letting us spend the night playing baseball with their amazing athletes!
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Kickball. Elite vibes. Empower Sports never disappoints.
❤️ 73
Wrapped up October with some serious impact. Huge shoutout to Rec2Connect for letting YouthServeCCIS be part of the mission.
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Meet Jen Knott, founder of Rec2Connect — an inspiring force for community and inclusion in Cleveland.
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Our Spotlight Organization, Achievement Centers for Children, offers tons of ways to make a difference year-round.
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💪 Spotlight Organization: Empower Sports! 🌟
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💭 Myths busted. Facts shared. Understanding built.
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Nothing better than a ballgame ⚾️ Huge thanks to Achievement Centers for Children for letting us spend the night playing baseball with their amazing athletes!
❤️ 102 likes
Kickball. Elite vibes. Empower Sports never disappoints.
❤️ 73 likes
Wrapped up October with some serious impact. Huge shoutout to Rec2Connect for letting YouthServeCCIS be part of the mission.
❤️ 57 likes
Meet Jen Knott, founder of Rec2Connect — an inspiring force for community and inclusion in Cleveland.
❤️ 43 likes
From the Event
Nothing better than a ballgame ⚾️ Huge thanks to Achievement Centers for Children for letting us spend the night playing baseball with their amazing athletes!
Meet Jen Knott, founder of Rec2Connect — an inspiring force for community and inclusion in Cleveland.
💪 Spotlight Organization: Empower Sports! 🌟
🌟 This October, YouthServeCCIS is dedicating our efforts to raising awareness about Developmental Disabilities.
Kickball. Elite vibes. Empower Sports never disappoints.
💭 Myths busted. Facts shared. Understanding built.
Spotlight 🔦 | Rec2Connect
Wrapped up October with some serious impact. Huge shoutout to Rec2Connect for letting YouthServeCCIS be part of the mission.
Our Spotlight Organization, Achievement Centers for Children, offers tons of ways to make a difference year-round.
✨YouthServe Spotlight✨
Fun facts ahead: adaptive tech + sports = unstoppable inclusion. 💙
Our Partners
Empower Sports
Empower Sports creates inclusive athletic programs for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, giving every person the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and community of sport. Their programs span adapted sports, recreational activities, and competitive leagues across the Cleveland area. YouthServeCLE students have served as buddy volunteers and event assistants, forming meaningful one-on-one connections with participants during events.
Achievement Centers for Children
Achievement Centers for Children empowers children and adults with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through therapy, education, and inclusive programming tailored to each individual's needs. Serving Northeast Ohio for nearly a century, they offer physical therapy, speech services, adaptive recreation, and family support across multiple locations. YouthServeCLE students volunteer at ACC events and programs, forming genuine connections with participants and supporting the staff that make these life-changing programs possible.
Rec2Connect
Rec2Connect connects individuals with special needs to community recreation, wellness, and social programs that promote inclusion and belonging in Greater Cleveland. They believe that access to recreational activities is a right, not a privilege, and work tirelessly to remove the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in community life. Student volunteers at Rec2Connect serve as peer companions and event assistants, making activities accessible and welcoming for every participant.
The Reality
Want to Help?
Join us at our next event or connect with one of our partner organizations.
Get Involved