High five
Sports Programs For Athletes With Disabilities
The Joy of sports
Through small group and 1:1 instruction, Our High Five program creates an inclusive environment where athletes with disabilities develop skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of sports.
Current and upcoming
High five programs
Sports Programs For Athletes With Disabilities
Soccer
Basketball
Tennis
High Five is built on The foundation of
ROUTINE
programs follow a similar procedure to maximize predictability
ADAPTABLE
all sports skills can be modified
FUN
sports joy is a universal language!
SUPPORT
athletes are supported by a mixture of paid staff, professionals in the field of Special Education, and volunteers in small groups or 1:1
sOCIAL SKILLS
we love to foster friendships!
High Five Believes In
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High Five is for athletes with diagnosed disabilities, including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, visual or physical impairments, and multiple disabilities.
Every athlete brings unique strengths, and participation looks different for each individual. During each session, athletes rotate through multi-sport skill stations with accommodations and consistent support tailored to their needs. The High Five gym isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s shaped by the unique athletes who fill it!
Our staff includes teachers, therapists, college athletes, professionals, and local high school students who provide the appropriate level of support for each individual athlete, overwhelming encouragement, enthusiasm, and energy.
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Each High Five sport session follows the same procedure to maximize routine, structure, and predicatability. Each High Five program includes being matched with a High Five staff member, partner free play, circle time, skills stations, and a cheer. The majority of High Five programs take place at The R.O.C.K... A place your athlete will be excited to come back to, again and again.
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High Five sports programs include same-aged, non-disabled peers. During High Five programs, athletes without disabilities play the sport alongside athletes with disabilities, thus bringing the concept of inclusion to life. Inclusionary practices foster the development of empathy, compassion and understanding across peer groups and community members.
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This means that High Five athletes play a variety of sports throughout the year.
Since 2023, High Five athletes have played basketball, tennis, floor hockey, field hockey, volleyball, rowing, biking, dance, yoga, soccer, and flag football!
High Five sports programs engage athletes with disabilities throughout all 12 months of the year.
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High Five collaborates with local organizations to offer one day "Try It Out" events throughout the year. Together we try out a less familiar sport, at a less familiar facility, alongside familiar High Five friends. High Five works to connect our High Five athletes with other community organizations already doing tremendous work.
Get to Know High Five
Check out our social story to gain an understanding of what our High Five sports programs look like!
Share this story with your athlete to help them anticipate what to expect at High Five!
iCan Bike Camp
June 29th - July 3rd, 2026
iCan Shine is a national, charitable, non profit organization which offers programs for individuals with disabilities both in the United States and Canada. The biking program, called iCan Bike, was originally brought to Western New York by a volunteer committee in 2012. The Buffalo chapter of iCan Bike now operates under High Five.
The annual iCan Bike Camp uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two wheel bicycle. iCan Bike is operated by specially trained staff who utilize specific methodologies along with specialized patented equipment. Over the course of the week, adjustments are made to the bike's stability in an effort to challenge the riders' balance as they discover the skill and joy of riding.
Riders range in age from age 8 through adulthood. Riders attend one 75 minute session, each day, for five consecutive days in July. Riders are supported and encouraged by volunteer "spotters" to ensure safety and a positive experience.
Registration will Open in February 2026
What People Are Saying about High Five
Join the Fun!
Help us bring the High Five magic to life, as a paid Buddy or a Peer Athlete volunteer. We’re looking for people who are ready to jump in, support High Five athletes, and make every session FUN!
Available High Five Positions
Paid Buddy (Staff Position)
Paid Buddies work 1:1 and in small groups to actively support athletes with disabilities through modeling, redirection, and engagement.
Ideal candidates:
• Have experience with children
• Are confident, proactive, and hands-on
• Bring energy, kindness, and flexibility
Peer Athlete Buddy (Volunteer Position)
Peer Athlete Buddies are same-age volunteers who play alongside our High Five athletes, offering encouragement and support during activities.
Great fit for those who:
• Bring a “jump right in” attitude
• Are kind, patient, and positive
• Want to earn service hours
*Spots are limited each season.
Interested?
please click the ‘High Five Me’ button to contact Adrienne Marks.
LOOK WHO BELIEVES IN HIGH FIVE!
Thank You to the amazing Organizations that support High Five. We could never do this work without you!
Join our High Five email list
More Sports. More Kids. More Fun.
