Celebrating Special Needs

Honoring the Dignity of Every Person

God creates each of us with intentional love and purpose. Every person, regardless of appearance, ability, strengths, or limitations, is a unique reflection of His goodness. Within our Catholic community, we strive to form young people who recognize, honor, and celebrate the God-given dignity of every human life.

This page provides faith-based lesson plans and meaningful volunteer opportunities that help children and teens grow in compassion, empathy, and respect for individuals with special needs. Through Scripture, prayer, hands-on activities, and real-world service, students learn that every person reveals the image of God.

The organizations below provide students with opportunities to serve, learn, and form friendships with children and adults with disabilities. Ages vary by program.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding — Putnam County

Provides therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with special needs.

 Younger students and school groups may volunteer by helping with barn activities, supporting riders, or assisting with special events.

 

Best Buddies — Rockland County & Nationwide (E-Buddies) | Ages 10+

A global friendship and inclusion program connecting students with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

  • In-person Best Buddies: Builds one-on-one friendships through school-based or community gatherings.
  • E-Buddies: A safe, online pen-pal program enabling students to develop friendships digitally.

 

Elizabeth Seton Children’s School — Westchester County | Ages 16+

A renowned school serving children ages 3–8 with complex medical and developmental needs.

 Volunteers support teachers in the classroom, assist with activities, greet families at reception, and help with events.

 Contact: info@setonchildrens.org

 

KEEN New York — Manhattan & Bronx | Ages 16+

KEEN provides free sports and recreational programs for young people with disabilities.

 Volunteers serve as “coaches,” offering one-on-one encouragement and adapting activities to meet each athlete’s needs.

https://www.keennewyork.org/

Cardinal Hayes Home — Westchester County | Ages 15+

A residential home and educational program for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.

 Volunteers participate in classroom life, support recreational activities, and build meaningful personal connections.

https://cardinalhayeshome.org/

Lesson Plans & Faith Formation Resources

Each grade-level lesson explores the beauty and dignity of every person, reinforcing that all are created in the image and likeness of God. Lesson plans are grouped by season (October and January) and include Scripture, videos, and hands-on activities to help students understand what it means to honor and celebrate differences.

PK, TK & Kindergarten Lesson Plan

The children will learn about the unique beauty and goodness of each person regardless of appearance or ability. They will learn to celebrate differences.

Grades PK-K – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Oct

Grades PK-K – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Jan

Grades 1-3 Lesson Plan

The children will learn about the unique beauty and goodness of each person regardless of appearance or ability. They will learn to celebrate differences.

Grades 1-3 – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Oct

Grades 1-3 – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Jan

Resources

The children will learn about the unique beauty and goodness of each person regardless of appearance or ability. They will learn to celebrate differences.

Grades 4-6 – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Oct

Grades 4-6 – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Jan

Resources

Students will learn about the importance of loving and reverencing those who are different from us. Students will learn to recognize that every person is unique and created by God and loved for who they are. They will learn that our physical appearance and abilities cannot change our irrevocable dignity.

Grades 7-9 – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Oct

Grades 7-9 – Celebrating Special Needs Lesson Plan – Jan

Resources

Students will learn about the importance of loving and reverencing those who are different from us. Students will learn to recognize that every person is unique and created by God and loved for who they are. They will learn that our physical appearance and abilities cannot change our irrevocable dignity.

Grades 10-12 – Celebrating Special Needs Handout

Resources