Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program, Inc.
Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A D Mims Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
About
Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program, Inc. offers activities such as sponsored swim lessons, bowling, field trips, dinners, BBQs, a holiday party, and a prom. The program also holds an annual golf tournament called Annual Golfing for Autism and visits places such as Showcase of Citrus. During specified times, participants use a pool in the summer months with lifeguards on duty.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Options on Tuesdays from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM, with additional pool-only times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM
The Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has achieved non-profit status. The program was started in 2000. The mailing list for the program includes approximately 1,650 families, and all individuals with disabilities of all ages and their family members are invited to attend. The program’s holiday party includes bouncy houses, food, music, and gifts for the kids. The Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 sponsors a free dinner for parents every year that includes entertainment, awards, and prizes. The program’s only fundraiser is its Annual Golfing for Autism event.
The program’s leadership includes Program Director Joanne Houwers, also listed as Jo-Anne Houwers with Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program, Inc. The stated goal and mission of the program is to establish a center with recreational programs for individuals with autism and related disorders where innovative ideas come together to enhance the lives of individuals and their families, to build new friendships, promote learning, community involvement, and disability awareness, and to support the body, mind, and spirit in attaining their full potential while supporting the family in healing and normalizing their lives to the highest degree possible. The program is looking to purchase its own building on the west side of town for a recreation facility that is planned to include a theater room, gymnasium, pool, kitchen, horseback riding, a stable for horse boarding, therapy rooms available for rent to generate revenue, and a workshop facility. The program receives help from the city of Ocoee, the Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165, and many local businesses.
Last updated May 30, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Options on Tuesdays from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM, with additional pool-only times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM
The Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has achieved non-profit status. The program was started in 2000. The mailing list for the program includes approximately 1,650 families, and all individuals with disabilities of all ages and their family members are invited to attend. The program’s holiday party includes bouncy houses, food, music, and gifts for the kids. The Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 sponsors a free dinner for parents every year that includes entertainment, awards, and prizes. The program’s only fundraiser is its Annual Golfing for Autism event.
The program’s leadership includes Program Director Joanne Houwers, also listed as Jo-Anne Houwers with Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program, Inc. The stated goal and mission of the program is to establish a center with recreational programs for individuals with autism and related disorders where innovative ideas come together to enhance the lives of individuals and their families, to build new friendships, promote learning, community involvement, and disability awareness, and to support the body, mind, and spirit in attaining their full potential while supporting the family in healing and normalizing their lives to the highest degree possible. The program is looking to purchase its own building on the west side of town for a recreation facility that is planned to include a theater room, gymnasium, pool, kitchen, horseback riding, a stable for horse boarding, therapy rooms available for rent to generate revenue, and a workshop facility. The program receives help from the city of Ocoee, the Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165, and many local businesses.
Last updated May 30, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.