At first blush, Newport may seem an unlikely surfing destination — but they don’t call Rhode Island the Ocean State for nothing. The city and surrounding communities are also lined with sandy beaches and board-ready breaks. In recent years, Newport has become a popular destination for families with special-needs kids, thanks to the innovative work of the nonprofit organization Gnome Surf. A leader in the rapidly growing world of surf therapy, the group has professional coaches whose on-the-water sessions can improve the lives of kids with learning disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and other conditions that can make land-based or group sports difficult.
(Click 'Download Document' below to read the full article)
