Hope Therapy
Hope Therapy at Moody Gardens was inspired by the son of Foundation Trustee Robert L. Moody, who sustained a head injury in an automobile accident and who subsequently discovered the healing benefits of therapy utilizing animals and nature. Opening in January 1986, Hope Therapy became the cornerstone of Moody Gardens, an internationally recognized program that offered rehabilitative horseback-riding (Hippotherapy) to mentally and to physically disabled individuals.
Today's Hope Therapy offers Horticultural Therapy, through which individuals with disabilities can improve sensory awareness and motor abilities, regain confidence, and learn new skills to prepare for employment opportunities. The massive greenhouse and Rainforest Pyramid at Moody Gardens are tended in part by these special clients.
Vocational Training, or Supported Employment also is an important part of the program. This provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to develop the necessary skills to gain and maintain a job. Moody Gardens employs many of these individuals on a full and part-time basis. We will work with job coaches, as needed.
For individuals with special needs looking for employment, please contact our Human Resources Department at 409-683-4275.
Volunteers Needed: please contact Volunteers at 409-683-4108 or email volunteers@moodygardens.org to find out about volunteer opportunities.
Mardi Gras Ball for Special People
February 18. 2024
Annually celebrated by thousands, this event provides food, fun and entertainment for people with intellectually, cognitively and physically disabled special needs as well as their immediate families. This event is open to special needs individuals, their families and special needs group facilities.
Art in the Gardens
September 12, 2024
This hands-on arts festival offers a non-competitive forum for children and youth with disabilities to celebrate and share creativity through participatory experiences, performances, and more. This event is a public school field trip for intellectually, cognitively and physically disabled special needs students.
Adaptive Water and Land Sports Festival
September 28, 2024 (Registration will open one month prior to the event)
This year the Moody Gardens Hope Therapy Adaptive Water Sports Festival has teamed up with the Christina Sullivan Foundation to form the Adaptive Water and Land Sports Festival. The event welcomes individuals with special needs to participate in aquatic and land sports, such as water skiing, sailing, kayaking, fishing, archery, tennis, bocce ball and more with special equipment and instructors. This event is only for intellectually, cognitively and physically disabled special needs individuals and their families. No special needs group facilities allowed for this event.