Information | NWSRA
The Buffalo Grove Park District is a member of a cooperative
agreement among 17 park districts that form the Northwest Special
Recreation Association (NWSRA). NWSRA exists to provide
outstanding opportunities through recreation for people with
disabilities. The agency’s team of full-time Therapeutic Recreation
professionals and trained part-time staff offer safe, fun and quality
year-round opportunities to individuals with disabilities of all
ages and ability levels. Participants benefit through increased
self esteem, physical and social skills development, and improved
fitness and health, while experiencing new challenges, making
friends and having fun! Afterschool, evening and weekend
activities feature cooperative sports and games, individual and
team sports, arts and crafts, fitness, cooking, creative arts and
drama. Camps, trips and special events are also available at
various times throughout the year.
Inclusion assistance is provided by NWSRA to those individuals who wish to participate in their home park district programs. When registering, the parent of an individual with a disability should inform the Park District (and NWSRA, if desired) of any accommodation needed in order for the individual to successfully participate in the program. The Park District staff will then contact NWSRA for assistance with the accommodation.
For more information on NWSRA, brochures may be picked
up at the Alcott Center or at the NWSRA office at Park Central,
3000 W. Central Road in Rolling Meadows.
NWSRA may be contacted at (847) 392-2848 (voice),
(847) 392-2855 (TTY) or (847) 392-2870 (fax).
Check out NWSRA on-line at nwsra.org.
Leaders & Volunteers Needed For Integrated Programs
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the trend toward main-streaming students with disabilities into regular classrooms has increased the number of requests for assistance to individuals with special needs participating in park district programs. Program times vary considerably, making it difficult to find staff. Yet, these programs may be perfect for high school students, seniors and/or mothers of older school age students wanting to work a few hours a week helping others.
The NWSRA and the Park District would like to develop a pool of people willing to work these varied hours, integrating individuals with special needs into park district programs. We will provide the necessary training and supervision of volunteers and leaders. Interested individuals should contact Susie Julison at (847) 392-2848.
Therapeutic Recreation... The Benefits Are Endless!