7/16/25
Today, our guest speakers were Lea Jackman and Kristy Henson from the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association ("WDSRA")
What is WDSRA? The park districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield provide community-based social and recreation programs for residents with disabilities. Participants include people with the following: Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity Disorder Autism Pervasive developmental disorder Behavioral and learning challenges Deaf / Hard of Hearing Developmentally delayed Early childhood Geriatric Mentally ill Multi-needs Physically challenged Traumatic brain injury Visually impaired Youth at Risk.
The need: Some 2,000 individuals of all ages participate in the programs and services offered throughout the year. While recreation is great for fun and frolics, it also provides a crucial component to the growth and development of the individual. Through play, we learn life skills that can have carry over in every aspect of our lives such as: Fostering independence Reinforcing existing skills Providing opportunities to develop new skills Increasing self-esteem Encouraging social interaction and peer relationships Reinforcing the social skills of fairness, teamwork and self-control Having fun!
The Programs: (1) Inclusion Services: Inclusion services are available to any individual who has a disability and wishes to participate in a member park district program. Accommodations are based on individual needs. Accommodations can range anywhere from training for park district staff to providing a WDSRA support staff member to providing adaptive equipment. (2) WDSRA programs: WDSRA offers four seasons of programs, to those as young as 3 years old to well into the senior years of life. There is something for every interest including Competitive & recreational athletics Special Olympics, Adaptive sports Music, dance, art & theater Social clubs Camps Trips - weekend & weeklong Special events and more! Also provided: outings to local area attractions and longer trips to special destinations such as Disney and Mexico during Spring Break.
Additional information can be found at:
1. https://www.wdsra.com/
2. Welcome Guide: https://www.wdsra.com/pdfs/2024WelcomeGuide.pdf
3. New Family Guide: https://www.wdsra.com/about-wdsra/new-family-guide/