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SPECIAL NEEDS/SWSRA

SWSRA Logo 2022

12521 S. Kostner Ave.

Alsip, IL 60803

Phone: (708) 389-9423

Fax: (708) 371-6375

www.swsra.org

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The Worth Park District is a member district of the South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA), also comprised of the Alsip Park District, Blue Island Park District, Hickory Hills Park District, Village of Merrionette Park, Midlothian Park District, Palos Heights Recreation Department, and Posen Park District. SWSRA was formed in 1981 to provide year-round quality recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. SWSRA programs are designed to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for each individual.

 

A wide variety of programs are available for individuals from early childhood through adulthood. The programs are designed to meet the individual recreation needs of any person who is in special education classes, participates in a sheltered workshop, is referred to SWSRA from a local hospital or rehabilitation center, or whose special needs restrict or prohibit their participation in traditional park district setting. This would include individuals who have varying degrees of physical or mental disabilities, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, attention deficit disorders, hearing or visual impairments.

 

Programs

SWSRA offers a wide assortment of year-round therapeutic recreation programs and special events in-person and virtually for individuals from early childhood through adulthood. In addition to summer camp, adult day program and sensory room

 

OASIS - ADULT DAY PROGRAM

OASIS was created to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities ages 18 and older. This is a structured program designed to help increase independence in a variety of areas that help foster personal growth of each individual.

General program goals are to provide quality therapeutic recreation services as well as increase and maintain social skills through well-designed activities and community integration. Other areas of focus include skills to promote independence through daily living skills, social interactions, cooking, health & fitness, and leisure activities. OASIS promotes social interaction with peers and within the community.

INCLUSION

SWSRA is committed to providing new and challenging leisure and recreation activities for all our participants. We recognize that a park district or recreation department program may better serve an individual’s needs. SWSRA works with our member districts to assist individuals with the opportunity to participate in these programs. Our professional staff can help you choose an appropriate program, provide referral services, conduct any necessary staff training, secure support staff, or supply adaptive equipment and/or communication devices. If you or a family member wish to participate in a park district or recreation department program or want to learn more about inclusion services you may contact our office.

SENSORY DEPOT

A sensory room that is a specifically designed environment for people ages 3 to adult with various ability levels to experience a variety of senses and to assist in developing specific skills. Our Sensory Depot can be used to create a safe atmosphere to relax and benefits to specific sensory processing difficulties. By Appointment only Monday - Saturday.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

SWSRA Coyotes Athletics is proud to provide training in a variety of Special Olympics sports for our athletes including basketball, bowling, softball, and much more. Athletes train under the guidance of our coaches who inspire to teach them fundamental skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our teams compete against other Special Olympics teams throughout the season and have the opportunity to participate in local and state Special Olympics events and other competitions.

 

SWSRA
Board of Directors

Jeanette Huber, Alsip Park District

 

Ted Ruthenberg, Blue Island Park District

Renee Chavez, Hickory Hills Park District

 

Michelle Higgins, Village of Merrionette Park

 

Edward Jung, Midlothian Park District

 

Matt Fairbanks, Palos Heights Parks & Recreation

 

TJ Whitcomb, Posen Park District

 

Robert O'Shaughnessy, Worth Park District

SWSRA
Administrative Staff

Nicolette Lahman-Morales, Executive Director

Patti Swiney, Business Manager

Marina Uher, CTRS, CPRP, Superintendent of Recreation

Brittany Izzo, CTRS, Program Manager

Tina Izzo-Delbovo, Recreation Specialist

Ami Ill, CTRS, Program Manager

John Bedore, Vehicle & Facilities Coordinator

WORTH PARK DISTRICT MAIN OFFICE > The Terrace Centre: 11500 S. Beloit Ave., Worth, IL 60482 > 708-448-7080 > Monday - Friday > 9am-5pm

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