SRA PERSPECTIVES

Viewpoints and experiences from parents, a professional and Special Olympics organizers

Special Recreation has brought such joy to our family and opened up a world of opportunity for our son who was born with Downs Syndrome. Patrick is now 21 years old and has participated for many years in a variety of activities.

"Pat has enjoyed many sports—bowling, hiking, softball, golf, and billiards—where skills and good sportsmanship are taught by caring, patient staff members and volunteers. Best of all, everyone is a winner. Where else do you find the "fans" cheering for both sides at a softball game?

"Pat's creativity has been nurtured through activities such as Drama Club, gardening, crafts, cooking classes, and piano lessons. He struggles to learn 'his lines' and does not always want to practice his piano lesson, but he loves performing and has gained so much self-confidence in doing so.

"One of the greatest benefits of special recreation is the independence that participants gain through various activities, especially the "just for fun" ones. Pat loves going to dances, taking trips to special events, and having run with his friends in Social Club. He has a chance to be himself and test his wings without mom and dad; and, as parents, we know he will be safe and guided by people who care about him.

"South Suburban Special Recreation Association just celebrated its 25th anniversary of serving people with disabilities, and Patrick was asked to play the piano as part of the program. He summed up how he and we, his parents, feel about SSSRA in his choice of music. He played Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" and "A Whole New World," from "Aladdin." A joyous new world it is for him and us!" 
- Doris Sweeney, resident of Matteson

"I come from a long line of teachers and almost became an English teacher, but I felt those four walls closing in and majored instead in recreation administration. That drive to teach, however, is still with me. Through special recreation, we're teaching people how to enjoy their free time. Many of our participants have a great deal of free time, especially as they age out of school. They lack work opportunities and are unable to pursue leisure activities on their own.

"Families who have children with disabilities often feel isolated in the community and we can help eliminate that isolation. Parents have told us that the SRA is their child's life. This is where he's accepted for who he is.

"Since my start at the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation (SEASPAR) 20 years ago, we've grown from serving 7 to 11 communities. There's more demand for services, but the availability of resources is an issue due to the tax cap. The demand now is different. Individuals with more severe disabilities are asking for services so staffing is more labor intensive.

"Over time, too, SRAs really have become team members in their communities with teachers, therapists, and families. Together, we aid in the overall development of the individual and that's a big role.

"One of my most rewarding experiences involves the Serena's Song hot air balloon, the only totally accessible air balloon in the world. SEASPAR is one sponsor of these rides, offered to more than 130 people with disabilities during the Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival in Lisle each year.

"There's something magical about it, being there at 5:45 a.m. to give rides before the sun gets too high and working as late as 9 p.m before we're done. The experience is exhilarating for staff and participants and tears flow.

"That balloon was built especially for them and that's what we do every day. SRAs offer chances to grow and experience all the good things life has to offer."
- Susan Friend, superintendent of recreation, SEASPAR

28 / Illinois Parks and Recreation

SRA PERSPECTIVES

Being a parent of a child in need for special recreation programs, many people would consider me unfortunate. I consider myself just the opposite! My son and myself have been lucky enough to be affiliated with a few associations in the city, but we have been extremely blessed since we've relocated in Northern Illinois. My son Eric has now been associated with Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) for the last five years.

"Tears of joy and happiness flow every time I look back and see how far he has come from when he first started. His development would not have increased so rapidly if it wasn't for the many different athletic and social programs. The variety of programs...overwhelms me. Our choices are not limited and probably in most cases, we have more to choose from than parents who have their children in regular park district programs.

"NISRA is like having my son in a 5-star hotel. Anytime he participates in their programs activities, or events he, like the other children, are treated and taken care of as if they were celebrity guests. More like they were their own children! The hard work, endless hours and dedication that the entire staff provide is remarkable. Most impressively, their genuine love goes beyond what is expected. It awakens me in a way that there is still so much good in this world, even today when we hear usually nothing but negativity.

"Self-worth for all of these children and adults is probably the most important trait they need! NISRA achieves this consistently by maintaining their high standards. I thank them and all other special recreation associations in Illinois that are achieving the same."
- Christopher Sychta, resident of Deerfield

By the time the first special recreation association was established in the early 1970s, Special Olympics was already growing its program started in 1968. It was natural that these two organizations, ultimately, would work together, enhancing the lives of adults and children with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. The SRAs have set the standard for quality Special Olympics training and coaching, with many SRA professionals serving on local Special Olympics Area Committees.

Athletes benefit from the broader and higher competition experience that Special Olympics provides. They gain opportunities to advance to the next level of competition including visiting different parts of Illinois and the world, if they are chosen for the World Games team.

"The excitement of traveling to state competitions, staying in hotels, meeting other competitors and celebrating at the dances means a lot to athletes and families, " says Jane Hodgkinson of Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.

Special Olympics Unified Sports are a natural bridge for inclusion into the park district programs. Unified Sports combine Special Olympics athletes and members of the community in equal numbers on the same team playing against other Unified teams. The Northwest Special Recreation Association has worked cooperatively with Area 18 Special Olympics to form a Unified youth league through the Palatine Park District and a Unified adult league through the Rolling Meadows Park District.

To get your park district and recreation department involved in Special Olympics, call Dave Breen at 1.800.394.0562.
- Barbara DiGuido, Illinois Special Olympics

July/August 1999 / 29