People With Disabilities Enjoy WDSRA

The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association -- "WDSRA" -- represents the Glen Ellyn, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Naperville, Roselle, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield Park Districts and the City of Warrenville.

How does the WDSRA impact Glen Ellyn?

• Last year WDSRA served over 700 Glen Ellyn participants with specially-designed programs for people with disabilities.
• The association served close to 6,000 people with and without disabilities in 1996 through over 900 programs, special events and trips.
• Students in special education classes enjoy leisure education during the school day with WDSRA's assistance.

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WDSRA is recognized as a recreation leader in the western suburbs, throughout the state of Illinois and across the United States.

The service is a two-time National Gold Medal Award Grand Winner for excellence in community-based recreation programs for people of all ages with mental and physical disabilities serving a general population over 200,000.

Western DuPage SRA hosts an array of programs including sports, social clubs, drama and sign language.

The Christmas Dinner Dance and a TROOP Drama performance are some of the hundreds of activities planned for the fall season.

Copies of the program guides are available at the Main Street Recreation Center, Glen Ellyn Library, or call WDSRA at 681-0962.

The Drop In Center for people with mental illness is sponsored by WDSRA and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Members can meet new friends, relax, and recreate every Wednesday at the Riverwalk Community Center in Naperville from 6pm - 9pm.

Eating dinner, playing games and having fun are part of the weekly program!

Residents with hearing impairments can contact us via TDD through the main WDSRA telephone number at 681-0962.

Participants with special needs who prefer general recreation programs can use WDSRA's integration support services. The association responded to hundreds of requests last year.

Integrated programs offer an opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in a park district program. WDSRA compliments the Park District sponsored program by supplying an array of services to make the experience successful.

Western DuPage SRA may provide a support staff for the entire program, or until the participant is comfortable with the activity. In-services, staff training, and resource networking are also available.

If you are interested in integrating into a park district program and would like WDSRA's assistance, please contact the WDSRA office at 681-0962 in advance of the Glen Ellyn Park District's registration deadline.

There is no additional charge for WDSRA's effort.

Many Glen Ellyn residents volunteer or work part-time with Western DuPage SRA, and numerous Glen Ellyn businesses and service clubs are vital to WDSRA's future.

Please call the WDSRA office for details about employment opportunities, speaking engagements, sponsorship, or the WDSRA Foundation at 681-0962.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) took effect in January 1992 and the Glen Ellyn Park District will comply with the legislation's purpose which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability.

The Glen Ellyn Park District will make reasonable accommodations in recreation programs to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements for that leisure program and facility.

The ADA requires that recreation programs offered by the Glen Ellyn Park District be available in the most integrated setting appropriate for each individual.

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