Inclusion and NSSRA

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Inclusion and NSSRA

Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the park district at (847) 234-4150 about special accommodations needed for the enjoyment of park district programs.

Inclusion Policy
The Lake Bluff Park District and NSSRA believe each participant should be provided with leisure services to allow for his or her highest level of performance. Inclusion Services are designed to facilitate and ensure opportunities are available in the least restrictive environment and to make certain residents are given the opportunity to choose the services they desire. NSSRA's goal is to provide a continuum of services to build toward an individual's independence in their local park district and recreation department. NSSRA complements the park district sponsored program by supplying a variety of services to make the experience successful. NSSRA 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 participating in a park district program and would like NSSRA's assistance, please contact our office in advance of the Lake Bluff Park District's registration deadline. There is no additional charge for NSSRA's support.

NSSRA
The Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) is an intergovernmental partnership of ten park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburban area of Chicago. NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities.

The Association, formed in 1970, was the first "special recreation" association in Illinois and among the first of its kind in the country. NSSRA now serves more than 5,000 registrants each year. Participants include adults and children with mental, physical, emotional or other disabilities, visual impairments or behavior disorders, as well as individuals who are on the autism spectrum, who are deaf or hard of hearing or have debilitating conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer's Disease.

NSSRA provides a wide array of programs and services including Traditional Programs, Inclusion Programs, Cooperative Programs, a Low Incidence Cooperative Agreement (LICA) Extended Year Program and a Joint Summer Program (JSP) offered with the Northern Suburban Special Education District. NSSRA works closely with partner agencies to enable inclusive recreation. Other services include Outreach, In-Home Programming, Leisure Skill Development, Provision of Speakers in the field of Therapeutic Recreation and more.

NSSRA also offers more than 700 cultural, sport, social, physical, outdoor, trip and special event programs, available during the day, after school, in the evenings and on weekends. Most agency programs are planned and conducted by full time staff trained in the provision of recreation activities for people with disabilities. Our Gator Athletics/Special Olympics training and competitions span 17 sports. In addition to 15 full time staff members, NSSRA utilizes hundreds of part-time, seasonal paid employees and volunteers. NSSRA is funded through Program Fees, a Special Recreation property tax levied by partner agencies, Grants, Donations and other sources.

For details about NSSRA News, Programs, Funding, Staff, Partner Agencies, or Foundation, please visit NSSRA.org. Or, you may contact NSSRA at (847) 509-9400 or email info@nssra.org.

Lake Bluff Park District and the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) took effect in January 1990 and the Lake Bluff Park District complies with the legislation's purpose which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. The Lake Bluff Park District will make reasonable accommodations in recreation programs to enable participation by an individual with a disability that meets essential eligibility requirements for that leisure program and facilities. The ADA requires that recreation programs offered by the park district be available in the most integrated setting appropriate for each individual. If you have questions about Lake Bluff's commitment regarding the ADA policy or you believe you have been unfairly discriminated against by the park district, please contact Guest Services at (847) 234-4150.