Recreation and Inclusion Resources
Special Connections of Grundy County
Special Connections of Grundy County promotes inclusion, self-determination and learning for people with disabilities in Grundy County. Programs include a wide range of Special Olympics athletics, arts and crafts, movies, games, picnics, parties, dances and family support throughout the year.
For more information, please call (815) 230-1877 or email info@specialconnections.org.
Special Education and Inclusion in Early Care and Education
The Illinois Early Learning (IEL) Project provides this Special Education and Inclusion in Early Care and Education resource list for early childhood special education and inclusive childcare for children ages 3 to 5 years old. The resources include tip sheets on choosing child care for infants and toddlers, choosing a preschool, inclusion in preschool classrooms and special education assessment for preschool-aged children.
If you have questions, please contact IEL online or call (877) 275-3227. EIL will try to reply to inquiries within one week.
Special Olympics School of Strength
Special Olympics, in partnership with WWE and Special Olympics athletes, provides a free fitness School of Strength video series for athletes in their teens and late 20s. The series features workout videos with varying levels of difficulty in flexibility, strength, balance and endurance exercises to encourage athletes to commit to a lifetime of fitness habits.
Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) in Bloomington-Normal
Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) is a community-based therapeutic recreation program for individuals with disabilities ages 4 and up. SOAR offers year-round leisure, social and recreational activities to help build skills and community connections.
Check the website for eligibility, transportation options, and the calendar of events.
The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal sponsor S.O.A.R through their Parks and Recreation departments.
Special Recreation Associations in Illinois
The Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois (SRANI) is a network of therapeutic recreation agencies. Special Recreation Associations provide community-based special recreation services to children and adults with disabilities. You can see a list of special recreation cooperatives available in Illinois.
For more information, visit the SRANI website.
Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon
Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon (SRJC) is a cooperative extension of the Joliet and Channahon Park Districts. SRJC provides year-round social and recreation activities for people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. Programs offer opportunities to build new skills, create friendships and have fun.
Transportation is available to residents of Joliet and Channahon for some SRJC programs for an additional fee. For non-resident transportation, please contact the SRJC office at (815) 741-7275, ext. 176.
For more information about SRJC or to request a registration form, call the Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center at (815) 741-7275, ext. 160.
Specialized Equine Services and Therapeutic Riding in Southern Illinois
Specialized Equine Services and Therapeutic Riding (SES) at Giant City Stables provides opportunities for people with physical and/or emotional disabilities to improve their well-being through riding and working with horses. Children age 4 and up and adults are welcome.
SES at Giant City Stables is a non-profit organization. Scholarships and grants are available for eligible families. For more information, please call (618) 529-4110 or email rachelle@sestherapy.com.
Spectrum Sailing Summer Camps for Youth With Autism
Spectrum Sailing is a nonprofit organization that provides sailing camps for children aged 10 to 17 with autism. Camp sessions in Chicago typically take place in June. The three-day experience includes learning about the boat’s parts, how to tie knots, and how to sail.
Check Spectrum Sailing’s website for the application and camp deadlines. For any questions about the Spectrum Sailing program or sessions, please call (847) 863-3059 or email info@spectrumsailing.org.
Sports for Kids Recreation and Camp Programs
The Tengelsen Family Foundation Sports for Kids program promotes fitness, independence, friendship and fun for kids ages 7 to 17 with a diagnosed physical impairment. Kids can try a wide range of year-round adaptive sports and arts, social and cultural recreation and camp programs.
Opportunities include:
- Year-round programs
- Junior competitive sports
- Weekend programs
For questions and registration, please contact Kelsey LeFevour at klefevour02@sralab.org or (312) 238-6824. To participate in adaptive sports, participants must fill out Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s intake form.
Springfield Park District – Camp L.E.A.P.
The Springfield Park District’s Camp L.E.A.P. ( Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming) offers fun, educational, adaptive recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities. Camp L.E.A.P. is a weekly program. Registration deadlines are set as the Friday before the week the participant is attending. Registration for Camp L.E.A.P. summer sessions typically opens in May.
For more information, contact Andre Hawkins at (217) 585-2941, ext. 2303, or ahawkins@springfieldparks.org.