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Our kids and adults with disabilities work hard to do the daily activities that many of us take for granted at times, like studying, communicating, and moving. They can benefit from participating in inclusive community activities.
Here are seven reasons why inclusive recreation is important for everyone:
1. Builds relationships and prevents loneliness; more friendship opportunities
2. Offers a chance for all people to set goals and experience personal achievement
3. Fosters connections for opportunities for social roles such as volunteerism, group membership, or employment
4. Enhances physical fitness, positive mental health, happiness, and independence
5. Increases sensitivity and understanding to the diversity of humankind
6. Creates a culture where all people are valued
7. Inspires others to take action for change
From Lisa Raffoul & Associates
We are fortunate in this region to have some great inclusive, accessible recreation opportunities. In this issue, we offer a sampling of recreation sites and services. Take a look with your child or family member and see what may spark their imagination.
Best to you and yours,
Maria Schaertel
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Inclusion in Motion located at Motion Junction Playground | | |
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Starbridge supports Charlotte through FI (Fiscal Intermediary services) at Motion Junction.
Nanci Bentley, Family Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, WNY & Finger Lakes Regions, New York DeafBlind Collaborative, and founder of Inclusion in Motion describes the inspiration for the playground, located in Canandaigua:
“(Our son) MJ, along with the Smith Family children, are the inspiration for this monumental project. As MJ grew, we saw the desire for parallel play, learning, and socialization. Our family's gratitude is endless for the support we have received in bringing this dream to reality. To see everyone at the playground, no matter the age or access need being together, is everything to us.”
For further information, please click here.
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SportsNet: Collaboration of Al Sigl Communty of Agencies, CP Rochester, and Rochester Rehabilitation | | |
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Tyler Pitner, SportsNet Supervisor, shares the following fall programs, located in Rochester and the Finger Lakes:
Adaptive pickleball program – This is an all-ages program offered through ROC City Pickleball
Adaptive Rock-climbing partnered with Central Rock Gym
Adaptive Equine (horse-riding) Program partnered with EquuStrong
Jeep, which is an adaptive youth gymnastics program, partnered with SUNY Brockport
“We have 1:1 swim lessons and also a few other offerings such as Aquabilities class which focuses on arthritis and range of motion, light cardio and conditioning, and helps support daily living. We have a brand new Ai Chi program partnering with the Rochester Tai Chi Ch’uan Center. All these programs are all held in our therapy pool, located at CP Rochester, 3399 South Winton Road, Henrietta, which is kept at 97 degrees with easy ramp access and 4 feet deep all the way around.”
For further information, please see their website, email: Tyler Pitner at tpitner@cprochester.org or Natalie Ventura, Lead Recreation Specialist, at nventura@cprochester.org or call (585) 334-6000 x1377.
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Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA) Partners with Local Businesses to Encourage Inclusive Recreation | | |
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Anita O’Brien, RAA Executive Director, is passionate about accessible and inclusive recreation. “Our organization, formed in 2015, has been transforming our communities, working with recreation, sports, and tourism, to ensure businesses are offering inclusive experiences. We do this by guiding them through a mentored, often multi-year partnership that provides assessment, training, and implementation of principles to enhance physical accessibility and social inclusion. These businesses become our ‘Inclusion Partners.’
Here are some of the opportunities participants can explore with some of our Inclusion Partners.”
Cycling and Kayaking - Erie Canal Boat Company (ECBC). Two sites: Fairport and Lockport, with standard and adaptive equipment available all the time. Request a CanalPal (RAA volunteer who will go out with your child or family member), or bring family/friends or a care provider.
On the Canals Programs: Free, social programming offered along the Erie Canalway with opportunities all around our region. These programs provide an excellent way to meet new people and enjoy the many benefits of the outdoors. RAA and Erie Canal Boat Company are supporting many of these programs. Check out On the Canals options!
Fencing at Ludus Fencing Studio, located in Greece.
Birding and Trail Exploration at Genesee Valley Audubon Society (GVAS) will show your child or family member multiple ways to get involved in conservation and birding. Also, explore trails on Genesee Land Trust properties, using their informative trail descriptions to guide outdoor adventures. Trails are located throughout the Rochester area, including the City of Rochester.
Recreation at Local Facilities
Enjoy recreation at various municipal recreation centers who are on the inclusion journey, like Perinton Recreation, Victor Parks and Recreation, and the Eastside and Bayview YMCAs. These locations offer a range of programs and activities designed to meet the needs of people with developmental or physical disabilities, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Each place has a designated Inclusion Point of Contact who can answer specific questions you may have.
Contact us at RAA for more information and direct connections. Please email Anita O’Brien at RAA@RochesterAccessibleAdventures.org or phone 585-491-6011.
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Gigi's Playhouse Rochester | |
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Kristin Housel, Director of Playhouse Operations & Speech Language Development, describes Gigi’s upcoming offerings:
“We have a variety of fall programming; from enrollment-based programs like speech/math/literacy tutoring, GiGiFIT and GiGi Kitchen, to group programs like Kids Club, Teentastic and Fantastic Friends. All our programs are research-driven and targeted to meet the specific needs of people with Down syndrome, though anyone can benefit from our purposeful programs, and they are free.”
“GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.”
To view all of Gigi’s programs, including GigiFit, click here.
GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester is located at 372 N Goodman Street (in Village Gate).
Rochester, NY 14607. Phone (585) 563-7487 or email rochester@gigisplayhouse.org
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How Starbridge's Program TIES Can Support Your Child in Recreation | | |
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The TIES (Together Including Every Student) program provides inclusive opportunities both in school and the community for students like Sam, a 16-year-old who is passionate about creating animated videos, as well as attending his prom.
Maddy, a dedicated TIES volunteer for over two years, was excited to support Sam for this special event. Together, they enjoyed a night of dinner, dancing, games, and mocktails with their peers.
TIES creates natural support and inclusion, creating unforgettable experiences.
To learn more about the TIES program or to get involved, visit starbridgeinc.org/ties or contact Sarah Salamone, TIES Senior Manager, at ssalamone@starbridgeinc.org.
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“A lot of people want to change their lives, but they are not quite sure how. They think of hope as a magic wish, or an ideal that is out of reach.”
In this talk, Dr. Chan Hellman shares there is both science and power in hope to help people create the change they want in life. Chan M. Hellman is a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. He has written more than 150 scientific publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences worldwide.
Dr. Hellman’s research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. He is the co-author of the award-winning book “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life” with his co-author Casey Gwinn.
See Dr. Hellman’s TED talk here.
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