A Lifetime of Leisure Opportunities for People with Special Needs

Telephone: 630.620.4500
TDD: 630.620.7477

NEDSRA is Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, established in 1976 through a cooperative agreement with the Village of Glendale Heights and eleven other neighboring park districts and villages. These twelve member agencies formed NEDSRA to complete their commitment to provide leisure and recreation services to all their residents, including those having a disability or limitation requiring additional support or adaptations. Village of Glendale Heights is working cooperatively with NEDSRA to offer equal access to all recreation programs for persons with disabilities. Through NEDSRA, the Park District is able to offer a variety of programs such as bowling, cooking, swimming, golf, Cub Scouts, gymnastics, track and field, and many special events. NEDSRA's staff of Certified Leisure Professionals (CLP) have the background and knowledge to provide experiences that will enhance the quality of life for people with special needs and their families.

Speaker Bureau

Would you like to know more about NEDSRA and the opportunities that exist? The staff at NEDSRA is more than willing to come on a Teachers' Institute Day and give a presentation of our agency. Resource information, pamphlets, literature on our varied services, along with an agency slide show would be included in the presentation. Feel free to call the Public Information Coordinator at 630.620.4500 ext. 41 to arrange a speaker.

Skills, Talents and Time to Share?

Wouldn't you like to share your skills and talents to benefit NEDSRA participants? Maybe you are skilled in karate, bowling, water sports, drama, nature activities or team sports. Part-time staff members and volunteers are needed to help assist in the many programs and special events throughout the year. If you have an interest, we encourage you to call now and get involved. NEDSRA Wants You! Do you know sign language? We are looking for people with sign language skills, who are able to work in NEDSRA and park districts programs. For more information on ways you can get involved and help others, please call 630.620.4500 ext. 17.

Integrated Opportunities Through NEDSRA

NEDSRA understands that now every person with a special need or disabling condition requires NEDSRA programming. In cooperation with our member districts, NEDSRA staff members will be happy to advise and/or assist any resident who wishes to participate in a local park district or recreation department program. We strongly encourage integration, as this inclusive recreational environment provides our residents with even greater options for their leisure time. If you should decide to select integration, or wish to discuss it further, please contact NEDSRA and let us know of your plans so we can prepare to support your participation.

Support services may include:

• One to One consultation
• In-service training with park and recreation program staff
• Assistance through the use of Leisure Buddies
• Provision of community resources

All these services are provided at no cost. We at NEDSRA are committed to doing everything possible to make your integration experience a successful one. To discuss integration, or to receive more information, call at 630.620.4500 ext. 16.