NSSRA offers more than 100 programs and events throughout the year, as shown
in this seasonal brochure. We serve approximately 1500 different individuals
with disabilities in creative arts, sports, drama, dance, cooking and other
areas. Participants range in age from preschoolers, youth and teens through
young adults, adults and seniors. Programs are offered at park district, school,
and other locations throughout the North Shore area. Gator Sports/Special Olympics
training programs in 17 athletic areas are also offered on a year-round basis.
For further information, call the NSSRA Program Manager at (847) 509-9400.
Gator Athletics/Special Olympics
NSSRA offers individual training programs for Gator Sports/Special Olympics
events. Athletes eight years and older with cognitive impairments are invited
to register for these programs. NSSRA offers training programs for approximately
17 sports, as well as competition opportunities at the local, state and international
levels, as well as through a network of Special Recreation Associations in
Illinois. [return to top]
Adaptive Sports and Activities / BlazeSports®
Adaptive Sports and Activities
are designed for people who have a physical disability and/or a visual impairment
and who do not have a significant cognitive disability. NSSRA, in cooperation
with six other northern area special recreation associations (SRAs), presents
the "Northern Illinois Adaptive Sports" program (NIAS). Through
this cooperative, any resident of the seven SRA communities may participate
in an adaptive sports training or recreation program hosted by any one of
the cooperating agencies at an in-district rate. Each agency offers programs
designed for individuals having a physical disability as their primary disability.
NSSRA welcomes program ideas and suggestions by participants and others. [return
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BlazeSports®: The US Disabled
Athletes Fund, Inc. (USDAF) and the National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) launched a national community-based sports program for persons with
physical disability. M-NASR and NSSRA are among nine charter programs across
the country named BlazeSports Clubs of Americasm charter members. The program
is modeled after the pilot developed in the State of Georgia by USDAF following
the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. BlazeSports® will initially focus on
select sports for the Paralympic Games (Swimming, Wheelchair Tennis, Track
& Field, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby). Other events, such
as winter sports, may be added in the near future. BlazeSports® will provide
opportunities for children (7 years and up) and adults with physical disabilities
to experience the benefits of participating in organized adaptive sports at
the "grass-roots" level. The programs and services provided in the
BlazeSports Clubsm are designed to help athletes learn and improve their skills
in adaptive sports, and enhance fitness, strength, self-confidence and lifestyle.
If you are seven years or older with a physical disability or you are an individual
interested in becoming a committee member for M-NASR / NSSRA BlazeSports Clubsm,
please call the NSSRA Manager of Cooperative Programs at (847) 509-9400 and
join our team! [return to top]
Special Events
NSSRA offers approximately 50 special events each year. Most events are targeted
to specific age groups and areas of interests; some activities are geared
for families or are offered in cooperation with NSSRA partner agencies. Due
to requests for more programming between sessions, programs such as Jump Into
June, Summer Sizzlers, Super September Fun and Discover December, and Pre-
and Post-Camp programs are available. [return to top]
Trips and Overnights
NSSRA plans and operates a number of different trips and overnights throughout
the year. Maine's Camp Wigwam offers 5-day and 10-day options for outdoor
adventures, friendship and fun. An overnight experience at Camp TPOC in Illinois
offers similar activities a bit closer to home. Other trips included mini-trips
to Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana or other destinations. An adult vacation-type
trip is offered each September. [return to top]
Agency-Wide Events
NSSRA offers major events throughout the year including our annual Awards
and Recognition Banquet in spring, a summer Picnic in the
Park, the NSSRA SWING Golf Outing / Fundraiser
in fall and a Holiday Showcase, Staff Auction and Luncheon
in winter. Volunteers and donations are of great benefit to these NSSRA special
activities. For more information about these or other events and services,
please contact the NSSRA Senior Manager at (847) 509-9400. [return
to top]
In-Home Programming
This individualized program for people three years and older is designed for
those who are unable to leave the home. A trained staff member visits the
participant's home and introduces chosen recreational activities such as crafts,
exercises, games, socialization, cooking, and other leisure skills. Participants
can use the program once a week for up to eight weeks each session. The duration
for each In-Home visit is one hour. This is an excellent means of motivating,
preparing and developing skills needed for participation with others. Note:
The scheduling of In-Home Programs does depend upon staff availability. [return
to top]
Leisure Skill Development
Do you want to learn a new recreational or leisure skill that NSSRA does not
offer during the year? The program is limited to recreational activities in
which the participant has no experience. Meeting one hour per week, this program
focuses on a specific skill that anyone three years or older would like to
learn. Participants are assisted in finding the most appropriate recreational
setting to pursue the activity at the end of the eight weeks. The program
cost will include expenses incurred to implement the program. Note: Leisure
skill development programs are offered depending upon staff availability.
The activity you request may not start in the same season requested. We will
notify you regarding which season the program will run. [return
to top]
Birthday Parties
NSSRA staff will help you with creative and fun birthday party ideas, organize
the event, and arrange for staff. Initial consultation is free. Party planning
services are $23. Families cover all party costs. [return to
top]
Transportation Options
NSSRA owns and operates accessible and standard vans and mini-buses to provide
transportation for participants attending certain NSSRA programs and events.
Programs and events offering transportation are noted in our seasonal brochure
and on appropriate flyers. Transportation options include pick up and drop
off from designated locations and door-to-door for NSSRA partner residents
attending certain programs. Transportation may be provided to and from programs
or during program or event hours. Door-to-door transportation and transportation
of participants to and from pick up and drop off locations involves a separate
transportation fee. When necessary, NSSRA may use SEPTRAN, 303 Taxi, or other
contract carriers. For complete details about NSSRA transportation services,
please refer to all transportation information and requirements listed in
NSSRA seasonal brochures. NOTE: NEW Legislation / Requirements
for Carseats and Booster Seats: ** Due to new state legislation, carseats
or booster seats must be provided for all children ages eight and under. If
you have any questions or need more information, please contact the NSSRA
Senior Manager at (847) 509-9400. [return to top]
