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Cooperative programs Special recreation associations help meet the diversified recreational needs of disabled persons. By Marianne Birko Are you normalized? Do you want to be? If you ask yourself both of these questions and do not have an answer, you are not alone. Being normalized is the process of making normal. So, what is normal? This is a more difficult question to answer, for it differs greatly according to the topic, place, person and the way in which society defines "the norm." A special meaning Being normalized means even more to persons who have a disability. For them, normalization is the process of mainstreaming into everyday activities. Within the park and recreation profession, normalization for disabled persons takes place in a variety of ways. One way is through the opportunities provided by special recreation associations (SRAs). Within SRAs, all persons with a disability can receive recreational services to meet their individual needs. These programs reflect "the norm" of what member districts offer in programs for the able-bodied. The differences are only in how these programs are adapted for the individuals being served. The primary focus in each of these situations is the mainstreaming opportunity — being in the community and participating in a community facility with public involvement. Some disabled persons have a need to be more a part of the mainstream of a member park district's programs. It is important to recognize this need and, when appropriate, to provide the opportunities for this to occur. This is a simple answer to something that can be a more complex process. District participation How does an SRA-member park district get involved in this aspect of normalization? Often park districts are able to provide community members very specialized programs, such as photography. A photography program may not be successful as an SRA offering because of lack of interest. So, rather than eliminate this photography program option for the interested participant, an SRA can look for this opportunity through a member park district photography program. This sounds like a very simple solution, and it can be. However, for this type of mainstreaming opportunity to be successful, several steps need to be considered: • The SRA staff member contacts the park district staff and discusses the feasibility of this mainstreaming opportunity in the park program. The discussion would include the participant's abilities, staffing needs, adaptations and facility needs. (An SRA staff member provides assistance in programs wherever needed.) • Park district staff discuss this mainstreaming option with the instructor of the selected program, and all of the areas in the first step are reviewed. • If all parties agree that this program would provide a successful experience for the participant, normal registration procedures follow. If it is determined that the program is not appropriate, other alternative programs are pursued. • Upon registering a participant in the park district program, the SRA
Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 November/December 1986 (Continued from page 25) staff member discusses details regarding instructional techniques and staff roles with the program's instructor. This information is then shared with the SRA support staff person. • Midway and at the conclusion of the program session, the SRA staff meet with the program instructor and participate to review the progress of the program. If at any point the program is determined unsuccessful, alternative options are considered. These steps outline the normalization project that is used regularly as a program option for the West Suburban Special Recreation Association's participants. Success is based on the completion of all the steps, and the Association's ability to staff the program accordingly.
Illinois Parks and Recreation 32 November/December 1986 |
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