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WDSRA Mission--Developing Individuals Through Recreation
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) serves more than 4,500 individual children and adults with special needs in over 1,500 recreation programs, trips, and special events annually. We provide a safe learning environment with caring, dedicated, trained staff and offer a wide range of programs appealing to a variety of interests. Additionally, annual participations exceed 15,000 through programs, inclusion services, community education and fundraising events.
WDSRA has been providing fun, recreational opportunities to individuals of all ages with disabilities since 1976. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts including Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
WDSRA Vision--Equal Fun For Everyone
It is the belief of WDSRA and its member park districts that all individuals should be provided with opportunities that allow an individual to perform at his/her highest level of ability.
The Benefits Are Endless
The benefits of recreation extend far beyond the soccer field. For an individual with a disability, recreational activities can- Improve self-confidence
- Increase self esteem
- Foster independence
- Encourage social interaction and peer relationships
- Provide socialization opportunities
- Establish friendships
- Reinforce existing skills
- Provide opportunities to learn new skills
- Create a fun environment in which to participate
- Reinforce the concepts of fairness, teamwork, and self-control
- And so much more!
Participants and Programs
Special populations served by WDSRA include: Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism/ Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Behavioral and Learning Challenges, Deaf/ Hard of Hearing, Developmentally Delayed, Early Childhood, Geriatric, Mentally Challenged, Mentally Ill, Multi-Need, Physically Challenged, Traumatic Brain Injury, Visually Impaired, Youth at Risk, and those with other special needs.
Two Ways to Play
WDSRA Programs
WDSRA offers Special Olympics and adapted sports, drama and dance, as well as camps and trips. Programs are offered for all ages, from preschool to seniors, and are designed with a close staff to participant ratio. In addition, we provide a full range of inclusion services for any program offered through a participating park district. As a service to the community at large, we offer disability awareness programs that educate groups, such as schools, about living with a variety of disabilities.
Inclusion Services
WDSRA offers assistance to any individual with a disability who registers for a park district program from any of our member districts. The goal is to provide the least restrictive environment for an individual. Assistance varies depending on the needs of the individual and can range from adapting materials to sending support staff. There is no additional cost for participants to receive inclusion services.
Groups Affiliated with WDSRA
WDSRA is affiliated with many local groups such as: Special Olympics, Very Special Arts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, Brain Injury Association, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, DuPage County Health Department, YMCAs, and other special recreation associations.
WDSRA is Nationally Acclaimed
Two time winner of the National Parks and Recreation Association’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Programming.
Recognized as an Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Distinguished Agency Award winner.
Awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada in 2006 and 2010.
