|
|
Q: How can sports and various recreation programs benefit children with
disabilities?
A: Children with disabilities want the same experiences all children do –
they need to be part of a team and experience the benefits sports have to
offer, such as the sense of winning and losing, getting a trophy, the
camaraderie with teammates and the physical activity. During my nine years
here, I’ve watched kids’ self-confidence increase by leaps and bounds and
their social, motor and verbal skills have all improved. In fact, they show
improvement in a lot of different areas because of positive experiences from
sports participation. They also need the energy. Studies have shown that
participating regularly in sports activities can even reduce other medical
complications common to people with disabilities.
Q: What sports organizations and social clubs promote activities for
children of all abilities?
A: Many organizations are starting to offer more programs that include all
children, while those created for children with disabilities are expanding
their programs to be more inclusive. Miracle League baseball and the Little
League Challenger baseball use volunteers from other sports teams to buddy
up with athletes. Special Olympics has dozens of sports for children with
disabilities and also has a unified league that includes athletes with and
without disabilities. Most county and city recreation programs have sports,
social and camp programming. The American Association of AdaptedSports (TM)
Programs provides sports programs for high school athletes with physical
disabilities, and Blaze Sports, a legacy of the Paralympics, offers programs
through Georgia Parks and Recreation. Also call Boys and Girls Clubs and
always check with your place of worship, gymnastics, swim and martial arts
centers, and even ALTA tennis for youth programs. Several soccer
organization offer TOPSoccer, a soccer program for children with
disabilities.
Parents have to ASK and plant seeds if the programs aren’t there. The MJCCA
Recreation and Wellness Department offers a number of programs for children
with disabilities because parents took the initiative to get them going.
Sometimes that’s what it takes – a group of parents who know what they want
and are willing to work with an existing program, like Girl or Boy Scouts or
youth groups, to make it happen for their kids.
Q: How do I decide whether to enroll my child in a program specifically
for kids with disabilities or in a typical community program?
A: Where to enroll your child for recreational activities depends on what
you want for your child and what your child is ready and able to do. Whether
or not your child will fit in depends on so many factors – experience,
siblings, age, the kids they meet and friends they might already have.
Inclusive programs are very important, but often people with developmental
disabilities are more likely to get involved when other kids with
disabilities participate.
The best practice is when children of all abilities play and interact
together. I think kids need a little bit of each, some activities with
children who also have disabilities, and some activities with a mix of
children.
Q: Should I send my child to camp? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
A: Yes, you should send your child to camp! Find one that is appropriate for
your child’s abilities and encourage him to go – then prepare yourself to
let go! If you choose your child’s camp program carefully, you eliminate
most of the risks.
Camping is a great experience that can truly transform a child – it can be a
huge success for his self-esteem and help him become more independent. If
lets your child prove he can do things he’s never tried before and test his
limits of independence.
Sleep away camp is often the most important step in the long process of
preparing a child to live independently someday. The benefits definitely
outweigh any risks.
Camp can also be a great inclusion experience for children with
disabilities, who do the same activities as the other campers and
participate more fully with children of all abilities. It’s a real
confidence builder.
Sometimes, the hesitation is not because the kids aren’t ready, it’s that
the parents aren’t ready to let go. The camping experience enables parents
to begin to separate and gives them a break, a well-deserved respite.
Sammy Rosenberg is the assistant director of the Department for
Developmental Disabilities at the Marcus Jewish Community Center. He has
worked in recreation and camping for children with special needs for the
past nine years and loves his work. The native Atlantan, who grew up with
Tourette’s syndrome, earned a degree in social work and psychology, planned
for a career in which he could give back to his community.
Reprinted with permission from Atlanta Parent Magazine.
|
 |
|
|
| |
Many summer
camps fill up their slots by January. Do your research early and get
your child enrolled in a program before it is too late. |
|
 |
|
