In 1979, a special division was created within the Parks and Recreation department to insure the availability of recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. The programs offered through the Therapeutic Recreation Division have an emphasis on socialization, inclusion and development of recreation/leisure skills that carry over to the home and community. Very often these programs provide the only opportunity for an individual to recreate and interact with others. The joy of participation and "doing," together with the development of recreational skills, can and do contribute to the participant's feelings of self esteem. Many times these added skills eventually allow the individual with a disability to move into less specialized recreational programs. Individuals served include those with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness, hearing impairment, visual impairment and any combination of multiple disability.
Over the years, the program has expanded to cover both frail and well Senior Citizens. Programs are provided to both Abundant Living Adult Day Care Center and the Nutrition Sites provided by the Rowan County Senior Services Dept. The most recent addition was the Senior Games and Silver Arts Programs which were added in 1995. Senior Games encourages year-round health and wellness programs for all Seniors of Rowan County. Check the new link for Senior Games Practice Schedule and information. www.rowanseniorgames.org
The Therapeutic Recreation Division is very involved with the Special Olympics/Rowan County programs. We provide transition for individuals who have graduated from the public schools and insure registration information is distributed to adults served in the TR programs. Coaches are provided for a variety of Special Olympics Sports. Facilities for Bocce have been built at Ellis Park and will be used by both Special Olympics and Senior Games/ Silver Arts.
The Theraputic Recreation Division offices are located at Ellis Park. We offer a variety of programs for our consumers such as: bowling, swimming, bocce, movie/popcorn, art classes at Waterworks, ceramics, field trips to Charlotte Bobcats and Charlotte Checkers games, dances, Putt-Putt, and many more exciting activities. The Program has 3 full time staff members (including the Senior Games Coordinator) and depends heavily on volunteers, many of who come from Catawba and Livingstone Colleges. Approximately 750 individuals participate in programs each month.