community activities - Down Syndrome Indiana

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
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There are lots of fun things to do as an adult. You can hang
out with your friends or family, join the church choir, play a
sport in the Special Olympics, and work or volunteer at a
place you like. Make sure you think about what things you
like to do, and have fun! This section is about important
things to think about as you figure out what you want to do in
your community.
Community and Recreation
Community and Recreation: Fun is for Everyone! Participation in inclusive
community activities is to be encouraged. Everyone likes the chance to have
some fun! Social, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs can be met with a little
or a lot of community participation. There is also a benefit to maintaining some
activities with other youth or families who have special health care needs as it is a
great means to keep your family connected to important new events and
opportunities that might be beneficial for the family.
The following topics discussed are:
Churches Youth Groups
Best Buddies
Sports Program/ Special Olympics
Parks & Recreation
Camps
Volunteering
Adaptive equipment
Support for families
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RESOURCES OF MINISTRIES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
Those interested or involved with disability ministry within your church (or thinking about
it) might appreciate these resources to help find resources and help with program
offerings.
ADNet is a national membership organization of families, friends and persons living with
mental illness and/or other disabilities. Its mission is to provide resources to Anabaptist
churches (Mennonites and related groups), while their website and services are
available to anyone who finds them useful at www.adnetonline.org .
The American Baptist Church has a useful brochure about ministries for children with
special health care needs available at
http://nationalministries.org/children/docs/Childrens_Corner_2008fallwinter.pdf
National Catholic Partnership on Disability has its national office in Washington DC.
You can reach them at their website http://ncpd.org/ or phone 202-529-2933 or email
ncpd@ncpd.org
The Christian Reform Church Ministry On Disability is located in Grand Rapids,
Michigan with a website www.crcna.org/pages/disability.cfm and phone 888-463-0272
or email: disabilityconcerns@crcna.org. Their Handbook for Disability Advocates
can be downloaded from the website.
The Episcopal Church Ministry for People Living with Disabilities is located in New York
at http://ecusa.anglican.org/disabilities.htm and Toll free no.: (800) 334-7626.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Disabilities Ministries is located in Chicago
and has a website www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Disability-Ministries.asp and
phone contact 800-638-3522.
Presbyterians for Disability Concerns has a website www.pcusa.org/phewa/pdc.htm.
Interested individuals can access consultants with varied specific expertise through
(888) 728-7228 x 5800.
Contact your local faith organization
to inquire about opportunities and encourage inclusion activities and programming
for adults and youth groups!
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BEST BUDDIES
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global
volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated
employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
The national organization sponsors a number of different programs
Best Buddies Citizens
Best Buddies Colleges
Best Buddies High Schools
Best Buddies Jobs
Best Buddies Middle Schools
e-Buddies®
Existing groups in Indiana can be found at
www.bestbuddies.org/find-a-program/indiana.
Best Buddies Indiana
8604 Allisonville Road, Suite 165
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317 436 8440
Fax:
317 436 8438
bestbuddiesindiana.org
If your local school or town has not yet started a Best Buddies program, think about
asking them to get involved!
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SPORTS PROGRAMS
The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability is located at www.ncpad.org.
Interesting programs, parks, personal trainers and organization information for Indiana
can be found on this site.
Consult your local YMCA for programming for individuals with and without disabilities.
There are sliding scale fees for participation. Local fitness centers may also have
special programming.
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) Sports Programs on the west side of Indy
are dedicated to providing competitive and non-competitive athletic opportunities to
individuals with physical disabilities. Contact info: 317-329-2281 or email
Jacob.Patrick@rhin.com
The Academy of Sports and Health (ASH) Centre is located in Fort Wayne with
programming for individuals with and without disabilities. Contact at 260-432-7170 and
www.ashcentre.org/Index.htm.
Water Exercise Programs can be a very satisfying way to be active and don’t require
swimming skills. Healthplex Sports Club and Medical Pavilion In central Indy has
programs available for individuals with and without disabilities. Contact info; Phone:
317-920-7400, Email:info@healthplex-indy.com , www.healthplex-indy.com/
Positive Swing is a golf program that serves underprivileged youth, the
developmentally disabled and the physically handicapped in Hendricks, Hancock,
Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby counties. Info at www.positiveswing.org and
contact info:johnstackgolfdome@juno.com
There are a number of sites in Indiana with membership in the North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association.
Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center has a sliding scale fee to participate in the
program. Contact info: Phone 1: 317-769-5161, Email:blair@morningdovetrc.org
URL:www.morningdovetrc.org
Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited is in Hobart, contact at 219-945-0726 and
www.eeu1.org/
Loveway Therapeutic Horseback Riding is in Middlebury, contact at (574) 825-5666,
Email:info@lovewayinc.org , www.lovewayinc.org/
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LET’S NOT FORGET SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports
training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and
adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching nearly 10,000 athletes across Indiana.
Special Olympics is an international network that reaches more than 2.5 million athletes
with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
Special Olympics Indiana
6100 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
(800) 742-0612
www.soindiana.org
What YOU Can Do
1. Discover the benefits of giving wisely. Support the Special Olympics and improve
your financial security at the same time.
2. Get in touch with Special Olympics near you to see what you can do to help.
3. Follow Special Olympics online through Twitter, Facebook, and our own Fan
Community
4. Donate money to keep Special Olympics programs going.
5. Contribute five minutes to take the pledge to stop using "retard" as an insult.
6. Watch a video about a group of Mattel Corp. volunteers or about Mike Cohen, one
outstanding coach, and then share it with five friends.
7. Find out ways you and your church, club or friends can get involved near home.
Find the Special Olympics nearest you and invite a speaker to your next gettogether.
8. If you're a college student, check out SO College to get active at your school.
9. Get in the game by joining Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where people with
and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together on the same team.
10. Know someone with an intellectual disability? Refer them to a Special Olympics
program nearby.
Downloaded from http://www.specialolympics.org/Get_Involved.aspx on 1/9/10.
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PARKS & RECREATION
Local and state parks often have adaptive programming.
Indy Parks has therapeutic recreation programs including Party Time Dances and Adult
Gym Time for adults with intellectual disabilities for a nominal cost. Contact info is 317327-7251, Phartzer@indygov.org, Website: http://indyparks.indygov.org/funguide/fgtherapeutic.html
The Monon Center has Adaptive Inclusion Programs including crafts, sports and
socials targeted at all ages of individuals with special needs, located in Carmel.
Contact: btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com, phone 317-573-5245,
www.carmelclayparks.com/?action=programs_specialneeds
Bloomington Parks and Recreation offers Inclusive Recreation programming
including adaptive assistance, specialized music, leisure companions and special
olympics, contact at 812-349-3747.
IN-Shape Indiana has a website to promoting good nutrition, regular physical activity
and a healthy weight through policy, environment and lifestyle change for all Hoosiers.
www.in.gov/inshape/
Indiana University – Bloomington Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies
sponsors the National Center for Accessibility which promotes access and inclusion
for people with disabilities in parks, recreation and tourism at www.indiana.edu/~nca/,
(812) 856-4422.
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WHO WANTS TO GO TO CAMP?
Interested in Indiana Summer Camps geared towards youths with disabilities? Call for specific
age requirements and limitations. A great website to check for camps and age
appropriateness:www.mysummercamps.com/camps/Special_Needs_Camps/index.html
The Indiana Department of Education Center for Exceptional Learners publishes a list of
camping opportunities. The 2009 version is at
www.doe.in.gov/exceptional/speced/docs/Summer_Camp_List_2009.pdf
Bradford Woods in Martinsville, Indiana is a well known residential camping facility in the
Midwest available to youth with disabilities. Many of their programs are sponsored by Riley
Children’s Foundation. Camp Hi-Lite serves children and young adults up to age 22 who have
Down Syndrome. Contact them at (765) 342-2915 or check out www.bradwoods.org/
Isanogel Center is in Muncie, Indiana and offers one and two week residential camps and a
day camp program for individuals with disabilities from ages 8 and older during the summer
months. Contact at 765-288-1073, www.hillcroft.org/hc/isanogel/.
Camp Millhouse is in South Bend, Indiana has one-week sessions for specific age ranges
which offer fun-filled adventurous outdoor activities for persons with special needs. Contact at
574-233-2202, www.campmillhouse.org/
CAMP RED CEDAR in Fort Wayne offers specialty camps tailored to meet the needs of kids
ages 6-21 with particular disorders or health conditions. Contact (260) 637-3608; email:
redcedar@awsusa.com; www.awsusa.com/redcedar.html
CAMP REYOAD in North Webster is an outdoor ministries program which sponsors residential
camps for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, ages 16-66. Phone: (800) 7835138; www.impact2818.com
CYO CAMP RANCHO FRAMASA in Nashville, is a program of the Catholic Youth Organization
sponsors an inclusive, residential summer camp serving youth ages 7-18 of all abilities in
various 3-6 day programs. Phone: (812) 988-2839 x26 www.campranchoframasa.org
HANDY CAMP in Anderson, IN sponsors a camping experience sponsored by Lutheran
Disability Ministries for adults with developmental disabilities ages 18 and up. Phone (877) 6429902; E-mail: Info@LDMinc.org; www.LDMinc.org
INDIAN CREEK BAPTIST CAMP Special Persons Camp in Bedford, IN sponsors amp for
persons who are mildly mentally handicapped ages 14 and up. Phone: (812) 279-2161; email:
indiancreek@abc-indiana.org; www.campindiancreek.com
Camp Courageous is in Scottsville Kentucky. It is a camp geared for the entire family/per
diagnosis. Contact info: jsnoddy@courageouskids.org, 270-618-2912, www.courageouskids.org
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VOLUNTEERING
Volunteerism has many faces. A person can volunteer once on a particular project or
they can volunteer for many projects over a lifetime. They may choose to work on one
event annually or they may choose to volunteer on a weekly basis. They may serve
through the broad range of local volunteer opportunities available in virtually every
community. These options are a perfect venue for people with developmental
disabilities to have meaningful volunteer experiences, increase social activities with all
people, and ultimately have a greater sense of belonging and contributing to the
community in which they live.
Benefits of volunteerism to individuals with developmental disabilities are many. Among
them are the opportunity to give. The role of “recipient of services” traditionally has
been the role assigned to people with developmental disabilities. It is important that
individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to be on the giving end of the equation,
to feel the good that comes from helping others, and to learn to give support to others
when they have a need. Volunteerism for persons with disabilities also allows for the
development of more peer relationships and increase future opportunities.
Many individuals with disabilities interact primarily with their families, the people who
provide service, and others in the programs in which they participate. These
relationships can clearly be significant and should be encouraged. However, outside of
family members, people may not have freely given and chosen relationships.
Volunteerism could be a way to increase the opportunities for persons with
developmental disabilities to form new friendships. (The Arc (1998). The importance of
friendships between people with and without mental retardation. Arlington, Texas:
Author.)
Excerpted from article by Helen Lowery in IMPACT published by the Institute on Community Integration
(UCEDD) and the Research and Training Center on Community Living, College of Education and Human
Development, University of Minnesota, Volume 14 (2), Fall 2001 and downloaded on 1/10/10 from
http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/142/over4.html
Adaptive equipment
Bicycling is for All Kids... of All Ages!
Everyone of all ages and abilities can enjoy the bicycling experience. While some
children and adults with disabilities or health care needs may not be able to use
conventional bikes, there are different models of adapted bikes that are commercially
available and that can adapt to different needs for positioning and mobility. To assist in
your search for the product that may fit your individualized needs, Riley Hospital has
developed a categorization system at
http://rileychildrenshospital.com/parents-and-patients/wellnesscenter/commed/adapted-bike-product-list.jsp
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SUPPORT GROUPS ARE FUN AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET
NEW FRIENDS
SIBSHOPS
The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the interests of the over
six million brothers and sisters of people with special health, mental health, and
developmental needs all over the world. Listed below are Indiana’s Sibshops. Call
contact in your closest county for teen and adult sibling support programs.
Delaware County Sibshop
Nancy Muncey, Delaware Blackford Special Education Cooperative
2501 N. Oakwood Ave., Muncie, IN 47304
(765) 273-0079, www.interlockin.org
Northeastern Indiana Sibshops
Emily Enockson,CCLS
Lutheran Children's Hospital of Indiana/Easter Seals ARC of Northeastern Indiana
7950 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 435-6207
Bloomington Hospital Children's Therapy Clinic Sibshops
Audra Miller
350 S. Landmark Avenue, Suite B, Bloomington, IN 47403
812-355-4097
Madison County Sibshop
Maggie Mattingly, The Arc of Indiana
107 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204
765-393-2366
Southwest Indianapolis Sibshop
Danielle Lehman, Damar Services, Inc.
6324 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221
317-605-7497, www.damar.org
Riley Hospital for Children's Sibshop
Riley Hospital for Children
575 West Drive, XE 008, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5272
317-278-7621, www.rileyhospital.org/kids1st
MSD of Washington Township Sibshop
Edi Powell, MSD of Washington Township
8250 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 259-5279 ext. 158
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Elkhart County Sibshops
Viv Blakeslee, ADEC
PO Box 398 , YMCA, Bristol, IN 46507
574-294-6197 x105, www.adecinc.com
Porter County Sibshops
Doreen Witte, Porter County Step Ahead
253 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-531-9090
Indianapolis
Editha "Erica" O'Neil, Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
317-466-2001 ext. 2488
South Indianapolis Sibshops
Angela Crisler , RISE Special Services
5391 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227
317 865-3444
Sibshop at LOGAN
Leanne Suarez
2505 E Jefferson Blvd , South Bend, IN 46615
574 289 4831, www.logancenter.org
Connect with other adult sibs in your community!
With increasing frequency, states are starting their own programs for adult sibs. These
grassroots efforts provide adult brothers and sisters with opportunities for helpful
information, support, and resources. If you’d like to start an adult sibling group in your
community, please call at 206-297-6368.
Also, if you want to get an adult sibling group going, please consider joining the
AdultSibGroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/AdultSibGroup, a listserv for
those running a community-based adult sibling group. (On the other hand, if you are
looking for a listserv specifically for adult sibs, be sure to check out SibNet at
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/SibNet. This wise and warm community of adult
sisters and brothers has provided members with support and information for over ten
years.)
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DIAGNOSIS SPECIFIC SUPPORT GROUPS
For other Resources for Specific Diagnosis Support Groups go to:
www.aboutspecialkids.org/Directory.aspx
Enter in your county and diagnosis and it will search for a type of organization or
support group in your area
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana, located in Allen, phone 260-4719964. emaildsani4u@aol.com, www.dsani.org
Down Syndrome Association of Northwest Indiana located in Highland, (219) 8383656, dsa@dsaofsnwi.org, www.dsaofnwi.org/
Down Syndrome Family Connection located in Bloomington, 812-339-2012,
info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org, www.downsyndromefamilyconnection.org
Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group (AKA Michiana Down
Syndrome) (574) 234-0590info@michianadownsyndrome.org ,
www.michianadownsyndrome.org
Down Syndrome Indiana in Indianapolis, 888-989-9255, info@dsindiana.org ,
www.dsindiana.org
Down Syndrome Support Association of Southern Indiana Inc. in Clarksville,
812-948-5182, www.dssasi.org
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TRANSITION
RECREATION
Family Sheet
Q
Recreation is more than planned programs that happen in a park or gym. Recreation is
any activity that helps a person to explore or relax or have fun. Recreation can happen in
the home, on the playground or in a community setting.
For the adolescent with special health care needs, recreation is especially important. The
benefits of relaxation, of social connections, and of using minds and bodies in different
ways are enormous. Families need to help their adolescent find recreational opportunities.
Inviting friends into the home is one way. Shared experiences of listening to a CD or
watching a video are every bit as valuable as some structured activities. It helps to know
where adolescents gather outside school: the sporting events they attend, the pizza shops
they go to; these are all places where they could make friends. Also, it can be important
for adolescents with special health care needs and disabilities to spend time with others
who have special needs.
Read these tips now, and then reread them later to remind you of what it takes to create
rewarding recreational experiences.
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Highlight your adolescent’s strengths and interests, not his/her disability.
Keep fun in your family. Don’t forget about the benefits of recreation.
Create opportunities for your adolescent in your own home as well as in your community.
Notice what excites your adolescent.
Make friendships a priority. Adolescents need other adolescents to talk to and share their life
with.
Include recreation in transition planning. Make this a subject for your team meeting.
Discuss with your adolescent’s primary care provider any health-related limitations your
adolescent may need to consider when planning recreational activities.
Identify your adolescent’s need for accommodations.
Encourage your adolescent to “try out” different activities to see what he/she enjoys.
Interview organizations such as the local YMCA to see if the recreational activities available
are a good fit for your adolescent. Teach them about any adaptations or accommodations your
adolescent might need to participate in recreation activities.
Visit the facility where a recreational activity is going to take place to promote proper
planning.
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A Guide for Health Care Providers • 51
• Work with staff of recreation programs to adapt the program to your child’s special needs.
• Ask other parents about their successful recreational experiences. Work with other parents to
create new recreational options where they
don’t exist.
• Check out the school or local library for
For more information...
flyers on adolescent activities in your
community.
Institute for Community Inclusion
• Surf the Internet. Many communities have
The Institute provides training, clinical service and
recreational Web sites.
research in key interest areas of employment,
• Look in the calendar section of your local
education, transition, recreation for individuals with
newspaper for events close to home where
special health care needs and disabilities.
your adolescent can meet other teens.
Children’s Hospital
300 Longwood Avenue
• Consider the following as contacts for
Boston, MA 02115
learning about recreational opportunities:
617-355-6506; 617-355-6956 (TTY)
1. City/town recreation department
www.childrenshospital.org/ici
2. Chamber of Commerce
3. Cultural council in your town or city
Family TIES
Family TIES (Together In Enhancing Support) of
4. Colleges and universities
Massachusetts is a statewide information and
5. Health and fitness clubs
parent-to-parent support project for families of
6. YMCA/YWCA
children with special needs and chronic illness.
7. United Way
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Southeast Regional Office
8. Easter Seals
109 Rhode Island Road
9. Boy/Girl Scouts
Lakeville, MA 02347
10. Parks and beaches in your local area
www.massfamilyties.org
• Join condition-specific organizations where
800-905-TIES (in-state)
adolescents can meet other adolescents
with special health care needs.
National Center on Accessibility
NCA is an organization committed to the full
• Consider participating in a recreational or
participation in parks, recreation and tourism by
fitness activity as a family.
people with disabilities.
5020 State Road 67 North
Martinsville, Indiana 46151
(765) 349-9240 (voice/TTY)
www.indiana.edu/~nca
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Produced by the Institute for Community Inclusion at Children’s
Hospital, Boston, as part of the Massachusetts Initiative for
Youth with Disabilities, a project of the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health. Supported in part by project
#HO1MC00006 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau
(Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
Solutions at Disability
A Web site linking people with disabilities and chronic
health conditions to resources, products and services
that promote active, healthy independent living.
www.eka.com
52 • Transition Planning for Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities
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