WDSRA Receives Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society Grant

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) Foundation is proud to have been selected by the Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society to receive this grant in support of inclusion services. WDSRA believes that any child with a disability should be allowed to be included at their highest ability level in the least restrictive environment and have full access to the community in which they live. 

Julie Evans, WDSRA Foundation Board Trustee was on hand to accept the grant check during the Annual Bruncheon on Tuesday, May 21st at Glen Oaks Country Club.

The grant monies will be used to support inclusion services for children with disabilities attending Glen Ellyn Park District programming among peers with and without disabilities. Inclusion services are customized to meet the needs of the child with the disability which may include a one-to-one aide, program or behavior modifications, physical adaptations, customized park district training or other necessary support to ensure everyone’s involvement is successful.

The benefits of inclusion affect not only the individual but also their family, peers and the community in which they live.  Individuals in inclusive settings show improvement in cognitive and social measures. They also feel better connected to the community in which they live. Participants without disabilities benefit from the inclusion experience learning to appreciate each individual’s differences and becoming more comfortable in connecting with people with various disabilities.

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides engaging, community-based recreational programs and inclusion services for children, teens, and adults with special needs. WDSRA offers Special Olympics, adapted sports, dance and art programs, camps, trips, special events, and more. WDSRA’s mission, the development of individuals through recreation, makes it possible for the more than 4,500 individuals served to grow personally, connect with their community and discover their potential.

WDSRA is an award winning organization and a cooperative extension of nine park districts serving the communities of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.

For more information visit www.wdsra.com.