HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem A - Adaptive RecreationEUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: Adaptive Recreation
Meeting Date: January 26, 2005 Agenda Item Number: A
Department: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Staff Contact: Sue Harnly
www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-6306
ISSUE STATEMENT
This work session will provide an overview of Adaptive Recreation Services. This includes a brief
historical perspective and an inclusive description of the broad range of services provided by Adaptive
Recreation Services.
BACKGROUND
Since 1969, Adaptive Recreation Services, formerly known as Specialized Recreation, has been the
primary public provider of community recreation services for people with disabilities in Eugene.
Services provided include adapted recreation classes and activities, individualized and group skills
training, volunteer/intern work placements and referral or information services. The Certified
Therapeutic Recreation staff also provides training, consultation, and adapted equipment to other City
departments and community groups to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in their
programs. The staff is knowledgeable about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), and assists with training other City staff.
In addition, Adaptive Recreation Services maintain partnerships with approximately 50 community
support groups, nonprofit agencies, and public commissions representing the concerns and needs of
people with disabilities.
Adaptive Recreation Services served over 800 patrons with disabilities in FY04. Of these, more than
50% are at Federal low-income earning levels. Without support from the Recreation Division's
scholarship program, many of these patrons would not be able to participate in the programs and
services.
Program success is reliant upon ongoing assessment of participant needs as well as our ability to respond
to state and local trends affecting people with disabilities. During the past year, staff engaged over 450
Adaptive Recreation stakeholders in focus groups to assess the needs of the disabled community. Some
of the key issues affecting services are as follows:
· Increased Need for Inclusion Services: Requests from participants with disabilities have
increased as more people with disabilities and parents with disabled children recognize their
right and opportunity to choose from the full range of recreation services provided by the City,
not just Adaptive Recreation Services classes.
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· Reduction in State Funding for Senior and Disabled Services: Ongoing cuts to the State
budget continue to have a profound effect on discretionary monies patrons with disabilities have
to spend on recreation services.
· Focus on Health and Wellness: As with the non-disabled population, a focus on illness
prevention and general good health is prevalent in the disabled population.
Adaptive Recreation Services are based in Hilyard Community Center, a model, accessible facility,
which is available to the community for direct programs, community/city meetings and private rentals.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Not Applicable.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
This presentation is for informational purposes only.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
None.
SUGGESTED MOTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
No attachments at this time. Handouts will be distributed at work session.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Sue Harnly; Adaptive Recreation Manager
Telephone: x6306
Staff E-Mail: sue.l.harnly~ci.eugene.or.us
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