The Fox Valley Special Recreation Association’s basketball team competed in the Illinois Special Olympics. (Photo courtesy of FVSRA)

For 40 years, the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association has been encouraging and helping those with disabilities live their best lives.
Through socialization and recreational activities, those living in the Fox Valley area are stretching their wings in ways that would not be possible without the association’s help.
The Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) was formed in 1976 and is an extension of the Batavia, Fox Valley, Geneva, Oswegoland, St. Charles, Sugar Grove Park Districts, and South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department. The association’s goal is to provide a diverse range of year round recreational activities that encourage and allow residents with disabilities to experience active, healthy and playful lifestyles.
Offering programs similar to those offered through local park districts, FVSRA’s programing is geared toward inclusion.
“Recreation is important for any child, but it’s significantly important for people with disabilities,” said FVSRA Executive Director Carolyn Nagle. “It’s human nature. Everyone needs to have a friend and have socialization.”
Through day camps, outings, out-of-state trips, and hundreds of other social and recreational activities, FVSRA fosters growth in residents who might not be able to participate in traditional park district activities because of a disability.
FVRSA programs are designed to include opportunities that will enhance skill development and socialization, encourage self-awareness and community exploration, promote independence, and provide a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment.
“(Participants) don’t have to try to figure out on their own where they can go to be totally included,” Nagle said. “We hope that in society (inclusion) happens, but we are also aware that some group settings aren’t as inviting.”
So, the FVSRA finds ways to make sure everyone, regardless of a disability, is able to enjoy activities outside the home. They include transportation and scholarship opportunities to make sure everyone can be involved.
During her 24 years with FVSRA, Nagle said she has seen the organization grown in major ways. When she began working with the association, most of the program participants were children. Now, Nagle said there is a 50/50 mix of children and adults seeking program opportunities.

Day trips, like this one to Wrigley Field, are offered to adults served by the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. (Photo courtesy of FVSRA)

Day programs offered to adults allow them to get out of the house, volunteer, exercise, find jobs and thrive outside their everyday environments.
Programing has also shifted over the last four decades to allow the association to serve individuals with more severe medical and behavioral challenges.
Nagle said that the Downs Syndrome population, which wasn’t expected to live past 30-year-old in previous decades, is now a largely served population.  Participants with Autism have also grown in numbers over recent years, she said. But, the range of disability varies greatly from person to person.
“Often times people think they know what we’re about, but on our brochure we can’t display what everyone looks like,” Nagle said. “When people look at our program I hope they come have an assessment with us. We will discuss what your goals and needs are. Hopefully, we have something for you. If not, we’re listening and making changes.”
FVSRA provides programming including Special Olympics Sports, Leisure Education, Day Camp, Special Events, Travel Opportunities, Individualized Programming, and Social Programs. All participants receive a Therapeutic Recreation Assessment upon registering to assist with proper placement within FVSRA programs.

Financial resources come from the Special Recreation Tax levied by the seven-member park districts, fundraising, donations and the nominal registration fees charged for programs.

Residents will not be denied the opportunity to participate because of financial need. Scholarship applications are available upon request and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
“Fundraising is significant to the organization,” Nagle said.
 

FVSRA FUNDRAISER

The 5th annual Northern Nights, Trees & Lights event will be held on  Nov. 18 at the Q Center in St. Charles and will include wine and beer tastings, appetizers, dinner and auctions to benefit individuals with disabilities.
A raffle, during which only 500 tickets will be sold, will take place that evening. The winner will receive an $8,000 grand prize, and four additional winners will receive $500.
The $40 tickets commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary.
Call (630) 907-1114 to purchase tickets and to help with selling tickets.
For more information on the fundraiser and programing visit https://fvsra.org.

— FVSRA helps children and adults thrive  —