Program Overview
Enhances the quality of life and strives for independence for Fairfax County residents with disabilities and those at risk by:
- providing opportunities for independence and involvement in community activities;
- developing lifelong recreational interests;
- responding to community challenges.
Provides support and advocacy to individuals who wish to participate in general recreation activities.
Program Accomplishments
Identified increased need in the number of individuals requiring a higher level of support, coupled with a gap in continuum of services for more independent school-aged individuals; recognized increased need manifested by higher frequency of aggressive behaviors by customers and unavailability of other community-based programs to meet increased need.
Restructured summer camp offerings to better support individuals based on need, age, safety concerns and no longer focused on primary disability and age; this led to a reduction in aggressive behaviors of 57% from one participant to another, and 36% reduction in aggressive behaviors from participant toward staff.
Designed single session programming for individuals needing less support; goal of programming through the Adventure Series is to build skills and confidence in activities (e.g., kayaking, snow tubing, etc.) so customers can pursue such activities outside county programming; this and other enhanced programming options contributed to 77% of participants reporting improved skills, knowledge, and abilities to participate in other leisure activities of their choice (FY18).
Leveraged existing resources to increase program opportunities for preschool aged kids with disabilities. Re-allocated staffing allowed offering a 6-day mini-camp at three elementary schools at no additional cost to Fairfax County.
Engaged preschoolers with disabilities in group play in a structured setting to help better prepare them for preschool; activities focused around social skill, gross motor skill, fine motor skill, and leisure skill development.
Increased number of partnerships to 16 and served nearly 17,300 customers in FY18. Collaboration with SACC and ITC now allow for year-round programming, including for kids two to five years of age; 91% of all participants reported a higher quality of life (FY18).
Benefited parents and caregivers with 80% reporting improvement in their overall health and well-being through respite opportunities including relaxation, enjoyment, time-off the daily routine, among other benefits (FY18).
Learn more about Therapeutic Recreation Services!