October 15, 2026
How would you feel if your child, who loves baseball, couldn’t make the team because he couldn’t run fast enough? Or if a young adult who dreams of performing in her favorite musical couldn’t participate because remembering her lines was a challenge?
Recreation has the power to bring people together, build independence, and create lasting memories. Through a partnership between Palatine Park District and Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful experiences that celebrate their interests, talents, and abilities.
Through partnerships with 17 park districts in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, NWSRA creates meaningful experiences where individuals of all abilities can develop skills, build friendships, gain independence, and discover a true sense of belonging.
Working alongside its member park districts, NWSRA helps ensure that recreation is accessible to everyone, whether that means participating in a specialized program or finding the support needed to join a traditional park district activity.
“Our partnership with Palatine Park District is a great example of how collaboration strengthens a community,” said Tom Draper, NWSRA’s Superintendent of Communications and Technology. “Through this partnership, NWSRA provides specialized recreation programming while also supporting individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in traditional Palatine Park District programs through our Inclusion Services.”
By sharing resources, facilities, and expertise, partnering organizations expand the range of recreational experiences available to individuals with disabilities.
“Ultimately, our goal is simple: To ensure that a disability is never a barrier to experiencing the benefits of recreation,” Draper said.
Recreation for Every Stage of Life
Like Palatine Park District, NWSRA serves individuals at nearly every stage of life., offering opportunities that grow and change with participants’ interests and needs. “Our programs begin in early childhood and continue through adulthood,” Draper explained. “We offer everything from early childhood programs and summer camps to athletics, arts, social clubs, special events, specialty lessons, and adult day programming.” Whether someone is discovering a new interest, developing a skill, making friends, or working toward greater independence, NWSRA provides opportunities to explore, participate, and thrive.
For Christine, NWSRA has been a part of life for 45 years. Throughout that time, its programs have provided opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence, and form lasting connections. Christine has traveled by plane and bus, stayed in hotels with NWSRA staff, and explored new places without her family. Along the way, NWSRA has encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and try new experiences, including downhill skiing and gymnastics. Her story reflects the lasting impact that access to recreation can have, not just in the moment, but throughout a lifetime.
Aaron’s journey with NWSRA began when he was just eight years old. Through sports, travel, volunteering, and community programs, he has developed confidence, gained independence, and continued to pursue new goals. One of his proudest achievements came at the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, where he earned a gold medal in the softball throw. “NWSRA means family to me,” Aaron said. “I grew up here. I’ve made friends, learned a lot, and had opportunities to try new things. It has helped me become who I am today.”
For both Christine and Aaron, NWSRA has offered more than activities. It has provided opportunities to explore the world, discover abilities, build relationships, and experience the independence that comes from trying something new.
A Powerful Partnership
Providing high-quality recreation for individuals with disabilities requires specialized training, adapted equipment, and programs designed to meet a variety of needs. Rather than asking each park district to independently hire therapeutic recreation professionals, developed specialized programs, and purchase equipment, NWSRA allows its member districts to share those resources and expenses.
The result is a broader range of opportunities than any one district could typically provide on its own. NWSRA Executive Director Andrea Griffin, recognizes the importance of partnerships in creating a community where everyone has opportunities to participate.
“Our partnership with Palatine Park District is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when organizations come together with a shared commitment to serving their communities,” Griffin said. “By combining our resources, expertise, and passion for recreation, we are able to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities that go far beyond what either organization could provide independently.”
For families, this partnership offers the best of both worlds: specialized therapeutic recreation programs through NWSRA and inclusive opportunities through their local park district.
“Our goal is to ensure that every individual has access to meaningful recreational experiences, regardless of their abilities, while maximizing the resources available within our communities,” Draper added.
Specialized Training Makes a Difference
One of the things that sets NWSRA apart is the expertise and specialized training of its staff. NWSRA employs Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs), professionals who have completed specialized education and certification requirements focused on using recreation to support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being of individuals with disabilities.
Their knowledge helps them identify ways to adapt activities, encourage participation, and create experience that allow individuals to build skills and achieve personal goals.
That expertise also helps families determine which recreational opportunities may be the best fit for their child.
Specialized or Inclusive Recreation: How Do You Choose?
It’s a question NWSRA encourages parents to ask, and the answer depends on the individual child, their interests, their support needs, and the type of experience they want.
“Some children thrive in their home park district programs with little or no additional support. Others may benefit from accommodations or assistance through NWSRA’s Inclusion Services. Still others may prefer the smaller groups, adapted activities, and specialized environment offered through NWSRA programming,” Draper said.
“There is no one-size-fits-all answer,” he explained. “We encourage families to contact NWSRA so our staff can learn more about their child, discuss available opportunities, and help identify programs and supports that may be a good fit.”
And families don’t have to choose just one path. Many participants enjoy a combination of NWSRA and activities offered through their local park district. The goal is to find opportunities where every child feels comfortable, included, and successful.
The Heart of the Mission
At its heart, the partnership between NWSRA and Palatine Park District is about making sure everyone can participate, connect, and discover what they can achieve.
“Palatine Park District has been a valued partner in our mission, and together, we are ensuring that individuals of all abilities have opportunities to build friendships, develop independence, and experience a true sense of belonging. That is what celebrating ability is all about,” Griffin added.
For Draper, the most meaningful part of his work is seeing the impact recreation has on participants and their families.
“In many organizations, success is measured by numbers, revenue, or growth. While those things are important to us, some of our greatest successes are measured in smiles, friendships, personal accomplishments, and moments of independence.”
