Our speakers (and guests) today were Tracey Crawford and Julie Clasen from the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA).  SRAs were established in Illinois in 1969.  Of the 35 SRAs in Illinois, the NWSRA is the largest, bringing together 17 park districts to provide a full range of services to children and adults with disabilities. 
 
Our speakers (and guests) today were Tracey Crawford and Julie Clasen from the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA).  SRAs were established in Illinois in 1969.  Of the 35 SRAs in Illinois, the NWSRA is the largest, bringing together 17 park districts to provide a full range of services to children and adults with disabilities. 
 
From all the wonderful services NWSRA provides, Tracey and Julie's focus today was their PURSUIT Adult Day Program.  Located at the Rolling Meadows Community Center.  Its designed for adults aged 21 and up, after they graduate from high school.  They currently have 17-18 people a day attend their programs, about 37 total members.  PURSUIT tailors it's programs for each individual according to their needs and abilities. 
 
The program has four core elements. 
  1. Provide recreational and leisure opportunities like developing gross and fine motor skills as well as experiencing cultural arts. 
  2. Develop living, vocational and self-advocacy skills.  The focus here is to expand communication and technical skills, enhancing socialization skills and human rights. 
  3. Enhance Community Integration by participating in local service projects, exploring community resources, and gaining vocational skills through volunteer experiences.
  4. Promote health and wellness through setting and maintaining fitness goals, developing a positive body image, learning to cook nutritious snacks and meals, and promoting a balanced lifestyle
 
A key component of PURSUIT is the ability of each member to choose their own program  They determine how frequently they want to attend, depending on their rest of their schedule.  They can plan their day when they are there.  There is a sensory room where members (and staff) can go for a period of reflection and relaxation.  There is a computer lab they and they have access to the Community Center's kitchen where they learn basic cooking skills. 
 
The courses and activities change over time as demand changes and also as volunteers come and go.  NWSRA depends on  volunteers to help make many of their programs possible.