City of Topeka - Adaptive Recreation

The Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Services Division has been providing programming designed specifically for people with disabilities since 1965. Prior to 1979, special recreation programs were offered on a seasonal or periodic basis. Programs began with a once a month Handicappers Club at Crestview Community Center and expanded to the Civitan Day Camp with a Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation grant in 1967. Non-therapeutic recreation staff organized programs on a part-time basis with help from part-time staff. It was only in 1979 that a full-time Therapeutic Recreation Specialist was hired to expand programming to include additional recreation programs. The Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Services Division currently employs two full-time Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and several part-time staff to provide recreation and leisure opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities.

We are committed to providing people with differing abilities opportunities to participate in quality recreation programs and services within Parks and Recreation of Topeka. By taking place in the setting of their choice, these opportunities develop greater independence and enhance the overall quality of life for our participants.

Adaptive Recreation Programs
These programs are specially designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, but are open to all. Our programs focus on the social, physical, and cognitive growth of our participants through the development of lifetime leisure skills. Our adult and youth programming utilizes trained staff and volunteers, adapted equipment, and activities that are presented in an age appropriate manner with special consideration given for ability level. Programs areas include:

Adapted Sports
Lifetime Leisure
Social
Healthy Lifestyles & Fitness
Outdoor Recreation & Camps

Inclusion Services
Inclusion services provide recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in department-wide programs with individuals without disabilities. Upon request, reasonable accommodations are assessed individually and are based on the requesting individual’s needs and the program’s essential eligibility requirements.

Individuals with disabilities are NOT limited to Adaptive Recreation programs. Parks and Recreation of Topeka would like to encourage individuals with disabilities to consider ALL leisure programs offered by our department. Reasonable accommodation requests must be made in advance (two weeks ideal) by filling out a Special Needs Statement and Request Form in order for the program or service to be assessed.

For more information on inclusion opportunities and accommodations, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department ADA Liaison, Jabeth Coachman, CTRS, at 785-368-0989 (KS Relay 711).

ADA Policy

This web site and its contents are maintained by the City of Topeka, KS., I.T. Department. Unauthorized use is prohibited by law. Contact the I.T. Department with questions or suggestions. All material contained on this web site is © 2010.

Last Updated: Friday April 09 2010