City and County of

The Mission of the Therapeutic Recreation Unit

The mission of the Therapeutic Recreation Unit is to provide support and empower the staff of the Department of Parks and Recreation to assist persons with disabilities to access Parks activities.

 Philosophy of Inclusion

The City and County - Department of Parks and Recreation has adopted the LIFE - Leisure Is For Everyone concept which supports the belief that a community with integrity is one which people with and without disabilities recreate, play and learn together.

LIFE* is a philosophy which advocates equal opportunity for all people to participate in the recreation activities of their choice without respect to their race, sex, religion, national origin or disability. The practical application of this philosophy in service means assuring ACCESS for all people to the same recreation opportunities.

*Taken from PROJECT LIFE - The Office of Research and Services, Curriculum in Leisure Studies and Recreation Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 Available Services

Assessment and Transition

Networking with various agencies and individuals to assist people with disabilities in accessing park programs.

Support systems: Identify accommodations and modifications/adaptations needed.

Transition: Assist in transition from specialized programs into general recreation programs (inclusion).

Education and Public Awareness

Ability Awareness: Develop positive attitudes towards people with disabilities and dispel myths.

Informing people about choices and opportunities in our parks and programs.

Information and Referral

Information and referral to park programs.

Information on a variety of disabilities.

Information on services available with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Information on a variety of recreational activities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Training for volunteers.

Assist with inclusion.

Assist with special events.

Resources

Help with accessing park programs.

Accommodations/modifications and adaptations.

 Access Statement

Accommodations are available upon request to persons with disabilities, please call (808)768-3003 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least five working days prior to the event.

 Contact

Therapeutic Recreation Unit