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Adaptive Programs & Inclusion Support
The Chaska Parks and Recreation Department hosts a robust Therapeutic Recreation service designed to provide opportunities and support to people with disabilities who may benefit from additional support.
Through offering modified or "adaptive" programming, we provide a welcoming and flexible environment to meet the interests and needs of your loved ones. With our inclusion support, we partner with Reach for Resources to provide inclusion facilitators for those needing support in any of our general programs. This means that a staff person will be scheduled to attend the program with the person needing assistance.
We strive to offer every opportunity that we can to promote health and wellness and celebrate the inclusion of all people. We have engaging programs for people with disabilities to help them grow, learn, and develop friendships.
Therapeutic Recreation programs are designed and supervised by the following experienced Chaska Parks and Recreation staff:
Erin Link, Recreation Program Manager & Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Adaptive Open Play Time
Adaptive Swim and Gym times provide a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment for individuals with disabilities or sensory processing needs. Registration is required for the participant and includes access for a PCA to support during the activity. Preregistration is preferred online, but drop-in registration is also accepted at the CCC front desk on the day of the activity.
Adaptive Programs
In general, our programs are designed around a 1:3 staff/volunteer to participant-ratio. If a participant requires 1:1 support and an adult or PCA cannot stay with the participant, please note this at the time of registration. Ages 6+
Sensory Friendly Areas
Chaska Parks and Recreation offers sensory-friendly areas at events as well. These are usually adjacent to the action and offer fidget toys, headphones, and quiet activities.
PCA Access to the Chaska Community Center
Did you know? PCAs can attend the CCC free of charge while on duty with their client! For more information, please stop by the CCC Guest Service desk or call (952) 448-5633
Inclusion Support
Not seeing an adaptive or therapeutic recreation program that fits your needs or interests? Does your family member with a disability want to participate in general Parks and Rec program but need support? No worries, we are here to help!
The Chaska Parks and Recreation department partners with Reach for Resources to provide inclusion facilitators for those needing support in our programs. This means that a staff person will be scheduled to attend the program with the person needing assistance. Families should note this at time of registration and we will follow-up to discuss details.
Reach for Resources
Reach for Resources provides inclusion facilitators for children and adults with disabilities participating in any of our Chaska Parks and Recreation programs. For special needs questions and inclusion requests, please email Joan Seedorf or call 952-227-7760 to discuss the needs of the program participant. Please register and call early to allow for adequate time to process the request.
Adaptive Athletics Resources
- TOPSoccer is a community-based soccer program that is designed to meet the needs of athletes ages 8 and older with physical and/or developmental disabilities.
- West Metro Miracle Athletics West Metro Miracle Athletics is a 501c3 charitable organization that provides individuals with special needs the opportunity to play baseball, kickball, or basketball as a team member in an organized league.
The Miracle League of Chaska’s purpose is to provide children and adults with physical disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing baseball through the operation and conduct of a baseball program. Whether an individual uses a wheelchair, walker or other assistive device for mobility, the program is designed to create possibilities for individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity to play the game. Furthermore, the Miracle League of the Miami Valley endeavors to teach the fundamentals of baseball, promote teamwork and good sportsmanship, and develop friendships through social interaction.
History of The Miracle League
The Original Miracle League. Miracle League baseball began in Conyers, Georgia in 1998 when the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association invited children with unique abilities to play on a typical baseball field. That first season, on a grass and dirt field, 140 players came out to play baseball. The Miracle League has been growing ever since!
By the second season, a new type of field was developed just for Miracle League athletes. It’s a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized surface. It makes it a little bit easier for special needs players to get from base to base.
The Miracle League believes that Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball. There are currently 240+ Miracle League organizations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada serving more than 200,000 children and adults with unique abilities.
For more information about the park or the music festival and fundraiser, please visit: https://www.chaskacaresmusicfest.com/about-1
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Erin Link (CTRS)
Recreation ManagerPhone: 952-227-7797