I signed my child up for day camp with the above organization. Prior to doing so, I provided paperwork regarding behaviors to expect etc. Director said my child's behaviors were nothing out of the ordinary and could be handled with their specially trained staff and interventions. Two days later, they sought to dismiss my child due to his behaviors, which are a direct manifestation of his disability. I even sent a behaviorist in to help, but the staff were not willing to be trained. Very disappointing to say the least, if not discriminatory practices here.
I was first introduced to NEDSRA in the summer of 2005 through a friend and coworker of mine. He brought me to a practice of their youth wheelchair basketball team, my first adaptive sport experience, and I've been involved with the organization ever since. Fair disclaimer: I started my involvement as a participant, then also a volunteer, and then a part time staff as a coach in adaptive sports. In knowledge of that, take this review in whatever context you choose, but I would not still be with NEDSRA for over 7 years if not for the great experiences I had as a young athlete. I've been introduced to many sports through Northeast DuPage Special Rec; the laundry list includes wheelchair basketball, softball, track and field, archery, handcycling, handball, rugby, tennis, hockey, volleyball, boccia, soccer, swimming, rockclimbing, and skiing. Each sport continues to teach me new things, and adds to the memories I share with my friends. But the best part of finding NEDSRA is now being able to teach others, to meet new people, and to introduce them to adaptive sports, something that was once new to me. I don't know who I would be exactly if I hadn't started playing wheelchair basketball, but I appreciate the person that my experiences with with sport through NEDSRA has helped me to be.
My son, who is 17 now, has Autism and has been a participant in Summer Camp from 2005 through 2011. He's grown very attached to his camp mates and was sad not to be able to go this year because he was working through his school vocational program. That said, without NEDSRA I don't know how we would have gotten through the summers when I was working; and without their financial scholarships, I have no doubt he would have missed out on a lot of fun times.
NEDSRA, Especially the Adaptive Sports Program has been a Blessing in our lives! My daughter Melissa is a member of the Jr Bulls Wheelchair basketball team. She is starting her 3rd year on the team and it has become an important part of our lives. Not only is it great physical activity, her self confidence has soared since starting this program! We are very excited for the upcoming season to be with our "NEDSRA Family" again. 1 2 3 Go Bulls Go ! Huh!