Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Milwaukee Recreation offers activities specifically for individuals with disabilities. Therapeutic recreation classes are offered throughout the year at various locations in the city of Milwaukee for ages three and up. Participants are given the opportunity to recreate in a variety of activities, including summer day camps, evening classes in the fall, winter, and spring, arts & crafts, swim instruction, theme nights, cooking classes, bowling, and more.
“We feel like it’s a wonderful little gem here in Milwaukee Recreation,” Laura Mooney, Milwaukee Recreation’s supervisor of therapeutic recreation, said. Watch the video here to see Milwaukee Recreation staff in action and listen to families discuss the value of this program.
The registration deadline for the therapeutic recreation winter/spring 2023 season is Jan. 23. Learn more about the activities offered this coming season. Use this form to register, or call 414-647-6065 or email Therapeutic [at] mkerec.net for additional information.
Adaptations are made to facilitate active participation for all participants. In addition to quality programming, participants have constant opportunities to socialize and build lifelong friendships. Beyond just fun and games, recreation participation brings opportunities for physical fitness, increased self-confidence, cooperation, and positive use of leisure time.
Karen Aaronson’s son has been attending Milwaukee Recreation’s therapeutic recreation program for over a decade. “Our son has a wonderful time here. He looks forward to coming to each of the activities, and we do Friday, Saturday, Sunday activities,” Aaronson said. “He loves them all. And the people that are actually the staff people are wonderful. We trust them with our son, they look at him as an individual. They actually try to assess his needs, and then speak to those needs.”
All programs are led by trained staff members and have a 1-to-4 staff/participant ratio.
“The staff is so caring. They have a variety of activities. They genuinely watch out for all participants. It’s engaging. It’s accepting,” Mark Joerres said. Joerres' son has participated with Milwaukee Recreation for nearly 20 years.
In 1961, Milwaukee Recreation began to offer programming for individuals with disabilities. In addition to the therapeutic recreation activities, which includes Club Rec. in the summer, the department also offers adaptive athletics opportunities through area schools and operates Team Milwaukee Special Olympics for members of the community.
"I like it a lot here. I made a lot of new friends here. I enjoy it, coming here & doing stuff in the art room, and talking & making new friends," longtime participant Christine said. "It’s a lot of fun here."