South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA)
Main Office
12521 S. Kostner Ave. • Alsip, IL 60803
Tel: 708-389-9423 • Fax: 708-389-6458
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
www.swsra.org
| Administrative Staff | Title |
| Nicolette Lahman | Executive Director |
| Patty Swiney | Business Manager |
| Marina Uher, CTRS | Superintendent of Recreation |
| Brittany Izzo, CTRS | Recreation Supervisor |
| Tina Izzo-Delbovo | Recreation Supervisor |
| Ami Ill | Recreation Specialist |
| Jessica Jurlow | Office Clerk |
| John Bedore | Vehicle & Facilities Coordinator |
| Board of Directors | Agency |
| Jeannette Huber | Alsip Park District |
| Ted Ruthenberg | Blue Island Park District |
| Michelle Higgins | Village of Merrionette Park |
| Ed Jung | Midlothian Park District |
| Jennifer Fullerton | Hickory Hills Park District |
| Matt Fairbanks | Palos Heights Recreation Department |
| T. J. Whitcomb | Posen Park District |
| Bob O’Shaughnessy | Worth Park District |
About SWSRA
SWSRA is a special recreation co-operative comprised of the following communities: Alsip, Blue Island, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos Heights, Posen and Worth. SWSRA was formed in 1981 to provide year-round quality recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. SWSRA programs are designed to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for each individual.
SWSRA is now in its 36th year of providing recreation for special populations in the south suburban area. A wide variety of programs are available for individuals from early childhood through adulthood. The programs are designed to meet the individual recreation needs of any person who is in special education classes, participates in a sheltered workshop, is referred to SWSRA from a local hospital or rehabilitation center, or who’s special needs restrict or prohibit their participation in traditional park district setting. This would include individuals who have varying degrees of physical or mental disabilities, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, attention deficit disorders, hearing or visual impairments.
SWSRA offers a wide variety of programs, sports (including participation in Special Olympics Illinois), special events, trips and summer camps. Participants of SWSRA not only have fun, but also make friends, increase physical activity, enjoy new experiences and refine their social and life skills.
Sensory Room
In January 2017, SWSRA opened a Sensory Room that provides children and adults with disabilities we serve with a multi-sensory environment that promotes neurological activity and encourages relaxation, allowing participants to experience their senses and soothe themselves. Multi-sensory environments promote development, learning, and communication and lead to improved quality of life. Time spent in a multi-sensory environment has been shown to increase concentration, social relations, communications, and general awareness of the surrounding world; and to encourage learning, motor development, cognitive development, language, and social interaction skills. The sensory room is available to individuals of all ages and all disabilities. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and dementia.