Yes, surprisingly I actually do have a job!
People think that all I really do now is focus on my blog. Although that is true to some extent, that definitely does not take up the majority of my time.
I am a Program Assistant at NEDSRA, which stands for Northeast Dupage Special Recreations Association. I’m not allowed to post any pictures of any of my programs or participants, but I’ll include links and videos that NEDSRA itself has posted online!
For those of you who may not know, I have a cousin with special needs and I’ve always wanted to volunteer at an organization dedicated to abilities. However, because of school and other commitments, I was never able to follow this desire. On top of that, I never really knew where to start looking for such organizations.
Despite the struggle that the year of 2017 was, it did in fact bring many positives into my life. While I was taking my LSAT in December, I started talking to my proctor during one of my breaks. I learned that she was in school for special education and I began telling her about my cousin and how I’ve always wanted to volunteer at an organization dedicated to that cause. She became so excited to hear that; and while I was taking my next section, without even me asking her to, she began looking up places around where I lived that offer such volunteering positions!
That was the beginning of me truly realizing how selfless individuals in this field are. She had other things to do, but instead she spent that time doing something to help me. And she did it with such enthusiasm! She was definitely a blessing in disguise–because of her I ended up finding the perfect opportunity to pursue before starting law school.
In January, after submitting my final applications, I began searching for temporary jobs. One of those jobs was NEDSRA, which was one of the places that my proctor had found for me in December. I applied for and received an offer from an organization that has truly made an enormous impact on my life. I know I said I always wanted to volunteer somewhere, but it was just an added benefit that NEDSRA paid part-time employees at the same time!
NEDSRA’s mission is “Putting People First” and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through social and recreational programs. These programs are intended to cater to any and all participants’ interests while enhancing social, physical, mental and emotional development. There are more than 600 different programs that are offered every year and each program runs for a couple of weeks during its designated seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter).
The nonprofit organization is dedicated to offering a variety of programs and services for both youth and adults of all ages and abilities. Usually, these programs are organized by age and ability groups, and are offered in partnership with any of our 8 park districts and 3 village recreation departments.
For youth, the programs are categorized within Early Childhood (ages 1-5), General Programming (up to age 18 and for youth with intellectual disability or autism), Adaptive Sports (youth with visual or physical impairment recreationally or competitively participate in basketball, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, or boccia), Special Olympics (youth with cognitive disabilities compete in basketball, bocce, bowling, ice skating, floor hockey, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, snow shoeing, or softball), and Sensory Station (a person-centered, supportive environment that facilitates empowerment, sensory awareness, relaxation, communication, etc.).
For adults, the programs are categorized within General Programming-Intellectual Disability or Autism, General Programming-Physical Disability or Visual Impairment, Adaptive Sports (adults with visual or physical impairment recreationally or competitively participate in basketball, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, or boccia), Special Olympics (adults with cognitive disabilities compete in basketball, bocce, bowling, ice skating, floor hockey, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, snow shoeing, softball).
Here’s the program brochure for Summer 2018 so you can get a glimpse of just how many activities we offer for just one season: https://www.nedsra.org/files/NEDSRA_Summer_2018_Brochure_-_web.pdf
I have had the incredible opportunity to work with both adults and youth with a wide range of abilities! During the Spring Season, I did Day Trippers, Sensory Swim, Bowling Mania, ART (Art for Recreation and Therapy), and Pool School. During the Summer Season, I am doing Day Trippers, Traveling Tourists, and Adaptive Cooking & Yard Games.
It’s hard to describe exactly what I do, because each day is typically a new experience. However, I just wanted to summarize what a typical day in each program is like so everyone can get a sense of why I find this job so meaningful.
Day Trippers and Traveling Tourists are both day long programs for adults that promote development of life skills, socialization and independence. Our days have consisted of activities such as fitness, crafts, museums, picnics, movies, restaurants, window shopping, painting mugs, bowling, etc. For example, on my first day, some of us met at our main location in Addison. From there, we did pickups for the rest of the participants at two other locations. We then went to a recreation center, did some stretches, and had the participants go in the weight room and track for a fitness day. After working out, we went to a room and made sandwiches together while playing “Getting to Know Each Other” games. Afterwards, we boarded the van again and headed to a bowling alley, where the participants played a few games. We then did drop-offs and headed back to our main location. The purpose of these programs is to help instill and promote life skills in the participants’ daily lives. These activities encourage them to socialize with one another and the rest of the community, while learning how to engage in opportunities on their own as well.
Sensory Swim is a program for youth of all disabilities. Participants spend half of their time in the pool and the other half in the Sensory Station (described above). This Spring, it was split into two days: Wednesdays for 3-9 year olds and Thursdays for 10-18 year olds. I helped staff the Wednesday program and was stationed in the Sensory portion. The staff in the pool portion overlooked a more free swim session with the participants. In the Sensory Station, we split their time into two segments. One half was being in the Sensory Room itself and the other half consisted of an activity and a snack.
Bowling, Art, and Pool School are all pretty self-explanatory. Bowling Mania was for adults with a physical disability or visual impairment. Each week, the participants would play two games to try and improve their weekly averages that we recorded. The program helps develop upper body strength and coordination. ART was also for adults with physical disabilities or visual impairments. It allowed participants to express themselves through a variety of art materials and projects we had planned for them. Pool School was for youth with an intellectual disability, physical disability or autism. This was a 1 on 1 program that structured basic swimming skill lessons based on each child’s ability.
Adaptive Cooking & Yard Games is a new program this season. It is structured to teach participants new recipes, kitchen & BBQ etiquette, safety, healthy eating habits, life skills and independence. We cook meals together and then burn some of those calories off by playing yard games together.
In addition to weekly or daily programs, NEDSRA has special events that occur only once in a while. For example, I helped staff a Starved Rock trip, where we took participants to Starved Rock for an entire day. We hiked, went to a museum, watched videos, had a picnic, drove around for a scenic view, and had dinner together. Special events like this allow participants to explore various parts of the world while developing their socialization and independence skills. I was also signed up for a Millenium Park trip, a Gardening event, and the NEDSRA Prom Night. We even take participants on cruises, sporting events, trips to other states, amusement or water parks, and so much more! There are Special Olympics, races, singing events, talent shows, music lessons–almost anything you can think of!
This is just one reason why I love NEDSRA so much. There is no limitation in age, ability, or interest–there is almost always program for any individual that wants to participate! Through my programs, I have seen the joy, love and progress that continues to grow within each participant. Many of the adults have become so independent through the programs they have done over the years, and it amazes me how much these recreational activities can impact people’s lives. One of my participants has been a part of NEDSRA for about 30 years, and I love hearing about her experiences. Some of the participants are newer, and I am always excited to see their journey through NEDSRA.
The youth and adults are surrounded by pure love. Love of other participants with a variety of abilities. Love of staff who are dedicated to improving their quality of life. And love of a community that truly cares about their lives and ensuring that they have the same opportunities to live the lives they deserve.
This “job” seems like it’s not really a job–and it honestly doesn’t feel like it because I love what I do and it is a lot of fun. But, it’s definitely not all easy. I’ve been working here for about 4 months, and I still have a lot to learn. However, every day, I continue to learn something new from participants, other staff, and community members. This position has connected me with individuals with careers in special education and social work, has exposed me to more realities of people with disabilities, and has taught me how to be a part of the movement to always Put People First.
Positions like this can be tiring and it’s definitely not for everyone because it requires a lot of patience and understanding. However, I think it’s a position that is so important to experience if you want to be working with health or human rights (or any other career). NEDSRA (and other recreation associations) is generally always looking for volunteers and employees. Many of the programs would ideally be one-on-one, so it is important that there are always new applicants. The positions are so flexible and you get to choose what you are available for. I know part-time staff who only work once a week, full-time staff who work every day, and volunteers who dedicate a few hours a week. It all depends on your availability, but any time given is so beneficial. Whether you want to volunteer during your breaks, work during your summers, or know someone who can work part-time throughout the year, you should definitely look into opportunities like this!
This is probably one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I come across. I get exhausted at times, but I always tell others that I wish I had known about NEDSRA before. This would have been a volunteering opportunity in high school that I would have loved going to every week! Hopefully this allows at least one other person to gain awareness about the organizations dedicated to abilities that are out there!
Here is the website and the Facebook link for anyone who wants more information about NEDSRA:
Website: https://www.nedsra.org/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEDSRA/?ref=br_rs
The main thing I just want to get across is that humanity should always come first. I could have easily gotten a job that paid more and just volunteered for an hour a week if I really wanted to. But this opportunity is exactly what I needed before law school! There’s always that one person who tends to be the more vocal/feminist/activist family member. I’ve always been pretty vocal about my opinions, but sometimes have held back. This position has allowed me to say what I need to whenever I need to. I feel more confident raising awareness and educating others on topics that are not well known. I don’t hold back when I need to defend anyone or their rights. I have learned more about health and the impact of abilities. And I’ve learned even more about the power of love. Go find that path that makes you feel the same way, and you’ll see that money or material things can never bring you the happiness that humanity, love and people do ❤
