It has been a long road, but we are thrilled to announce that Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) inclusion services are back and a gradual return to in-person programming begins in July!
With the Naperville Park District (NPD) resuming programs, we are once again supporting Naperville families with inclusion support for NPD summer programs. Families interested can identify their need for support when they register for the NPD program of their choice.
As for WDSRA in-person programs, we surveyed families to gauge their comfort level with returning to in-person programming. They told us they are ready to return and social and fitness programs were what they were most interested in. We were also happy to hear that virtual programs have been and will continue to be appreciated.
So while we will continue to offer a full range of virtual programs, we are excited to also begin our gradual return to in-person programs by offering several sports skills programs, social programs and even a few special events. A complete list of specifics can be found on our website www.wdsra.com. Registration opens July 8 at 9AM and closes July 13 at 5PM. This will be a lottery registration with the lottery will be spun July 13. Complete details can be found at www.wdsra.com.
Working within the guidelines set in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, ensuring the safety of participants and staff is our number one priority. The following are important to note:
- All in-person programs will have enhanced essential eligibility requirements in order to comply with state and federal COVID-19 regulations.
- Along with being mandated requirements, these measures are necessary to keep all participants and staff members safe.
- We understand these measures may be difficult for some of our participants.
- We understand that our initial in-person offerings will only serve a percentage of all who want to return to programs.
- We currently have limited facility space available to us in which to hold programs. We fully intend to expand offerings as facility space becomes more readily available.
- We intend to ease restrictions as governmental regulations change based on state progress through the Governor’s plan.
In order to help families navigate the return, we have created the WDSRA Return to Program Family Guide. It outlines the safety measures we are taking to keep participants and staff safe, program protocols, what families can expect, and how to determine if a participant is eligible to participate. Full details can be found on our website at www.wdsra.com/wdsra-programs/guide-to-returning-to-in-person-programs.
For those families who are not yet ready for in-person programs, we will continue to offer virtual programs for the foreseeable future.
Whether through inclusion services, in-person programs or virtual programs, we are thrilled to bring connections, engagement and joy to all of our participants and to serve our families!
Stay healthy! Stay safe!
