February is a special month at the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), not just because of Valentine’s Day, but because we celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Month—a time to recognize the power of recreation therapy and the incredible work of our recreation therapists.
At its core, Special Recreation is Recreation Therapy—using leisure activities to enhance the well-being of individuals with disabilities. These activities support physical health, emotional growth, and skill development, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
At WDSRA, we integrate a wide range of recreational experiences, including drama, music, arts & crafts, sports, dance & movement, and more. Our recreation therapists use three key approaches:
- Therapeutic Activities – Engaging programs that promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, incorporating art therapy, music therapy, and even animal-assisted therapy.
- Leisure Education – Teaching the value of recreation in daily life, helping individuals discover meaningful activities that bring joy and enrichment.
- Community Integration – Ensuring people with disabilities have opportunities to participate in community-based recreation, fostering independence and belonging.
Our recreation therapists are the heart of everything we do at WDSRA. Their dedication, creativity, and passion empower individuals with disabilities to grow, connect, and thrive. With every program created they adapt, encourage, and inspire, ensuring that every participant feels included, supported, and valued. Through their expertise, they help individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the joy of recreation in ways that are meaningful to them.
This month, we celebrate our dedicated recreation therapists and the lasting impact they make. Their work goes beyond the fun — it transforms lives.
To our incredible recreation therapists – thank you for putting the Hea(RT) in recreation therapy!
