Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities using specialized and inclusive programs. Therapeutic recreation helps people improve and/or gain new recreation, leisure and social skills to enhance their quality of life.
Apex Park and Recreation District will not discriminate or knowingly prevent an individual with any disability from participating in any district program or service or cause undue problems for anyone desiring access to any district facility. At no time will any individual who has a physical or developmental disability be denied the same district access as all other citizens. Customers who need assistance will be accommodated on an individual basis. On-site special help from a parent, aide, or designated adult may be required to ensure an individual’s safe participation in a program. Apex Park and Recreation District encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its recreation programs. To help facilitate this process, we encourage community members to assist as volunteers. If you would like more details, call 303.467.7158.
Inclusion: Provides opportunities for people with and without disabilities to experience recreation together. It provides support in the form of extra staff, sign language interpreters, support partners, adapting rules and policies, behavior management support, disability awareness training, and other services necessary to include people with disabilities in community recreation.
Specialized Programs: These programs are open to everyone but designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities. They include sporting activities, adapted aquatics, arts and crafts, outings, and more.
Personal Needs Assistance
Persons needing assistance with feeding, medication, using the restroom, or dressing during a program or class are encouraged to sign up and participate with a personal care attendant. There is no fee for personal care attendants providing assistance unless otherwise noted; however, attendants need to register separately and note whom they will be assisting.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a vital part of our program. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lindsey Reardon, CTRS, [email protected], 303.467.7007.
Register for the MS Hydrotherapy Program
The Therapeutic Recreation program has teamed up with the Rocky Mountain MS Center to offer a MS Hydrotherapy class. The cool water environment is ideal for individuals with MS for exercising and offers numerous benefits, including:
- Increased mobility
- Aerobic conditioning without heat liability
- Increased muscle strength
- Increased range of motion/flexibility
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved endurance
- Socialization opportunities
The class will utilize both deep and shallow water exercise techniques, and incorporate stretching, strength training, balance, coordination and endurance. The instructor will work with individuals to address specific needs. The class will be facilitated by Michele Harrison, a physical therapist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals with MS. Michele is certified in aquatic therapy, aquatic fitness and numerous hydrotherapy techniques. Personal attendants are required at no charge if there are changing or other bathroom needs.