SWSRA

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.