Adults with Autism in CSAAC’s Therapeutic Recreation Program

 

It was a summer full of fun, socializing, and learning new leisure skills for the 130 adults served by CSAAC. Individuals in both the Residential and Vocational Programs participated in an 8-week Dance Movement and Yoga program, with services provided through Art Stream. In addition, several Arts and Crafts classes were lead by Tamekia Ford, CSAAC Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator.  On Friday, July 25, 2007, CSAAC and CSS (a local sister agency) individuals participated in a night of dancing at the CSAAC Brookeville Campus for the “Luau Dance.” Tamekia welcomed everyone with Hawaiian leis to wear.  At the party, everyone enjoyed lots of dancing, good music, and great food. The individuals and staff especially enjoyed the limbo dance, the party line, and taking photos by the giant tiki. On August 18, 2007, a few individuals and Tamekia Ford went to the Baltimore Ravens Training Camp and had a great time. 

Tamekia is planning events and classes for the fall which will include Line Dancing, Arts & Crafts classes, Walking Aerobics, and Bingo. Art Stream will be returning for another eight weeks to provide some services. Individuals will be participating in the Yoga class during day and evening. In the month of October, students at the Brookeville Campus will be participating in an eight week Therapeutic Recreation Water Aerobic Program through Montgomery County Recreation Department, and the CSAAC Basketball Team season will begin again for our 2 teams. On Friday, October 26, 2007, the CSAAC Halloween Dance will be held at the Brookeville Campus for our residential program.  The Therapeutic Recreation program at CSAAC is wholly funded by private grants. 

This past year recreation was generously funded by the William S. Abell Foundation.  For more information about the program and to volunteer at events, contact Tamekia Ford at 240-912-2260.  If you know of grant opportunities to keep this most valuable program running, please call Ayda Sanver, Director of Community Development for CSAAC Foundation at 240-912-2256.

Click here to view recreation photographs.