Having a family member with special needs can be challenging, but finding meaningful programming that promotes a feeling of independence and value should not be.
The JCC provides social and recreational opportunities to those with Special Needs, Autism and Development Disabilities. From the J Cares Day Services that are designed to provide a creative, fun and exciting day for adults with Special Needs, to the J Zone Respite Recreation program that provides families and caregivers the gift of time, the JCC strives to provide opportunities to everyone. The Accessible Splash Park will be the next step in inclusivity for the community where non-members of the JCC will have access during designated quiet hours.
We have found that having swimming pools alone is not sufficient to service our clientele with cognitive and physical disabilities. It has been shown that water is extremely helpful when working with children with cognitive and physical disabilities. As supported by the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) "recreational swimming and aquatic activities are as attractive for people with disabilities as they are for people without disabilities. In the water, disabilities may be forgotten as a person plays games, and interacts with other swimmers." We are planning to build a Splash Park that is ADA approved.
The Splash Park will be the next step in inclusivity for the community, created with Special Needs individuals in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment.
There is no other splash park like this in our community that is 100% handicap accessible. Our vision is to establish a special place where smiles and laughter lead to wonderful memories with family members, friends and caregivers.
The addition of an ADA approved splash park will send an important message to families in the community with children with cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as to adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, that our JCC understands the needs of their community and welcomes them with open arms. Having the splash pad reinforces our JCC’s commitment to individuals of all ages with cognitive and physical disabilities.
While utilizing the splash park, children can strengthen their gross motor skills by running, dodging water drops and skipping through the different elements. Water play can encourage development of eye-hand coordination through splashing around and using the different water features. Splash pads are designed to appeal to users of all age groups and abilities so we feel this is the perfect project to expand our ability to serve more community members with disabilities.
Why am I donating?
As the Camp Director at JCC Camp Ruach, I have the great privilege of working with more than 550 amazing, special, and unique campers each summer. All of our camp planning is built around the primary goal of creating a meaningful and positive experience for campers of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy. The addition of a splash pad at camp has the potential to positively impact hundreds of campers' summer experiences and create an even more accessible and inclusive camp environment. However, the scope and impact of the splash pad extends far beyond just camp and reaches to the greater surrounding community as well.
It is a true honor everyday to work for an organization that cares so deeply and passionately about creating a space where everyone is included and provided with equal opportunity and enjoyment.
Thank you SO much for your contribution!
