Clearbrook and NWSRA Join Forces to Present STAR Academy
Rolling Meadows, IL: In August, two of the largest service providers for individuals with disabilities in the area, Clearbrook and Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), will open the doors to the STAR Academy After School Program in Rolling Meadows. Through the collaboration, state-certified staff will lead a variety of educational, social and recreational activities after school for students with disabilities throughout the northwest suburbs. Staff are currently in the process of obtaining approval by the Department of Human Services (DHS) so that participants can use Medicaid Waiver funding to help cover costs. Clearbrook President Anthony Di Vittorio stated "STAR Academy will help meet the growing needs of families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clearbrook is proud to be working alongside NWSRA again to provide an innovative solution to an everyday challenge."
STAR stands for Students in Therapeutic Afterschool Recreation. The program will provide services to over 50 students with disabilities daily, five days a week, throughout the school year. "We are truly excited to partner with Clearbrook to address growing need for affordable, accessible after school programming for students throughout the northwest suburbs", NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford stated. To address the increased need for services needed for working families of students with disabilities, Clearbrook and NWSRA partnered collaboratively to form the STAR Academy.
In order to serve the unique needs of these students, STAR Academy curriculum will focus on three core elements; Recreation & Leisure, Health & Wellness and Social Skills. The Recreation & Leisure component will focus on developing gross and fine motor skills, experiencing cultural arts, dance, drama and music, as well as participating in passive and active recreation. The Health & Wellness component will focus on developing skills to enhance a healthy lifestyle, improving one's physical health, self-respect and self-image. Finally, the Social Skills component will focus on expanding communication skills, enhancing interaction with peers and developing interpersonal skills.
Many public school districts in Illinois are unable to provide after school services specifically for their students who participate in Special Education classes, leaving many families in desperate need of services with limited financial options. Through the collaboration between Clearbrook, NWSRA and the local School Districts, the STAR Academy provides an innovative approach to after school programming.
The program, held in Rolling Meadows, will provide a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Direct Service Provider (DSP) staff who will oversee and implement a variety of educational, social and recreational activities daily. STAR Academy will run throughout the school year following the NSSEO school calendar, after school until 6:00 p.m., 5 days a week and will serve students of all ages. Transportation may be provided for students attending NSSEO and District 15 schools. Students that do not attend an NSSEO or District 15 school are welcome to attend the STAR Academy but will need to arrange transportation to the program.
For more information on STAR Academy, visit www.nwsra.org/academy or contact Andrea Griffin at 847-392-2848, ext. 236 or e-mail agriffin@nwsra.org.
About Clearbrook:
Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook was founded in 1955 and has since evolved into a recognized leader in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities. Today, Clearbrook creates innovative opportunities for over 8,000 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy - as well as their families. Clearbrook provides personalized children's, adult day, employment, residential and clinical services at more than 50 locations throughout the Chicagoland-area. In addition, Clearbrook is the largest provider of home-based services in the state of Illinois. Clearbrook employs more than 900 people and proudly reports that 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services. For more information, please visit www.clearbrook.org.
About NWSRA:
NWSRA has enriched the lives of children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 northwest suburban Park Districts by providing outstanding recreational opportunities for over 40 years. NWSRA holds the distinction of Distinguished Accredited Agency from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and won the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award for national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you are interested to learn more about NWSRA's programs and success stories, please visit our website: www.nwsra.org, or contact Brian Selders at 847-392-2848.