EXCHANGE: Park district offer dances for special needs folk
DECATUR, Ill. (AP) - Joe Lacy said he prefers to listen to heavy metal music. "There's a lot of head banging," he said. "But they don't play that."
On the first Wednesday of the month, Lacy, 39, and his friends attend the Decatur Park District's Special Recreation Association dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Decatur.
Lacy says he's going because it gets him out of the house and gives him a break from his work at Macon Resources Inc. Although his favorite music isn't always on the DJ's playlist, he finds something to move to. "I'll dance to country music," he said.
For more than 25 years, individuals with special needs have attended the event to dance to their favorite music. Throughout the evening, guests are offered snacks and soft drinks. Those celebrating their birthday during the month are recognized during a special dance.
Dana Floyd is the recreation supervisor for SRA and has witnessed positive experiences come from the activities. "Making friendships, going on an outing, dancing," she listed.
"And the music," said Sparkle Hill. "It's always the highlight."
Hill assists Floyd with many of the activities. The staff often leads other senior activities at the John's Hill Senior Center, 601 S. Jasper St. in Decatur. A listing of SRA events are available in a monthly newsletter. Local individuals with special needs can register for activities designed just for them. One is a little more popular than the others. "The dance is open to the public," Hill said about the free event. "We don't have any special rules."
Other monthly SRA activities include bowling, movie nights, lunch dates, sporting events, tours and park activities including Scovill Zoo and Overlook Adventure Park. SRA individuals also meet to prepare for Special Olympic events such as volleyball and track and field activities. Summer time has its own ventures with Camp I Can and Camp F.I.R.E.
"Decatur helps us out," said Walt Walker, SRA staff member. "We go to the Arts Council, WAND, canoeing at Rock Springs."
"We try to offer opportunities that they might not ever get to do," Floyd said. "We like to try new and different things and at different places."
Floyd and the staff enjoy the opportunities almost as much as the guests. "Seeing the joy on their faces and how much fun they have," she said. "We want them to come away with a positive experience."
Those who feel they can contribute by volunteering should call the SRA staff. Volunteers submit forms provided by the Park District. The SRA staff will guide volunteers to the appropriate activities.
Activities are individually priced. For a night of dancing, guests pay $3.50. The December one is the only Wednesday night dance that requires a reservation. Along with the music, the special evening has food and a visit from Santa Claus.
With the some guests, Lee has learned to communicate through hand signals. "I have a guy who pulls his hand like a train or pulling a whistle," he said. "I know he wants 'The Train.' "
Shelley Kail, 59, comes to the dances every month. "You are always busy with your friends," she said.
She also takes advantage of SRA game night and Bingo when the opportunities rise. For the dances, Kail said she enjoys rock 'n' roll. "Or country, whatever," she said. "I just dance."
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Source: (Decatur) Herald & Review, https://bit.ly/2YWRu8R
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Information from: Herald & Review, http://www.herald-review.com