Special recreation programs go virtual

Beginning March 24, the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County took their programming online in lieu of in-person programming.

People of all abilities are welcome to log in to participate from the comfort of their own home, the safest place to be during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SRACLC hopes this will bring a sense of normalcy to their participants with disabilities who are used to interacting and socializing with their peers daily.

This also gives them a chance to get creative and moving. This is all possible through the video conferencing application Zoom.

Due to COVID-19, SRACLC canceled all programming beginning March 16 to support social distancing. In-person programming will resume once it is deemed safe.

In the meantime, SRACLC will be offering a series of weekly online programming. These classes include cardio dance, crafts, storytime, yoga, fitness and social games.

Thes classes have proved to be so successful, SRACLC staff is working to expand the virtual program far beyond six per week. This gives people the opportunity to reconnect with one another through video.

A parent of one of SRACLC's participants shared, "Kelsey (their daughter) has been living at Misericordia for the past two years and has not been going to SRACLC since she moved. Because of the coronavirus, we decided to bring her home and (she) will be with us until the virus is gone.

"She has been doing a few of the virtual programs you have been having and absolutely loves them. She gets excited when she gets to see some of her old friends and staff members. Thank you so much for doing these virtual programs. It has been wonderful for her."

Approximately 31 participants tuned into SRACLC's most popular session of Zoom Bingo March 30. On average, SRACLC has had 21 participants tune in for programs.

For more information about the online program schedule, contact Kelly Smith, SRACLC superintendent, at ksmith@sraclc.org or (847) 816-4866.

SRACLC is a cooperative effort of local municipalities and park districts to provide recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities. SRACLC serves residents of the following member agencies: Grayslake Community Park District, village of Hawthorn Woods, village of Lake Zurich, village of Libertyville, village of Lincolnshire, Mundelein Park and Recreation District and Vernon Hills Park District.

For more information, visit sraclc.org.

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