Adaptive
The Adaptive Recreation Department offers recreation programs and services that promote individual choices, develop leisure skills and enhance socialization. Individuals with disabilities can choose to take part in an Adaptive program that is designed specifically for people with disabilities or utilize inclusion services in which accommodations may be provided so an individual with a disability can participate in any of our recreation programs that are not specifically designed for people with disabilities. For more information, call Adaptive Recreation at (434) 970-3269 or Email Adaptive Recreation.
Goals
The goal of Adaptive Recreation is to provide specialized/adapted instructional, educational and recreational classes, trips, camps and events for individuals ages 8 and up with disabilities
- Participants will be provided opportunities for socialization with peers
- Participants will increase independence and self-esteem by being introduced to new leisure/recreational activities
- Participants will develop an increased awareness of recreational activities in the community
- Participants will improve health and overall wellbeing while engaged in physical activities
- Participants will have access to all city and county facilities, parks and programs
Participant Levels
At the City of Charlottesville, the safety and well-being of our participants are paramount to us and we want those who participate to get the most out of every activity we offer. We are now implementing participant levels to our activities, based on our experience and research into what a participant can expect physically and sensory-wise during the activity. This is to inform participants of what a trip may involve and to encourage them to register for programs that will be the most enjoyable and successful based on their needs. If you have any questions about where a participant may place within the levels, please contact us and we will be more than happy to consult with you.
NOTICE: At any time, should the staff determine that a program or activity is not in the participantʼs best interest or well-being, staff will contact the participant and/or caregiver to discuss available options.
LEVEL 1
- Mobility: Needs no assistance and can manage most surfaces and terrains, including steep inclines and uneven surfaces. Should be able to walk up to 30 minutes without resting.
- Personal Care: Can maintain personal hygiene without assistance or with verbal cues.
- Cognitive: Can follow single-step instructions without assistance and stay within a group setting.
- Communication: Able to convey feelings, desires and needs.
LEVEL 2
- Mobility: Needs no assistance and can manage most surfaces and terrains, including steep inclines and uneven surfaces. Needs assistance on uneven terrain and is independent on flat surfaces.
- Personal Care: Can maintain personal hygiene with verbal assistance.
- Cognitive: Can follow instructions with verbal prompts, constant reminders and some assistance.
- Communication: Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with picture cues or ASL.
LEVEL 3
- Mobility: Needs full assistance and/or self-propelled device. Must come with an aide. Personal Care: Needs full assistance with personal hygiene.
- Cognitive: Limited ability to follow instructions.
- Communication: Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with full assistance
Adaptive Recreation offers a wide variety of classes, special events and day and overnight trips. These programs promote individual choices, develop leisure skills, and enhance socialization.
Adaptive One-on-One Swim Instruction
Once a week lessons for non-ambulatory or extra special needs children, teens, and adults. Times and days vary depending on participant and instructor. You must bring your own personal care aide if assistance is needed in the dressing room. Please contact Adaptive Recreation for more information.
Outdoor Adventure/Education
- Participants will learn additional skills in order to stay safe in the outdoors and practice during daylong and overnight trips.
- Participants will develop an awareness, appreciation, knowledge and skills in various outdoor adventure and education activities.
- Participants will have the opportunity to be exposed to leisure and recreation activities that may otherwise be unattainable due to transportation, finances, or other barriers.
Fitness, Camps, Recreation Programs
- Participants will attend summer camp that accommodate varying levels of ability and support socialization, self-esteem, and independent living skills.
- Participants will be provided opportunities to develop awareness and skills as they relate to leisure and recreation.
- Participants will enhance their leisure skills in programs appropriate to their developmental needs and functional abilities, maximizing their abilities to safely engage in community outings.
- Fitness programs will teach a progression of physical skills and help participants achieve and maintain fitness.
- Fitness programs will encourage a sense of teamwork and fair play, promote a healthy active lifestyle, and promote self-esteem
- Participants will learn lifelong skills related to healthy relationships, safety in community settings, and self-advocacy.
Class Registration
See what’s new for this season.
To get more information, please email Adaptive Recreation or call (434) 970-3269
Stay in Touch
The best way to stay up to date on program information is to sign up for our monthly newsletter! Subscribe online or call (434) 970-3269 to be added to the mailing list.
View the latest Adaptive Recreation newsletter.
Suggestions
Do you have any ideas or suggestions for trips, classes, or activities you’d like offered? Please email Adaptive Recreation or call (434) 970-3264. to express your opinions. We want to hear from you!
Social Media
Ask to be invited to our private Facebook group Adaptive Connects.
Cooperative Effort / Funding
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation has a cooperative partnership with Albemarle County Parks and Recreation in administering recreation for individuals with disabilities. Both agencies contribute annually to the City Adaptive Recreation budget.
Participants in the program also contribute financially to the program through class fees and donations. Individuals and private organizations often make financial donations. Through the cooperative efforts of many individuals and organizations, the City is able to offer high-quality Adaptive Recreation to the Charlottesville Albemarle area. Thank you to Albemarle County Parks and Recreation, Adaptive Participants and the public for continued support.