ArabicEnglishFrenchGermanSpanish
Review Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)
This business has 5 positives and 0 negatives.
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) Image

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)

Category: Park District/Local Government, Employer, Disability-Aware Business
Phone number: (847) 509-9400
Location: 3105 MacArthur Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062
Website: http://www.nssra.org
Hours:
Monday - Friday Office Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Nearest Transportation Stop: Metra Station on Lake Cook
NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities. NSSRA is an extension of ten park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the Park Districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest; and the Village of Riverwoods. We have been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and have the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country.

NSSRA’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities in our partner communities through quality recreation services.

NSSRA’s vision is to be leaders in recreation by providing innovative and exceptional services for people with disabilities.

NSSRA’s full-time recreation staff members have college degrees in Therapeutic Recreation or related fields, as well as special certifications and professional accreditations.

NSSRA families are invited to attend board meetings on designated Thursdays at 9:00 am at the NSSRA office. Call (847) 509-9400 for details or accommodations.
Disability Aware Features:
  • Extra assistance available
  • Hires or would like to hire qualified individuals with disabilities
  • Offer products or services for people with disabilities
  • Trained staff
  • Volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities
 
Review Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)
This business has 5 positives and 0 negatives.
jake74
jake74
9:47am 06/06/17
Great!
Great!

On Thursday of last week I attended a presentation at the headquarters of NSSED, along with Rob from Center for Independent Futures. We listened to some people talk about their living arrangements, and Rob and I also discussed Center for Independent Futures a bit with the group. The presentation was fun and interactive. A lot of good questions were asked. Rob and I felt great about this panel discussion. The building where we were is very accessible.

Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked to me person-to-person, Asked me if I needed or wanted help, Friendly, Gave me choices, Gave me extra time, Respectful, Helpful when I needed assistance or accommodation, Flexible service, Physically accessible, Other, I received services several years ago from here and they were great.
advocate
advocate
8:45am 01/14/11
Great!
Great!

Our teenaged son has been participating in NSSRA programs for years, but yesterday I brought a family whose son has more significant needs, and who uses a wheelchair, to NSSRA to see if they could find some programming for him. The staff spend more than hour meeting with us to explore options for this young man, and to help sort out the complicated transportation issues, since he uses a power chair. We were very impressed that the staff was so enthusiastic about finding suitable program, and seemed really committed to making it work. Stay tuned...

Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Gave choices, Gave extra time, Respectful, Helpful with assistance or accommodation, Has employees with disabilities, Flexible service, Physically accessible, Accessible Parking
Noah&Ellen
Noah&Ellen
10:24pm 03/14/10

NSSRA is the special recreation cooperative for residents of communities from Lake Bluff to Wilmette along the lake and as far west as Northbrook, Glenview, Riverwoods and Deerfield.
NSSRA provide a full array of choices for children ages 3-seniors. Noah has participated in NSSRA programs since he was 5.
He has learned to ice skate, speed skate, bowl, swim and he has participated in a wide variety of competitive and team sports. He has participated in many social programs through NSSRA. NSSRA tends to attract young, energetic, dedicated staff.
We highly recommend NSSRA . There is also a parent advisory committee so that families can have input and regular contact with administrators and staff.
Noah and Ellen

Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked to me person-to-person, Asked me if I needed or wanted help, Friendly, Gave me choices, Gave me extra time, Respectful, Helpful when I needed assistance or accommodation, Has employees with disabilities, Flexible service, Physically accessible
Jesser family
Jesser family
6:30pm 03/02/10

We love NSSRA for Jacob as it assists with his social connection. The programs are great and designed to assist all those who attend. He can chose whatever he is interested in when he signs up. Jacob has made friends, not only with peers but also the assistants and program organizers. There is a wide selection of sports and activities and also day long outings!
The sport coaches are very enthusiastic and VERY encouraging!! Jacob always looks forward to his NSSRA outings!

Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Gave choices, Gave extra time, Respectful, Helpful with assistance or accommodation, Physically accessible
ymom
ymom
9:33pm 09/29/09

Our son has tried many classes offered by NSSRA, which offers children, young adults and older adults with disabilities social and recreational programs (and works with local park districts, schools and other organizations to provide inclusion support for those who want to participate in park district, school and other programs. in the past, we have had a hard time finding programs that met our son's needs, but with a dynamic, new Executive Director (Craig Culp), and a reorganized and revitalized staff, things are changing at NSSRA! We're seeing a genuine commitment to identifying the social and recreational needs of clients and potential clients; we're seeing more creativity and flexibility in the programs being offered; and we're seeing a willingness to work with parents and to bring in partners so that there is a range of options for those of all ages and all abilities.

The new motto is "It's a new day at NSSRA," and by all accounts, I think it's coming true. I encourage everyone who may have lost interest in NSSRA programs in the past, or who has a child who has recently been diagnosed to call NSSRA to try to find a a social/recreational program that is a "good fit' for your child...whether it's a class offered by NSSRA, a member park district, or some other agency. And if you try something for a couple of weeks, and it doesn't seem to be working out, get in touch with NSSRA to figure out how to make it a "good fit" or try something else. NSSRA wants all of its clients to feel successful, and develop leisure skills that will last a lifetime! Let's support this agency that is so vital to those with disabilities and their families!




Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Gave choices, Gave extra time, Respectful, Helpful with assistance or accommodation, Flexible service, Physically accessible, Other or suggestions, staff that is eager to please, and willing to think flexibly about programming