FEATURED MEMBER

Gateway Special Recreation Association

Gateway Special Recreation Association (SRA) provides recreational services for children and adults with disabilities. Recreation is a central component of a healthy lifestyle. This philosophy is carried out through all Gateway SRA recreation and sports programs. The primary focus of Gateway SRA is to promote the participation of people with disabilities in meaningful activities that maximize their health, well-being and quality of life.

A Special Recreation Association is a cooperative formed by two or more park districts or municipalities, who have joined together to provide recreation for their residents with disabilities. Similar to the park district and village recreation departments, programs are offered year round in the park district or villages recreation facilities, as well as community locations, including private facilities such as theatres or bowling alleys.

Gateway SRA was formed in 1987 through an intergovernmental agreement and is an extension of the Park Districts of Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Pleasant Dale, Westchester and York Center, the City of Countryside and the Villages of Hinsdale and Willowbrook. These agencies pooled their resources to contract with the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of persons with disabilities for more than 50 years.

Sheila Swann-Guerrero is the Superintendent of Recreation for the Ray Graham Association and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Gateway Special Recreation Association. Ms. Swann-Guerrero has worked with both organizations since January 2010 and recently became the Superintendent.

Her experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) provides a well-trained perspective for her responsibilities. A CTRS helps individuals improve their functioning, increase their independence and establish healthy leisure lifestyles, often resulting in reduced depression, stress and anxiety; enhanced basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; builds confidence and socialize effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence and maximize their abilities. In addition, a CTRS helps people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities.

When asked what inspired her to pursue her current profession, Swann-Guerrero replied, “I enjoy being active and love working with people with varied abilities. Therapeutic Recreation is the perfect combination. Therapeutic Recreation is the service component of leisure services that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. People with disabilities have the same needs and wants as everyone. Recreation is an integral component in all of our lives. People with disabilities need to lead active lives rich in recreation experiences, as we all do. I love being in a profession that makes this happen.”

The headquarters for Gateway SRA is in the Anna Emery Hanson Center, located in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The Ray Graham-owned and operated facility is a modern, fully accessible building on a 12.5-acre site. The Hanson Center offers indoor and outdoor program space, including a barn with farm animals, and two riding arenas for horsemanship instruction. The property also includes a walking trail, a solarium, a gazebo and a Boundless Playground – featuring an inclusive playground for people of all abilities to have fun and play. The Anna Emery Hanson Center is also home to an inclusive preschool where students of all abilities learn together. Other locations in the eight community areas also act as program sites.

Gateway SRA serves 9 member agencies and 200 participants. During the year, approximately 30 to 50 volunteers assist with programming. During the Luck of the Irish Dance hosted in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, 9 volunteers helped with the event. Recreational offerings are suited to meet a wide range of needs and capabilities. The Winter/Spring 2011 activities catalogue is filled with opportunities. Additionally, support and friendship are available for brothers and sisters of children with a disability through programs called Sibshops.

Summarizing Gateway’s family-oriented perspective, Swann-Guerrero observed, “Gateway is a small but mighty agency that provides excellent service. Gateway offers individuals of varied abilities experiences that promote their independence, well-being and quality of life. A family atmosphere is felt throughout all of our programs and is seen in the caring attitude of staff and volunteers. We are grateful for our current participants and families, and always welcome new individuals.”

If you would like more information about Gateway SRA and the services they provide, we invite you to visit the Ray Graham Association Web site at www.ray-graham.org.

Thank you, Gateway SRA, for choosing to become an IPARKS Member. We look forward to serving you. If you would like more information about IPARKS, please call 800.748.0554 and ask to speak with an IPARKS Representative.