General Info

Vision

An agency of excellence, demonstrated by member partners working cooperatively with
board, staff and the community to enhance the quality of life for each individual.

Mission

To serve as an integral partner with our member park districts and villages to positively impact
individuals with disabilities through diverse recreation opportunities and community services.

Our Core Values

Service with Compassion • Excellence and Quality • Integrity • Commitment • FUN

History and Growth

The State of Illinois has been Putting People First since the 1970s, when park district codes
were adopted to encourage neighboring park districts and villages to join together and fund
cooperative recreation programs for people with disabilities. NEDSRA was formed in 1976,
through the vision of our partners, to provide for those with disabilities, the same variety of
recreation services available to individuals without disabilities. From our humble beginnings,
NEDSRA now provides more than 600 programs and services annually to 4,000+ separate
individuals a year.

Our Member Partners

NEDSRA is an integral part of the overall recreation services of each of our eleven member
partners. These partners continue to “Put People First” by meeting the needs of all their
residents, including those with disabilities. One representative from each member
partner community serves on our Board of Trustees, collectively providing leadership,
vision and governance for the association.

Awards

NEDSRA is a member of an elite group of special recreation associations which has twice been awarded the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in the management of recreation to individuals with disabilities. NEDSRA is also a recipient of numerous National, State and local awards received for excellence and innovation in service, including several Illinois Park & Recreation Outstanding/Innovative Program Awards. In addition to the agency awards listed here, NEDSRA’s professional staff has been recognized with various awards for their involvement and commitment to our profession and people with disabilities.

IPRA: Illinois Park and Recreation Association
ITRS: Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section (of IPRA)

2012 Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies, IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1999 Tandem Bike Ride, IPRA Outstanding Program Award
2011 Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies, ITRS Outstanding Program Award 1998 Received the prestigious Organization Citation from National Therapeutic Recreation Society for outstanding contributions to the field of therapeutic recreation.
2010 Sweetest Day Dance, IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1998 Unified Sports, IPRA Outstanding Program Award
2009 Art for Recreation Therapy Series (A.R.T.S.), IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1997 Summer Kickoff and Fishing Derby, IPRA Outstanding Program Award
2008 Special Olympics and Adaptive Golf Program, IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1996 Awarded the National Gold Medal from National Recreation and Parks Association.
2007 “Reach for the Stars Night”, IPRA Outstanding Special Event Award 1995 Special Olympics Track and Field Meet, IPRA Outstanding Program Award
2006 EXCEL (Experiential Community Education and Leisure), IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1994 “Kids Clinics” with the Chicago Wheelchair Bulls, IPRA Innovative Program Award
2005 PRO League, IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1992 NEDSRA along with Addison Park District, IPRA “Award of Merit” for the design and completion of Centennial Complex
2000 Pet Therapy, IPRA Outstanding Program Award 1982 Awarded the National Gold Medal for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management.

1990 to Present – Accreditation for Excellence in Loss Control and Safety from the Park District Risk Management Agency

Funding

NEDSRA relies on a variety of sources to provide the funds needed to support our vital services. Our partner park districts and villages provide the largest share of our support, ensuring the stability and success of the cooperative. Funds raised, from state grants, foundations, corporations and fundraising events, have increased dramatically over the years to meet the continued growth and demand for services. Modest program fees are charged for most services, similar to those charged by our partners. NEDSRA has 501 (c ) (3) non-profit status.

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