$60 mParks Member / $70 Non-Member

Join us for a transformative day at the annual Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Inclusivity Workshop, where professionals dedicated to creating inclusive environments will come together to network, share insights, and gain valuable skills. This interactive workshop will offer practical tools and strategies for fostering inclusive, accessible, and welcoming programs across various recreational settings. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn .4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Park and Recreation Professionals/Executives (CPRP/E) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)

Schedule:

9:30am - Welcome and opening remarks

10:00am - Beyond Barriers: Creating Inclusive Recreational Spaces for All - Heather Silander, Ed.D., MS, CTRS - Associate Professor, Therapeutic Recreation, Eastern Michigan University
As more and more individuals with disabilities seek to participate in inclusive recreation, the needs of the clients are changing, introducing new challenges for the professional. Inclusion can be a great experience for all involved, but not without challenges. This session will discuss trends, common challenges, and how to use best practices when faced with a challenging situation, along with other tips and guidelines for providing a least restrictive environment for clients with various disabilities. 

11:00am - Break

11:15am - Inclusive Aquatic Program Design - Nicole Scherbath, CTRS, ATRIC - Owner, Specialty Aquatic Programs LLC
Are you providing truly inclusive aquatic programming for the four pillars of aquatic programming: Learn to Swim, Aquatic Fitness, Aquatic Therapy and Competitive? Learn what it takes to design and properly execute aquatic programming for all ages and abilities, expand your community outreach programming, and make your pool programming more profitable. 

12:15 - Lunch

1:15pm - Inclusive Programming with Special Olympics - Dan Ekonen - Sr. Director of Program Leadership, Special Olympics Michigan
Special Olympics Michigan has a variety of programs for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities that can be hosted through Parks and Rec Departments. Learn about Special Olympics and how your department can apply for funding/equipment to run programs. 

2:15pm - Break

2:30pm - Accessibility through Sensory Inclusion: The Quiet Zone - Anna Forshey - Recreation Program Coordinator, Adaptive and Wellness Programs, Oakland County Parks
This session will include an overview of sensory regulation, inclusivity, and how to create safe sensory spaces at recreation programs. Using Oakland County Park's new imitative, the "Quiet Zone", as a guide, this interactive presentation will outline step-by-step how to assemble a mobile sensory inclusive refuge that can enhance any existing program. From cost of equipment to training staff, this session takes a holistic approach to equitable recreation programming, regardless of sensory needs. 

3:30pm - Conclusion

Speakers:

Heather Silander, Ed.D., MS, CTRS has 20 years of experience in the administration, development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based therapeutic recreation programs, and community outreach; eleven years of developing and implementing undergraduate courses, and mentoring undergraduate students in Recreation, Sports Management, and Recreation Therapy. 

Nichole Sherbarth CTRS, ATRIC has significantly impacted aquatic therapy, swimming, and aquatic fitness industries since 2000, focusing on inclusivity for individuals with various barriers. As the founder of Specialty Aquatic Programs LLC & Specialty Aquatics Charity, LLC, she develops clinical and community-based aquatic programs in the Metro Detroit Area. Her work fosters community, provides quick results, and helps clients overcome integrative obstacles, making a functional difference in their lives. 

Dan Ekonen is the Sr. Director of Program Leadership for Special Olympics Michigan. In his role he oversees the Sports, Unified Champion Schools and Regional field Service departments. Dan has been with Special Olympics Michigan for 17 years in a variety of roles and started with the organization as an intern while earning his bachelor's degree in Integrative Public Relations from Central Michigan University. Dan serves as a facilitator at the national level for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Overview Training and is the co-chair of the United States Leadership committee for Unified Sports. He has traveled to Special Olympics USA Games in Nebraska and New Jersey and World Games in Los Angeles. 

Outside of Special Olympics, Dan loves watching WNBA Basketball, College Football and March Madness as well as playing golf whenever he can. Dan's partner Jesi owns a paper goods and gifts company called Just Follow Your Art where Dan serves as the "assistant to the creative director". Dan and Jesi live in Kentwood, Michigan where they enjoy walking through he various neighborhoods with their dog, Kevin Bacon.

Anna Forshey (she/her/hers) is the recreation program coordinator for Oakland County Parks' adaptive and wellness initiatives. Anna is a member of both the Health & Wellness Work Group and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility (IDEA) Council, where she creates employee training modules to help staff better interact with patrons with disabilities; helps organize existing wellness events within Oakland County Parks; and ensures all park facilities and events are accessible regardless of ability, race, socioeconomic status, and beyond. Anna's passion for working with people with disabilities is evident in her considerable experience working with people with disabilities through organizations such as Kids in Motion, Children's Therapy Corner, Sparrow Hospital, and more. As a lifelong enthusiast of parks, outdoor recreation, and Michigan's natural wonders, Anna's role within Oakland County Parks allows her to bring the best of her passions to work every day. 

THIS WORKSHOP IS ELIGIBLE FOR .4 CEU (CPRP/E & CTRSl)