Elaine Adams, CTRS Jessie Steele, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
adams_e@chattanooga.gov steele_je@chattanooga.gov
423.697.1345 423.643.5716
The Therapeutic Recreation Division of the Chattanooga Youth and Family Development Department seeks to provide leisure and recreation opportunities for citizens of all abilities. We serve both youth and adults with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Through our programs, education and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks, and enhance overall quality of life.
All Dolled Up
Friday, September 27th, 6-8pm
CALLING ALL LADIES! Come out to Orange Grove Center to get yourself pampered, eat some light refreshments, and dance the night away! This is for females in the community with a disability. Participants will receive a makeover and get their hair done! Cost: Free
You must RSVP to Jessie in order to secure a spot at steele_je@chattanooga.gov or 423-643-5716
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Brainerd Optimist Fun Day - Fun Day at the Brainerd Optimist Club!
WHAT: A FREE, fun day filled with fishing, bike rodeo, face painting, dunk tank, hayrides, safety on wheels, money in the haystack, and many more games and fun activities! Event will be held rain or shine.
WHO: Individuals with disabilities of all ages and their family members
WHEN: Saturday, September 28th, 9am-2pm
WHERE: Brainerd Optimist Club and Drag Strip (745 Scruggs Road, Ringgold, GA 30736- not too far off of East Ridge exit)
COST: FREE and LUNCH IS PROVIDED!
CONTACT: Jessie at 423-643-5716 or steele_je@chattanooga.gov
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Chillin' Like Villains - Young Adult Social Group
Chillin' Like Villains is a young adult social group for individuals who have various disabilities. We meet once a month at different locations around town, and do a variety of activities such as attend sporting events, potluck dinners, movies and much more!
September Event-Brainerd Optimist Fun Day- see details above (Saturday, September 28th, 9am-2pm)
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C.H.I.P.S. Golf - Golf Program
WHAT: Calling C.H.I.P.S. Golfers! Join us this fall for a round of golf.
WHO: Participants must be able to play nine holes independently.
WHEN: Tuesday evenings, 5:30pm until dusk
DATES: 9/4, 9/10, 9/17 NO CHIPS ON 9/24, 10/1 and 10/8
WHERE: Brown Acres Golf Course
COST: $5 each date
CONTACT: Must register 3 days before scheduled dates Elaine at 423.697-1345 or adams_e@chattanooga.gov
Fundraiser at Flyer Squirrel
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FUNDRAISER at the Flying Squirrel
Tuesday, September 10th, 5pm - 2 am
Join us at one of Chattanooga's newest hot spots on Main Street! The owners of the Flying Squirrel and the Crash Pad, who are also faithful volunteers in our adaptive climbing program, have generously offered a night to support Therapeutic Recreation Services. 10% of all the money generated that evening will go straight to expanding the opportunities within our programs and events.
The Flying Squirrel Bar is located at 55 Johnson Street. They have an excellent food selection and a beautiful atmosphere and decor, providing a perfect opportunity for a great night out with family and friends. Must be 21 years of age.
flyingsquirrelbar.comPlease come out and support Therapeutic Recreation Services!
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Go!Fest 2013 - Saturday, September 21st, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ The Chattanooga Zoo
Visitors of all abilities will go wild for a free day at the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park during the 9th Annual Go!Fest Celebration.
Animal attractions and interactions abound, but breaking boundaries and increasing disability awareness are at the heart of Go!Fest, which also will showcase activities, entertainment and information from various social service agencies and other civic-minded groups, businesses and institutions.
Go!Fest is part of an initiative created to help make Chattanooga more accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability.
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Hiking - Monthly Hike Group
Join us as we enjoy the beautiful fall weather, get some exercise and socialize!
SEPTEMBER: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6pm @ Enterprise South (new trail to explore!).
CONTACT: Jessie to RSVP and with any questions: 423-643-5716 or steele_je@chattanooga.gov
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The Little Gym - Gymnastics Program
WHAT: The Little Gym in East Brainerd has teamed up with Therapeutic Recreation Services to provide a class for our population! These classes will be held in sessions of 6 classes, every other Friday.
WHO: Children with disabilities and their siblings, divided into two separate classes of ages 3-6 and 7-9 years old.
WHEN: Every other Friday, September 13th-November 22nd
DATES: Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov. 8 and Nov. 22
TIME: *4-5pm (ages 3-6yrs)
5-6pm (ages 7-9yrs)
*Please note there will no longer be a parent/child class this session.
WHERE: The Little Gym in East Brainerd (7540 East Brainerd Road, Ste. 102)
COST: $5 per child, per class
CONTACT: Elaine at 423-697-1345 or adams_e@chattanooga.gov
YOU MUST RSVP BY THE TUESDAY BEFORE THE CLASS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE!
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Parent Participation- NEW! Parent/Caregiver Volunteer Program
Over the years, we have had so many of our wonderful parents step up to the plate and help with multiple events, conferences, etc. After all, when it comes to advocating for a program, who better to inform the public of Therapeutic Recreation Services than those who have experienced them first hand?
This year, we would like to keep this going. Help is needed for the following: special events (such as setting up/decorating for events, making connections with community venues, help with planning, etc); increasing community awareness of TRS at functions such as local conferences and symposiums (can range from working an info booth to representing TRS at a local meeting/community roundtable); gathering groups and/or resources to conduct fundraising opportunities; and other opportunities as they may arise.
Interested? Please contact Elaine at 423.697.1345 or adams_e@chattanooga.gov with your specific interest, as well as, your availability. Thank you.
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RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR SURVEY!
Survey of Facilitators and Barriers to Participation (FABS)
If you are an individual who experiences movement challenges as you participate in your daily activites, we would like to invite you to join an important research project. This is specifically for individuals 18-70 years of age with mobility challenges.
Would you be willing to invest 25-35 minutes to fill out a simple online survey to help rehabilitation service providers better understand what resources are most helpful as you participate in activities at home and in the community?
This survey is being conducted by the Department of Physical Therapy and Disability Resource Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to evaluate the impact of environmental facilitators and barrier to participation for individuals with mobility challanges.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO BE DIRECTED TO THE SURVEY INSTRUMENT (please complete by September 30, 2013):
Click here for survey!
r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ZhzDP21ryhHX_s0u6K_mESXXaFzV0FGO5Hnv2oAVB32ZdDv2mCe7rw9h79EuoPXMp8E6i07RIigG-sYqAw0IM8-ROxC2iigVxrHn9N-LSqnrbp6545qnpMkXkfWNBMuc0e_R540ZvcooH4icWk2RnOmQg0rPyhPROmgLkmIDPhsDFi5wb_Zs4hIIRg1_UWybLSzWp4bdYjch-BqSEYA5fg==-------------------------
Scenic City & SPARC, A Chapter of DSUSA, Adaptive Cycling - Cycling Program
Looking for ways to get exercise and be outside this Fall? Have you always wanted to ride, but did not have the knowledge or equipment you need?
We have just the program for you!
WHAT/WHO: An adaptive cycling program for individuals with disabilities. Hand cycles and tandem bikes are available for individuals who have physical and visual disabilities. Three wheeled bikes and additional bikes available too! In addition to this, Outdoor Chattanooga (www.outdoorchattanooga.com) brings their bike fleet for additional support and traditional bikes are available to check out! Depending on the cycle needed participants will have to be approved by the group that owns the cycle and fill out liability forms from the specific group you will be using a cycle from.
WHEN: the 2nd and 4th Monday's of each month, August 12th - October 28th at 6pm until dusk.
DATES: Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 14 and Oct. 28
WHERE: The Tennessee Riverpark at the Hubert Fry Center (4501 Amnicola Hwy)
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Please note that equipment is limited and pre-registration is REQUIRED! Contact Elaine at 423-697-1345 or adams_e@chattanooga.gov
Minimum Requirements for the Safety of Participants:
1. Must have the cognitive ability to follow directions and instructions
2. Must be able to apply the brakes and come to a complete stop by the end of the first day of participation
3. Must be able to ride independently on the path with a volunteer by the third day of participation
4. Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI) must be one year post injury
5. Must not have medical issues which could endanger the participant, including seizures
6. Approved helmets must be worn by all riders
7. Participants, or guardians for participants under the age of 18, must sign liability release forms from SPARC, A Chapter of DSUSA
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Scenic City Adaptive Paddling Program - Adaptive Kayak/Canoe Class
WHAT: This program provides the opportunity for participants to learn the skill of kayaking under the instruction of Daxton Bacalman and with the help of skilled volunteers.
WHO: Individuals with physical and/or cognitive/intellectual disabilities and their family members. No prior skill or experience necessary!
WHEN: Every other Wednesday as well as a monthly trip
DATES for this month: September 4th and September 18th
WHERE: 9/4: Baylor Academy on the TN River; 9/18: Sterchi Farms on the South Chickamauga Creek
TIME: *5-6:30pm for the month of September
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: *Location and times change monthly, so be sure to get on the contact list to stay in the loop and also receive information on monthly trips! Contact Jessie at 423.643.5716 or steele_je@chattanooga.gov Please RSVP by the Monday of the week of the class. All equipment and adaptations provided!
The grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veterans Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.
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Sunshine Ambassadors Dance Class NEW PROGRAM! - Dance Program
WHAT: Sunshine Ambassadors, Inc. is a 501-c-3 public charity whose mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities through dance, utilizing both structured classes and public performances.
We emphasize "progression" for individuals and the group, rather than "perfection" of either. Progression for one dancer may be learning to follow directions and to stay focused; another dancer may learn the joy of being active; one may improve in gross motor skills, while another may learn to work together in a group setting. Instruction provided by Brittany Davis.
WHO: all ages!
WHEN: Mondays, beginning August 26th - November 25th
TIME: 5-5:45pm
WHERE: Hixson Community Center (5400 School Drive)
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Jessie at 423.643.5716 or steele_je@chattanooga.gov
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Team River Runner - Kayaking for Wounded Warriors and Their Families
WHAT: Team River Runner (TRR), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, gives active duty service members and veterans an opportunity to find health, healing, and new challenges through whitewater boating and other paddling sports. Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services started a chapter this past Spring.
WHO: Veterans and active duty service members who have a disability, and their family members. This includes PTSD, TBI, SCI and others that qualify as disability. No previous kayak experience required! You will be met on whichever level you are currently at.
WHEN: Every other Wednesday, as well as, a monthly trip
TIME: *5-6pm for the month of September
DATES: 9/11 AND 9/25
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: *Location and times change monthly, so be sure to get on the contact list to stay in the loop and receive information on the monthly trip! Contact Jessie at 423.643.5716 or steele_je@chattanooga.gov and please RSVP by the Tuesday before class.
The grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veterans Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.
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TOPSoccer - Soccer Team
FIRST DAY IS SEPTEMBER 14TH!
WHAT: TOPSoccer is an official US Youth Soccer program enriching the lives of young athletes with disabilities through the game of soccer.
WHO: Males and Females, ages 5-18 yrs old, with a physical and/or cognitive disability
WHEN: Saturdays, September 14th - November 9th, 10-11am
DATES: Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Nov. 2, Nov. 9
WHERE: Redoubt Soccer Complex (6900 Bonny Oaks Drive)
COST: FREE
CONTACT: Registration will be on the first day of practice (September 14th), but if you have any further questions, contact Jessie at 423-643-5716 or steele_je@chattanooga.gov
For more information on the Redoubt Soccer Complex CLICK HERE!
Additional Information
Here is some information on events in the community:
Club Discovery
This fall, children ages 6-12 are invited to experience Club Discovery as we explore Medieval Times!
The fall session of Club Discovery will be held Tuesday evenings, September 17 and 24, October 1, 8 and 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Children will learn about this fascinating time period by making crowns and flower garland head wreaths, creating food from the Renaissance time period and creating their very own coat of arms for their kingdom complete with a shield.
A special fall mini-session will be held Tuesday evenings, November 5, 12 and 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature Vikings as the subject.
Children will discover Scandinavian mythology, how Vikings lived, and taste foods the Vikings may have eaten. Many adventures are to be had during this exciting mini-session.
A family membership is awarded in the spring to all participants who attend a minimum of 10 of the 16 meeting times taking place in the fall of 2013 and spring of 2014.
To make your reservation by phone, call Nancy at (423) 648-6045 or Beth at (423) 648-6040.
We look forward to seeing you at Club D.
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Pickin' for the Pups
WHEN: Thursday, September 26th, 6-10pm
WHERE: Lindsay Street Hall (901 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga)
Come out for an awesome night to help support the Goodwill Assistance Dog Program! Founder Ramona Nichols comes out to each week of Camp ZooAbility, with at least one service dog, to put on a show for our campers. She does this enthusiastically and at NO COST! Let's show our appreciation for Ramona and for the wonderful services she and her team provides.
Pickin' for the Pups is a night of beer, barbecue, and bluegrass music to benefit the Goodwill Assistance Dog Academy, which provides animal therapy services and trained service dogs for people with physical disabilities. Tickets are $20 in advance and will be available at
www.goodwillchatt.org in September, or you may purchase tickets at the door for $25. This special event is for human guests who are 21-years old and over.
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Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society- BUDDY WALK 2013
What: The 2013 CDSS Buddy Walk
When: Saturday September 28, 2103
Gate Opens: 11:00 am
Location: AT&T Field, home of the Lookouts
Please join us to celebrate the Abilities and Accomplishments of people who have Down syndrome. Join us at AT&T Field for the 13th annual CDSS Buddy Walk. Let's make this the largest year yet! In 2012, we had 1475 walkers.
Schedule of Events:
11:00 am Gates Open for registration and pick up of t-shirts
11:30 am Guest Speaker (please sit in stands after registration)
11:45 am 2013 Official Buddy Walk Picture (please stay in stands)
12:00 pm CDSS Buddy Walk begins
After the walk, please stay for an afternoon of fellowship and fun with your family and friends. After you return to AT&T Field from the walk we will have a complimentary pizza lunch, awards presentation, 3 bounce houses, batting cages, face painting, appearances from Looie and Snoopy, scheduled team pictures, resource tables, a silent auction, cotton candy, popcorn, and a DJ and dance area!
Bring your friends and family to the walk and organize a team to advocate on behalf of all people with Down syndrome.
Registration forms and pledge sheets will be available on our website as well as a link to purchase your official 2013 CDSS Buddy Walk.
For further information please go to
www.chattanoogadownsyndrome.org_________________________________
Chattanooga Autism Awareness Walk - November 9, 2013
If you want more information or wish to help raise awareness about
autism in our community, THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU!
The Chattanooga Autism Awareness Walk's mission is to teach people in our region about autism. Walkers will learn about what autism is, how prevalent it is, how it affects behavior, how it can be different across individuals and how it can affect one's journey through life. Walkers will also learn how families appreciate that their community better understands autism and what they are going through.
To register or for more information:
www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org______________________
Chattanooga Community Conversation
September 9th from 6-8pm
The Tennessee Works team, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and Chattanooga Planning Committee would like to invite you to a Community Conversation focused on increasing employment for youth with disabilities in Chattanooga, TN. This event will be held at Lindsay Street Hall 901 Lindsay St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 on
September 9th from 6-8pm
. We're bringing together community members from all walks of life to contribute their ideas and experiences. The evening will be a unique opportunity to brainstorm creative solutions that will improve competitive work opportunities and ultimately, lead to a stronger Chattanooga, TN.
The format will be very casual, and you'll meet other great people in our community! There's no cost, nothing to bring, and no commitment after the event. Come join us for some coffee, conversation, and delicious desserts!
The registration link is provided below. Please extend this invitation to anyone you think would be valuable to our conversation. Also, let us know if you require interpretation services or accommodations at the event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ZhzDP21ryhExkgHpgCT5-tuebMtqW-7Y3Pg0heUFjt-0ITHy-UsJBr7OO0NI-yJw-FdHCa6cw0A15mSbmxw5mWooGYQ2_YIwKDBJviR8r7w0ivCSnoHP0_qFqme9qaOmmq_ipcb5R88YiQCdP_fKwjiRRjRZyBhe------------------------------------------
"You are normal if only you are not abnormal. But by the time abnormality is defined, you are left with the disturbing suspicion that there is no one, including yourself, from whom abnormality is entirely absent." ~Wendell Johnson