Who We Are
Mission Statement
To promote the power of choice and to enhance the quality of life of individuals of all abilities, by providing accessible recreation in an environment that promotes dignity, success, and fun.
Vision Statement
To be a quality resource that impacts the lives of the community, by evolving with their needs.
What Is SSSRA?
SSSRA is therapeutic recreation program that is an extension of seven park districts and three recreation and parks departments. It is organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs, the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation.
Who is Eligible for SSSRA Programs?
SSSRA programs are for individuals from birth through adult who receive special education services, vocational services, supported employment, or who have recreational needs not met by traditional park district programs. This could include individuals who have varying degrees of physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, hearing or visual impairments, and developmental delays.
Who is a SSSRA Resident?
Persons residing in the SSSRA member agencies are considered residents. These agencies are:
Country Club Hills Parks and Recreation Department
Hazel Crest Park District
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
Lan-Oak Park District
Matteson Recreational Division
Oak Forest Park District
Olympia Fields Park District
Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department
Richton Park Parks and Recreation Department
Tinley Park-Park District
SSSRA reserves the right to verify residency and special education services.
Americans with Disabilities Act
SSSRA is subject to and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability against persons who meet essential eligibility requirements for services. If you have any questions about our services in regard to the ADA, please call us at 815.806.0384.
Inclusion Services at SSSRA
SSSRA is committed to providing new and challenging leisure and recreation activities for all of our participants. We recognize that a park district or recreation department program may better serve an individual’s needs. SSSRA works with our ten member agencies to assist individuals with making the transition from special recreation to these programs. Our professional staff can help you choose an appropriate program, provide referral services, conduct any necessary staff training, secure support staff, or supply adaptive equipment or communication devices. If you or a family member wish to participate in a park district or recreation department program, please contact Tammy McMahon at 815.806.0384.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) fosters a workforce ethic that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion that enables all employees to thrive, and empower individuals with disabilities to succeed through diverse range of year-round recreational activities to experience active, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyles.
Read SSSRA”s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
PDRMA
SSSRA has been a partner of PDRMA (Park District Risk Management Agency) since 1992. PDRMA manages risks and promotes wellness for more than 160 Illinois park districts, special recreation associations, forest preserve districts, and conservation districts.
PDRMA staff guide member agencies in taking proactive steps to improve safety and wellness across the organization. This results in safe programs for our participants and family members. Read more about SSSRA’s comprehensive risk management assessment.
Accessibility Statement
June 2022
SSSRA is committed to making our website accessible for all ability levels. We are in the process of designing a new website that will be in compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA.
If you need assistance accessing any content on our site, would like to report an issue, or have any questions, please contact us.
Anna Broccolo
anna@sssra.org
815.806.0384