Special Needs 

Bloomfield Recreation Department is continuing to move forward in meeting the needs of our Special Needs population as evident by our great results in our programming efforts in 2001. During the year, we witnessed great success in 2 new programs and the continued development of the position of Director of Special Needs. 

The position of Director of Special Needs allowed us to monitor closely the operation of all our programs and ensure their success. The Director has also focused his efforts on influencing a more community based out reach program and as a result have seen enrollment rise. In addition, he has taken on the role of community liaison to provide opportunities for inclusion and will continue to support included recreation and employment whatever possible. This position has served as a 12-month position. 

The Special Needs Adaptive Physical Education Program was a new program that aimed to enhance the Special Needs physical ability and as a result show an increase in self-esteem. Through the use of healthy, nurturing recreational activities such as the countywide Special Olympics, the Challenger Baseball Division and our own summer camp, we have provided an opportunity to develop a sense of accomplishment in attempting a variety of skills in different areas of sport. Through observation, our clients not only enjoyed participating in different sports and at different levels but also appeared to become more confident as they advanced. 

The Horizons Computer Program was very successful as our adult clients became very user-friendly working with computers. The program exposed members of the Horizons to the use and application of computers in daily living. One area we are most proud of is electronic mail. Some of our clients communicate to our counselors on a weekly basis through the use of e-mail and discuss many thing including weekly schedules that may have changed and now must be passed to all members and e-mail makes this a much easier task. 

It is obvious that the Bloomfield Recreation Department is committed to helping prepare our Special Needs population become successful and contributing members of our community.  

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