Adaptive Recreation

Adaptive Bowling

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Supporting Inclusion & Diversity

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) offers therapeutic programs for people with disabilities at any age. Through numerous leisure activities, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and other DPR team members create opportunities to improve quality of life, foster independence and boost self-esteem.

We strive to provide an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome and believe all people should have the opportunity to participate and interact together. 

American Sign Language (ASL) and Inclusion Support services are provided by request.  To guarantee services by a specific date, requests need to be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to desired start date of services.  Any request submitted less than five (5) business days in advance may result in a delay of services provided.

Inclusion Philosophy:

Denver Parks & Recreation strives to provide everyone with equitable access to quality programs and amenities throughout the city. Our goal is to enable anyone to participate in any activity offered by the Department—providing an environment that welcomes diversity and community while creating a better place in which everyone can live, play and thrive. Inclusion support options are available for people with disabilities when registering for activities.  

Program Information

Adaptive Programs

Adaptive Recreation programs are designed with the adaptations and additional assistance that is needed for successful programming for people with disabilities.

Activities include:

  • Swim Lessons
  • Cycling
  • Adaptive Fitness classes
  • Ceramics
  • Cooking
  • Community excursions for all ages
  • Hiking
  • Adaptive Water Skiing
  • Actor’s Workshop
  • Water Fitness
  • Martial Arts & Safety
  • Scrap & Chat
  • Seasonal dances
  • Camping
  • And much more!

Transition to Recreational Activities in the Community (TRAC)

Through the Adaptive Recreation Department, TRAC provides a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to work individually with participants who have a disabling condition.  A therapeutic exercise plan is developed to enable a smooth transition toward independent use of DPR recreation centers.

Services Include

  • Strength and Endurance Training
  • Aquatic Therapy
  • Assessment and Goal Development
  • Leisure Consultation
  • Recreation Center Orientation
  • Adaptive Equipment

To speak to a therapist, call or email us.

Special Olympic Sports

The mission of the Denver Parks and Recreation, Special Olympics is to provide quality, year-round sports training in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with developmental disabilities. In addition, the Special Olympics provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience friendships with their families and other Special Olympics athletes in the community.

Sports by Season

Winter (January - March) Spring (April - June) Summer (June - August) Fall (September - November)
Alpine Skiing Track & Field Tennis Bowling
Nordic Skiing Soccer Softball Volleyball
Snowboarding Aquatics Cycling Flag Football
Snow shoeing Bocce
Basketball

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Application Process

DPR's Therapeutic Recreation internship program provides a well-rounded experience with program planning and one-on-one client work.

This internship is 15 hours per week (600 hours total) and requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from candidates.

Internship Duration and Application Deadlines

  • Winter/Spring: January-April | apply by Sept. 15
  • Summer: May-August | apply by January 15
  • Fall: Sept.-Dec. | apply by April 15

Please follow the following steps to apply for an internship in Therapeutic Recreation with DPR's Adaptive Recreation division.

  1. Visit the City & County of Denver Jobs site
  2. Search for "Therapeutic Recreation"
  3. Follow the job listing link to apply
  4. Complete the application in its entirety*, including all required information such as school transcripts and letters of recommendation

*If you are unable to complete the application in one sitting, you may save the information and return to the application at another time.

Contact DPR Adaptive Recreation with comments and concerns:
Adaptive.Recreation@denvergov.org
720-865-0820

Adaptive Recreation Forms

Inclusion Support Service Form(PDF, 64KB)

     

Contact the Adaptive Recreation Team

Adaptive Recreation Office
adaptive.recreation@denvergov.org
720-865-0820

Related Information

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