The Leisure Liasons Educational Community Program
By Joyce Moed
The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division and the Special Populations Section is offering the Leisure Liaisons Educational Community Outreach Program, designed specifically for children, adolescents, adults and senior with various disabilities.

The goal of the program is to increase awareness of potential recreational and leisure opportunities in the community.

"We thought there was a need," said Dori Horowitz, special population coordinator. "We get caught up in what we are doing and often forget we need to have a leisurely lifestyle."
The program began about two years ago, and is promoted twice a year - usually in June and January, Horowitz said.

"Folks are looking for things to do in the summer, and also for things to plan for the fall," she said. "And for after the holidays, when people are getting back to the norm. The intent is to raise awareness of potential programs that are available. The premise is for everybody. The idea is to make folks aware that there are things out there they can participate in."

The program consists of presentations and videos specifically tailored for the specific group's needs and interests, while also providing a venue for social interactions. Presentations are done by a certified therapeutic recreational therapist (CTRS).

"They are designed for the specific group," Horowitz said. "[The presentations] entail discussions and initiatives, hands-on learning, videos, and activity discussions. It depends on the abilities and needs of the groups.

"We do it in a manner that is enjoyable. We don't come out sounding like a textbook. It's done as one-shot deal, not as an ongoing class. The presentation is enough to spark one's interest."

Presentations can be made at an agency, school, facility, organization, or at one of Broward County's parks, and are set up by appointment only.

"It's called for 'our place or theirs,'" Horowitz said. "For the majority it is in their place, though there are some that seize the opportunity to come to the park, also."

Presentations have taken place in middle schools, high schools, the Juvenile Justice Department, senior facilities and mental health agencies, Horowitz said.

"It's really an extensive list," Horowitz said. "We've also done it for school board folks so that they can share information with their folks. We've also done it for folks in hospitals and for people in rehab who will be discharged soon. We've also gone to support groups and stroke clubs.

"We're trying to build it up. Right now we do it once or twice a month. It's not something we do every day."

Presentations are free of charge. For more information, call 954-357-8170 or 954-357-8180.