The Department of Parks and Rec Column
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The Department of Parks and Rec Column

This January the Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the Second Annual Special Needs Providers Fair. This event is specifically geared toward assisting Special Needs individuals and their families. This Providers Fair was the first in Burlington County and is specifically designed to help individuals with special needs, their families and their care-givers find services and opportunities locally. This event will be held of Sunday Jan. 24 on the 3rd Floor of the Church Street Recreation Center from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is free to attendees.

The Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Agency Recreation Service Award by the New Jersey Commission on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in 2015. This award is presented annually to an agency that has developed outstanding recreation programs and services that demonstrate a commitment to the integration of people with and without disabilities.

The Department of Parks and Recreation would like to offer special thanks to Darlene Altschuler, whose time and dedicated efforts on the Special Needs Committee brought the Providers Fair to fruition last year. Under the direction of Director, Theresa Miller, Altschuler has helped to develop the Special Needs Providers Fair as a means of developing the social and professional network available to individuals with special needs, their families and their caregivers. In 2015, its inaugural year, the Special Needs Providers Fair delivered information on services and from health care and behavioral service to music therapy and sports activities to the hundreds of individuals attending. The response was overwhelming with 48 individual providers coming from throughout the South Jersey area to educate parents and care givers about services available.

Last year hundreds attendees came out to see what these amazing providers had to offer. From animal therapy providers to law firms with special needs specialties 48 different providers brought information and networking to families and caregivers. Additionally, the State of New Jersey was present with representatives from its many departments that offer services to individuals with special needs. From state run services to health care providers, behavioral health providers, music therapy, sports opportunities, specialized education services and more — this Providers Fair was the first of its kind in this area and received rave reviews from attendees and providers alike. The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to be able to offer local families assistance through information sharing and networking. Information about the departments’ many Special Needs programs and opportunities will be available as well.

Does your company or organization provide services or products that would benefit individuals with disabilities and their families? If so, then purchase a space at the Special Needs Providers’ Fair sponsored by Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation. Space is limited and spots are filling daily. Registration is $30 per provider and can be found at www.moorestownrec.com. Each registered organization will be given a 6-foot table and one to two chairs. We encourage all participants to bring handouts, brochures, promotional items and/or giveaways.

Questions can be directed to Darlene Altschuler at salt27@comcast.net or the Department of Parks and Recreation at (856) 914–3093.