Celebrate Disability Pride Month with Prince William County Parks

Prince William County Parks and Recreation is proud to recognize July as Disability Pride Month. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The month celebrates the achievements, experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. It also raises awareness about disability rights and promotes inclusion and accessibility for all.

Prince William County Parks and Recreation is proud to offer programs for individuals with disabilities, both youths and adults. We are committed to creating a community of choice for all residents with equal access to programs, classes, camps and activities.

Our adapted programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities. These programs are run by qualified instructors to include special education teachers, behavior therapists, and recreation therapists who have experience working with people of all abilities. Some of these programs are co-developed with a recreation specialist and a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). All programs are inclusive and open to everyone.

Want to learn more? Check out our current offerings below and stay tuned for more programs coming this fall.

Adapted Paint Night
Please join us for a fun, creative and social event. Participants will leave with an original 11X14 canvas painting. Iced tea and lemonade will be offered as you paint your masterpiece and share with friends. This program is designed for teens and adults with and without disabilities. Come join us for paint night! Class is held on Friday, July 24, 6-7 pm at Birchdale Recreation Center.

Adaptive Flatwater Kayaking
Come experience the freedom and joy of paddle sports! Our user-friendly kayaks and adapted programs instructors will help participants become comfortable with using kayaks on the water. Parents and siblings are encouraged to register as well. Paddle sports can become a fun family activity! Participants must be able to keep a life vest on while on the water, stay seated in the boat, and close lips and hold breath in case of submersion. All participants should bring a water bottle and sunscreen. All other equipment is provided. The class is held on Saturday, July 25, 10:15 am – 11:45 am at Lake Ridge Marina. Register for Adapted Flatwater Kayaking today.

Miracle League
Registration is now open for the fall season of our Miracle League baseball program. The Miracle League is a baseball program that promotes physical and mental well-being fitness opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families in Prince William County. The program works to eliminate the main barriers for these youth and adults with mental and physical disabilities that arise from playing on natural grass fields in conventional leagues. Miracle League games are played on a custom designed, rubberized surface at Dr. Richard Tami Miracle Field located at George Hellwig Memorial Park. 

The Miracle League is about making new friends, building self-esteem, and being treated just like other athletes. It provides participants ages 5 and older the opportunity to play regardless of their ability. All participants get to hit a ball either off a batting tee or pitched, throw, catch a ball and score a run. The fall season begins Saturday, August 15 – September 26. Register today and learn more about the Miracle League program. 

For further questions about the Miracle League, please contact Mac Slover at 703-792-4242.

For questions about any of our other adapted programs, please contact our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, Veronica Laughman at 703-792-8066.