Parks and Recreation Invests in Growth of Therapeutic and Adapted Recreation Programs

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

Recently, Parks and Recreation added a new Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator position to help enhance the inclusion, therapeutic and adapted recreation program by helping to grow program offerings and round out the already robust inclusion programming being offered. The new position will also help to support an adapted summer camp option for children who need more support that a general full-day summer camp can accommodate.   

“We are hoping to develop more community partnerships and bring new programs and therapeutic interventions to Prince William County's Recreation division,” says Veronica Laughman, ADA Coordinator for Prince William County Parks and Recreation.

Demi Rivera who is the new Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator says her work in the field has been shaped by years of hands-on experience supporting and providing access to individuals and families through adaptive programming. 

“I have seen how thoughtful program design can directly impact confident, independence and, overall quality of life for people who are often overlooked,” says Rivera. 

Each of Prince William County Parks' current adapted programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities, with programs 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), and all programs are inclusive and open to everyone.

“As the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator my position creates a dedicated focus on expanding adaptive recreation and opportunity to intentionally increase access, participation, and meaningful outcomes for individuals with disabilities,” adds Rivera. “I am excited to join Prince William County Parks and Recreation to help strengthen and create spaces where our community can participate and thrive.”

To view our current adapted program offerings, click here. For questions about any of our adapted programs, please contact our ADA Coordinator, Veronica Laughman here.