;)
TOS Announces Two Neurodiverse Recreation Programs
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 9:37PM The Town of Smithtown to Kick-off Autism Awareness Month with the announcement of two Recreation Programs for people living with Neurodiversities
Smithtown, NY: The Town of Smithtown will begin Autism Awareness Month with the announcement of innovative summer recreation programs for neurodiverse community members. The Town of Smithtown commemorates Autism Awareness Month every April, with visual displays of support located at the historical Bull statue, department (Highway, Parks, Buildings & Grounds) buildings and at Town Hall. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Smithtown Recreation Department, the Town of Smithtown is pleased to announce Camp SMILE (Smithtown Motivating Individuals thru Leisure and Entertainment) alongwith the Adult Socialization Program For Individuals Living with Disabilities.
“I want to properly acknowledge a truly incredible team that is responsible for this wonderful addition to our Recreational programming. Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Recreation Director; Tom McCaffrey, his hardworking and thoughtful team members; Brandon Modrov and Tara Foglia along with the invaluable contributions of the Disability Advisory Board have made this dream a reality. No child should miss out on the enriching Summer camp experience. These two programs champion accessibility, and underscore Smithtown’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment where every resident can thrive and participate fully in community life.” - Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim
The Adaptive Sports and Socialization Summer Program For Children and Adults with Disabilities was previously introduced to the community last Summer with hopes of developing the program into a permanent recreation feature. After a widely successful season, the Smithtown Recreation Department has perfected the concept with two separate programs.
Camp SMILE will offer the Summer recreation experience for children with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the Adult Socialization Program is tailored specifically for older individuals living with neurodiversities.
“As we kick off Autism Awareness Month, we are so proud to introduce these incredible recreation programs that celebrate the diverse talents and abilities of all individuals… By fostering inclusivity and providing meaningful opportunities for participation, we aim to create a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.” - Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, liaison to the Disability Advisory Board
Camp SMILE will be offered throughout the Summer season in three two-week sessions from 9AM to Noon, Monday through Friday at a local Elementary School. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in arts in crafts, field and playground time, gymnasium games and other various entertainment scheduled throughout each week. The schedule, locations and additional details will be available in the upcoming 2024 Summer Recreation Guide, which will be mailed to residents and also be available online coming this Spring.
“With the help from our community members as well as the disability Advisory Board it is our hope that we can expand the scope of neurodiverse community programming. Together we can do anything.” Tom McCaffrey, Director of Recreation
The Adult Socialization Program is geared towards residents who often experience higher barriers to participation in sports and socialization opportunities to enjoy the Summer season, meet new friends and build cherished memories. The program features events in and around the community, three to four nights per week, such as bowling, dinners, socials, trips, arts and crafts and special events. The events offered will change seasonally with the addition of nights at the pool in the summer at Smithtown Landing Country Club. Program director, Sue Cappelmann and her staff have created a calendar of events and will be on hand to oversee each activity. Staff members are professionals in the field with years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Reader Comments