Events geared toward accommodating developmentally disabled
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
For those who are developmentally disabled, finding enriching and safe group activities can be quite a challenge, according to Lena Quinonez, recreation supervisor for the Town of Apple Valley’s Parks and Recreation Department.
With their needs in mind, the department founded its Special Apples program, which provides sporting and creative activities to kids and adults with autism, Down syndrome, brain trauma and other disabilities.
From 4 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, Special Apples will host a craft event at the James A. Woody Community Center, 13467 Navajo Road. Admission is $5 per person and is open to developmentally disabled persons ages 5 and up.
“We started this program when the Special Olympics dissolved,” said Quinonez. “At the time, there were no other activities for developmentally disabled people, so we wanted to fill that need.
“At first, we tried all kinds of sports but found out that basketball and floor hockey were the most in-demand. We also decided to do a craft activity two times a year just to give our participants a little variety.”
According to Quinonez, the upcoming craft project will consist of making turkey centerpieces out of little tin buckets. When completed, the buckets will be filled with candy and can later be repurposed for other uses, Quinonez said. All the materials are included in the admission fee.
Along with making tin bucket turkeys, the event will feature a light and healthy snack and a bingo game in which attendees will compete for prizes, such as gift cards to local eateries and coffee houses.
“Although our athletic events are very popular, it’s nice to do a quiet activity once in a while,” said Quinonez. “People really seem to enjoy the chance to do something creative.”
Over the years, Quinonez said the attendance for the Special Apples program has tended to fluctuate between 15 and 30 participants. Many of them are from Casa Colina and the Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Home in Apple Valley and are older adults.
“It’s amazing how much of an older crowd we get,” said Quinonez. “In the past, we’ve tried to run programs strictly for youth but did not get the participation we had hoped for.”
Throughout the year, Special Apples holds sporting events on the second Saturday of every month. Quinonez said she never tires of hearing how much these activities mean to developmentally disabled residents and their families.
“People are always saying how much they love what we’re doing because there’s nothing else like it going on here in the High Desert,” said Quinonez. “The monthly sporting events are very well attended and the participants are always so excited to take part. They are very competitive, which means that everyone has a really great time.”
During the upcoming holiday season, Quinonez said Special Apples will take a break from holding their monthly sporting events. The next one is a basketball game, scheduled for Jan. 10 at the James A. Woody Community Center. The program also holds dances throughout the year and will announce its schedule in early 2015.
“The thing I love most about the Special Apples program is that it provides disabled individuals with a place to come and find a sense of community,” said Quinonez. “We feel social engagement is very important and pride ourselves on being able to offer that.”