July is Disability Pride Month

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 (ADA) July 26, 1990. 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 offerings coming this fall.

Adaptive Flatwater Kayaking
We still have a couple spots left for our adaptive flatwater kayaking class. In this class, participants will experience the freedom and joy of paddle sports! Our user-friendly kayaks and adapted program 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. Class is held at Lake Ridge Marina. Learn more and register 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 16 – September 27. Click here to learn more and register. 

For further questions about the Miracle League program, please contact Mac Slover, Administrative Assistant at:  [email protected] or Candace Redd, Sports Specialist at [email protected].

For questions about any of our other adapted programs, please contact our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, Veronica Laughman at [email protected].