|
Founded in 1940 as the Society for Crippled Children, the Achievement Centers for Children is a private, non-profit organization that provides leading comprehensive services and programs in the areas of rehabilitation, family support, recreation and education to promote growth and independence for children with disabilities and their families. The organization offered recreational camp programs, and in 1947 Camp Cheerful, located in the Cleveland Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, became the nation's first barrier-free camp for children with disabilities. We met recently with Director of Recreational Services Tim Fox, and listened as he provided this overview of Achievement Centers for Children's services;
Achievement Centers for Children offers a wide variety of services and support programs for children with disabilities and their families at our three locations in Highland Hills, Strongsville, and Westlake, Ohio. Our services are provided regardless of a family's ability to absorb the costs of caring for a child with special needs. We offer out-patient physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, educational programs for pre-school and K-4 children diagnosed with autism, and family support services with a focus on early childhood development and mental health counseling for not only the children but their families, as well. We provide multiple programs within our recreation department, including summer day camp programs at all three locations, in addition to Camp Cheerful which is located in Strongsville, Ohio.
Camp Cheerful gives children with disabilities a chance to build their self-confidence and provides them with a sense of independence that promotes self-sufficiency. Whether it's arts and crafts or dances and field trips, the children enjoy typical camp experiences and learn new skills that can be applied to their daily lives while having a great time. Activities, from swimming and horseback riding to orienteering and creek walking, accommodate the special needs of the campers, making it possible for them to be children first, and removing barriers to help them overcome disabilities. In addition, children without disabilities are encouraged to attend Camp Cheerful, helping to foster increased understanding and diversity into the camping experience.
Whether through summer programs or throughout the year, the Achievement Centers for Children strives to provide a source of hope, a place of achievement, and a center of support and expertise for children with special needs. Our mission is to work with children with disabilities and their families to strengthen abilities and create opportunities for lifelong achievement in society.
The Achievement Centers for Children provides year 'round support and services for children with disabilities and their families. For more information, call the Achievement Centers for Children today, and don't forget to tell them The Strongsville, Ohio Community Advocate
sent you!
|
