Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois
06
2009
SRANI (Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois) is a network of therapeutic recreation agencies, made up of professionals who are employed at one of the 29 special recreation associations in Illinois. SRANI allows for the information exchange, continuing education and cooperative planning that is vital to providing comprehensive community-based therapeutic recreation programs for Illinois residents with disabilities. For over 30 years, SRANI has hosted the professional sharing and social networking that has greatly contributed to the nationally recognized success of Illinois special recreation associations. Special recreation associations (SRA’s) provide hundreds of sports, social, cultural arts, special events, trips and overnight camping programs to over 20,000 Illinois residents each year. SRA’s are extensions of local park districts and municipalities and are funded in part through local property tax revenues from their member communities. Through the Illinois General Assembly’s success in introducing and passing two bills in 1972, over 100 park districts and municipalities around the state have created special recreation associations to meet the special leisure and recreation needs of residents with disabilities. Today, Illinois Special Recreation Associations are active in their communities by working cooperatively with other social service agencies to improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs or individuals with disabilities or handicapping conditions. Business and community leaders have embraced the work of SRA’s and regularly support and sponsor SRA programs and fundraising events. Although Illinois special recreation associations operate independently from one another, the passion of providing enjoyable, enriching and therapeutic recreation experiences for individuals with disabilities is shared by all.





