Recreational Therapy Services

Available in Erie County

Does your child have a physical impairment? Does your child have an interest in activities such as fishing, bowling, basketball, hockey, swimming and/or soccer? Does your child enjoy recreational activities with their peers?

The Achievement Center offers quality recreational therapy activities to physically disabled children from age 6 to 21. In order to qualify, the children must live in Erie County, attend school, and have a medical need for this care in order to achieve a maximum level of function and integration into their home and community.

The Achievement Center provides children with a variety of opportunities through its many recreational therapy services listed below.

Achievers’ Club

Advancing inclusion in community recreation activities.

Adapted Sports

Promoting skill-building, personal achievement, and teamwork through competitive and non-competitive sports.

Cooking Group

Focuses on developing independent cooking skills for budding young chefs.

Family Program

Bringing family members together to enjoy community outings and networking for support.

Teen Group

The teen years are a time of adjustment and increased independence. Interaction with peers is necessary to refine appropriate social skills and build self-confidence. Constructive community recreation activities provide a great outlet for personal development. This group selects an activity of interest and performs the logistics necessary for successful participation. Skills include: using a telephone book and the telephone, searching the newspaper for information, placing orders, conducting monetary transactions, accessing public transportation, etc. Friendships are bonded over the shared experiences.

Winners on Wheels (WOW)

A center-based service that encourages personal achievement through creative learning and fun. Participants stack one success upon another by earning “wheel” awards in different areas of recreation.

The Sled Dogs

The Achievement Center’s “Sled Dogs” had a very successful 2007 season. They competed against eight Erie Youth Hockey teams and the Erie Shriners Hospital “Mighty Penguins” sled hockey team. All games used adapted sled hockey equipment to allow children with physical disabilities to compete with their peers. The Sled Dogs finished the season with eight wins and only one loss. The Achievement Center would like to thank the Erepa Grotto and Erie Youth Hockey Association for their sponsorship of the “Sled Dogs.”

For more information about any of our recreational therapy services, please contact Laura Plasczynski, M.S., Director of Physical Rehabilitation and Early Childhood Services, by e-mail or calling (814) 459-2755, ext. 1148.