The Chicago Park District is a national leader in serving individuals with disabilities. Starting in 1965, park employees began to be trained on ways to better serve Chicago citizens with disabilities. In 1968, Chicago became the birthplace of the Special Olympics with the park district playing an integral role in its development. Today, the Chicago Park District strives to enhance the lives of Chicagoans with disabilities by providing a variety of recreation and leisure opportunities.
Sports, Recreation & Leisure Programs
Designed to provide opportunities that will enhance skill development, encourage socialization, and promote independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Also, includes sports training programs with opportunities to compete in Special Olympics competitions.
View Sites & Programs for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Adaptive Sports & Recreation Programs
Intended for individuals with a primary physical disability or individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Programs include wheelchair sports, adaptive sports, and additional recreation opportunities.
View Programs for Individuals with a Physical Disability
View Programs for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Programs
An opportunity for individuals with all types of hearing loss from early childhood through adulthood to interact with each other while enjoying a variety of year-round specialized recreational activities.
View Programs for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Veteran Programs & Military Initiatives
Seeking to empower veterans and active military through participation in sports, recreation activities, community partnership opportunities, family events and more.
View Programs for Veterans & Military Personnel
learn about events & services for Veterans & Military Personnel
The Chicago Park District offers additional assistance for people with disabilities, such as inclusion services. An assessment is required to determine if inclusion services are deemed necessary. For more details on the process, including how participants request an assessment, please click on the policy document below. For more information please contact the Special Recreation Department at (312) 745-1298 or special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict. com.
View Inclusion Services Policy
Internship Opportunities
Interested in a one-of-a-kind hands-on internship experience? Then the Special Recreation Department is the place for you!
Apply to be a Special Recreation Intern
For more information about Chicago Park District Special Recreation programs, email the Special Recreation Department: special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com.