Recreation & Leisure Activities
Portage DD makes available to eligible individuals a variety of recreation, leisure, and athletic activities throughout the year. In some cases, these activities are directed or overseen by Portage DD employees and in others, employees of agencies with whom the Portage DD has a contract.
Unified Resources Recreation (URR)
The program is a program provided through a contract between the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Family and Community Services, Inc., one of the largest non-profit social service agencies in northeast Ohio. The goal of this program is to provide recreation, social, and leisure opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities who are eligible to receive services from the Board.
The URR team is here to bridge the gaps in the lives of individuals by providing them with information on community activities they can participate in, transportation to these activities, and companionship. URR will only provide transportation to URR events. URR cannot provide transportation if you have a 24-hour staff or an aide. Participants must have a parent, personal aide, or staff attend an event if assistance is needed in the bathroom or with the administration of medication.
Participation in URR activities is restricted to individuals eligible for Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities services who are over the age of eighteen. Sometimes there is a very nominal charge for participation in various activities (e.g., for craft supplies) and/or admission charges for attending an event (e.g., Cleveland Guardians game).
As part of the UUR contract with Portage DD, a Bowling Program is offered. Eligible individuals may participate in a recreational bowling program held at Spins Bowl Kent. Prior to participating in the recreational bowling program, a current URR Registration Packet must be on file with URR.
There are two (2) sessions each program year. Session one (1) starts in September and runs for seventeen (17) weeks. Session two (2) begins in January and also runs for seventeen (17) weeks. The weekly bowling program is held on Wednesday afternoons starting at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. The bowling program is open to any individual eligible for Portage DD services age eighteen (18) and up. Participants must provide for their own personal care/assistance needs.
Individuals are responsible for transportation to/from bowling. Anyone using public transportation must make his/her own weekly arrangements.
Portage DD does not provide a nurse for the weekly bowling program. If a participant requires nursing services or needs someone to be with them at all times for any other reason, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or provider to provide this service themselves. Paid providers must remain with the individuals they are serving at all times.
There is a cost for the bowling program and this cost covers the use of a bowling ball, shoes, and a maximum of three games each weekly session. Please note that there are other bowling leagues starting after our sessions, so participants must finish by 4:30 p.m. Spins Bowl Kent has been most accommodating to those with special needs and has always charged a reduced rate.
There is a limit of 90 bowlers per session; therefore, participation is limited to the first 90 individuals signing up. Notice of the bowling sessions is sent out to all individuals (and Service and Support Administrators) well in advance. In the event a session is canceled due to weather conditions, it will be made up at a later date.
For more information contact Ashleigh Lawrence at 330-297-0078, or by email at alawrence@fcsohio.org.
Special Olympics
The Board’s Special Olympics program is accredited by Special Olympics Ohio. With this accreditation, Portage County Special Olympics is empowered within the policies and procedures of Special Olympics Ohio to conduct Special Olympics training, enter sanctioned Special Olympics events, raise funds for these purposes, and to use the name and approved symbols of Special Olympics and Special Olympics Ohio.
Portage County Special Olympics offers the opportunity to participate in a number of sport and recreational events across the year. These include athletics, swimming, softball, volleyball, basketball, bowling, bocce, powerlifting/weight lifting, soccer and competitive cheer.
Additional information about Portage County Special Olympics may be obtained by contacting the Special Olympics Coordinator, Colleen Brown, at 330-297-4187 colleenb@portagedd.org.