Since July 1, 1970 the Township of East Brunswick has provided programs for people with special needs. The concept was simple. The Township believed that all residents were entitled to recreation and leisure-time activities. Through the support of and financial assistance of a very determined group of parents, what was originally a program staffed by volunteers has evolved into a recreation progra
m which employs a paid staff as well as volunteers that takes place year round. In addition to the Daisy Recreation Program (Saturdays during the fall/winter/spring and Camp Daisy in the summer), we also have a Wednesday Special Olympic bowling program, a Thursdays at Daisy program, and affiliations with other organizations in East Brunswick. These programs have a common thread which has guided us in their implementation as well as providing motivation for the creation of new programs as areas of interest appear. We seek to create as level a field as possible for all people, whether they are in the mainstream and do not possess special needs as well as those in the community that do have special needs. Our intent is to create programs that challenge individuals who need assistance, encouragement, support and modifications in activities. We want to enable members of the community to enjoy leisure time activities, feel welcome to participate without fear of rejection and as needed, provide support, accommodations and modifications in existing mainstream programs to make their participation a success. In addition to the pleasure of enjoying a recreation program, we offer parents and guardians an opportunity to enjoy a respite from the constant pressure as caregivers. We strive to make each moment a participant is present in a program a wonderful experience. Each program participant is entitled to this. Each parent is entitled to know that their child is accepted as they are, as everyone should be. We find the way to make the magic happen. This magic affects the staff who are never the same after sharing their hearts with our kids. They gain a greater understanding of the uniqueness as well as the common qualities of the special needs population and benefit from the positive changes that occur when they assist a participant to master a skill, become more sociable, follow the rules, etc. These programs are truly “magic."
