Program provides activities for individuals with disabilities

The City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Center is filling a need in our community that will help support and bring together individuals with disabilities.

They have rolled out the “Individuals with Disabilities Adaptive Program” (IDAP) where each month features a free event that gives individuals with disabilities an opportunity to socialize and grow in a different setting. Activities include playing sports, arts and crafts, movie nights, puzzles, board games and more.

The Parks and Recreation Department noticed that there was a need for a recreation program for individuals with disabilities. They know some individuals don’t have many outlets and wanted them to have a space to feel comfortable in. In the process of creating the program, they reached out to educators in the area to see what type of setting and activities would benefit individuals the best.

The goal for the program is to grow bigger and eventually have a sports league. There is currently no age limit to the program, but that could change in the future depending on the activity. The plan is to complete a needs assessment to gather ideas from the community of what they would like to see happen within the program. They encourage the community to come out and enjoy each free event. The 2024 IDAP! Schedule will be released December 2023!

Upcoming events include at the Collett Street Recreation Center:

- October 13th - Movie Night watching Hotel Transylvania (5-8pm)

- November 21st - Thanksgiving Craft Night (4-8pm)

- December 21st - Christmas Gift Making (4-7pm)

Please RSVP to each event by emailing recreation@morgantonnc.gov or calling 828-438-5350 or 828-475-6951.

Recreation staff members have said that this is not a program they are going to give up on, they understand there is a need in our community for a program of this type. For more information and updates about this program, please visit the City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Center on Facebook.