Q: How many OCA children participate in Special Olympics sports?
A: We offer year-round training and coaching to a large number of OCA athletes who participate in Fall, Winter and Summer Special Olympics sports, including soccer, athletics, bowling, basketball and softball.
Q: What programs does OCA currently offer?
A: OCA currently offers the following programs: After School, Camps, Saturday events, Adult Vocational Program, Therapy, and Special Olympics training. These events are offered to families at a very low cost. OCA will be hosting two 5 weeks session of summer camp at the YMCA Eastbrooke facility and First Baptist of Windermere-Lakeside, as well as 9 weeks of Pre school camp behind St. Paul's Presbyterian Church off of Eli St. We take great pride on working on social skills, physical development and language skills during camp hours with typical peers. Please look at Summer camp under Programs for more detailed information.
At this time OCA offers Special Olympics training year round. There is no charge in participating in Special Olympics. Athletes must be 8 years of age and have a Physical form on file. For more detailed information please click on Programs and click on Special Olympics.
Q: How is OCA equipped to deal with the unique challenges inherent in the special needs population?
A: We provide age-appropriate activities with a 1:3 ratio at all events. Children who participate in Orange County Athletic events are paired with typical peers who model appropriate social, emotional and behavior skills.
Programs offered through OCA work on a variety of multi-disciplinary approaches: Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy as well as social skills.
Q: Does OCA partner with students from area schools?
A: Our Counselors In Training (CITs) who work with us during OCA's Saturday events, After School program, and camp are the key to providing a successful camp experience for our special needs participants. Local elementary, middle and high school students volunteer their time by helping children with autism interact in appropriate play behavior through a variety of activities: sports, recreational programs, arts and crafts, community outings and more. Additionally, all OCA staff members are fully qualified Therapists, ESE Teachers or Teacher Assistants with extensive knowledge and experience working with children with Autism and related disabilities.
Q: Do parents need to attend Saturday C.L.I.M.B events?
A: Parents are always welcome to observe any event that OCA sponsors. The purpose of the Saturday events is to give parents a few hours to take time for themselves and know that their child is engaged in fun filled activities with their typical peers in a structured setting.
Any unanswered questions please contact:
Silvia Haas at: SHaas@gooca.org
Margaret Newman at: MNewman@gooca.org
