Through a fundamental collaboration with the Special Olympics the Oakland Parks and Recreation Oaks are OPR's first competitive softball team, for individuals with developmental disabilities taking the field in the summer of 2002. In their first year of existence the OPR Oaks proudly competed in the Special Olympics Regional Qualifier and placed 2nd in the division! Look for the Oaks to make another strong showing this summer.

Through the caring involvement of additional community organizations and non-profit agencies, such as the Center for Independent Living (CIL) the Magnet Center, has programs that teach independent living skills to teens with developmental disabilities. The Center has been teaching cooking and kitchen safety classes and providing transitional career counseling for local High School Juniors and Senior with learning disabilities.

On Friday morning’s, adults with disabilities attend a computer class in the Arroyo Viejo Computer Literacy Center. Many of the adults who attend come from Community Options, a non-profit organization, who provides transition programs for young adults. Individuals enrolled in this class learn computer Internet basic skills such as using search engines and how to set up an Email account. The class project is to find graphics on the Internet and transfer them into Microsoft PowerPoint. The goal is to create a slide presentation, which will include digital photos of the students and music accompaniment. Learning to use computers is an important skill for people with disabilities who often become isolated during their free time because of transportation issues. Through the use of computers and Email, those who have difficulty leaving their house can stay in touch with their friends and family, join mailing lists, or engage in conversations with others on message boards.

In the fall of 2001 the after-school program called “HIP” became a part of the OPR family at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center. The Hearing Society’s “HIP” program for deaf and hard of hearing youth has enjoyed a long standing collaborative relationship with the City of Oakland and the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). This program offers deaf and hard of hearing youth an opportunity to receive the same level of after-school homework and social recreation supports as hearing youth. Within the Inclusion model these specialized services have blossomed as deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing youth are integrated into general Arroyo Viejo recreation programs including Karate and computer classes. Hearing children are currently participating in sign language classes on Mondays, which helps to facilitate communication amongst the children. In addition, sign language now fulfills the University of California foreign language requirement, which means that youth who are taking this class are getting an early start on their track toward college.

Beginning in the summer of 2003, there will be additional opportunities and programs offered that will be specifically designed to benefit those elementary school aged-youth, who are deaf and hard of hearing. This program with the City of Oakland, Office of Parks and Recreation is made possible by a generous grant from the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth.

The Aquatics Department will also be providing special summer swimming classes for youth who have disabilities. The department maintains and provides tiny-tots, youths, adults and seniors with quality programs, classes and safe water activities at seven different pool sites (two of which belong to and are maintained by the Oakland Unified School District). To ensure that all sectors are included there are inclusive programs, special accommodations and wheel chair lifts available at Temescal, Castlemont and Lions Pool. An alternative inclusive device is available at the other pool locations, to lift only the individual and not a wheel chair into the pool. Look for these and many more Inclusive programs, services, activities and classes provided by the City of Oakland’s Inclusive Recreation Program, which will continue to better meet the needs of the community.