April has traditionally been recognized as Autism Awareness Month. In recent years, many individuals and organizations have started referring to it as Autism Acceptance Month, reflecting a growing shift toward a broader emphasis on acceptance and inclusion. While awareness highlights understanding autism, acceptance centers the voices, experiences, and contributions of individuals with autism and encourages communities to create environments where everyone can feel valued, respected, and supported.
To celebrate the month, we are highlighting several individuals with autism who are making an impact across fields including athletics, the arts, advocacy, and writing. Explore the Autism Acceptance Month Bios to learn more about each individual.
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Curious what it’s like to work with Arlington County Therapeutic Recreation (TR) office? Watch Skyler’s TR experience video to learn how working in TR shaped her experience and supported her educational journey.
We’re now accepting applications for our adapted summer camps and inclusion team supporting campers with disabilities in general recreation camps. We have two amazing opportunities:
Activity and Inclusion Support Staff Application – Perfect for those who want to learn and grow in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. You’ll assist with activities and provide inclusion support.
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Tip: On your application, be sure to select “Interested in Therapeutic Recreation” on Question 1 of the supplemental questions!
Program and Inclusion Leads Application – For experienced candidates ready to lead adapted camps, encourage positive behaviors, and coach inclusion strategies. This is a leadership role for those passionate about creating accessible, engaging experiences for all campers.
Apply today to make this summer unforgettable for you and the campers!
Saturday, April 11, 2:30pm–4:30pm
Long Branch Nature Center
Activity #: 304010
1 Session - $7
Ages: 3+
Celebrate Spring with an adapted outdoor adventure designed for families that include a member with a disability. We’ll zoom in on nature’s surprises and uncover the beauty blooming all around us.
Our journey begins with an interactive exploration learning how to use binoculars for birdwatching. Then, we’ll set our sights on the paved W&OD Trail for a short, accessible hike. Along the way, we’ll spot emerging flowers, scan the skies for feathered friends, and discover pond life. After the adventure, relax and refuel with a delicious treat and time to connect with others.
Register for Nature Near and Far today!
Our Family Night Out series is wrapping up for the season, with just two more events remaining! This monthly program is designed for families that include a member with a disability and offers a fun, welcoming space to enjoy recreation together while connecting with other families in our community.
Family Night Out programs are designed for ages 3+. If your family includes a participant younger than 3, please contact our office at 703-228-4740 and we will be happy to assist you with registration.
Check out the final events in this season’s series below!
A Day of Nature
Sunday, April 19, 2:00pm–3:30pm
Long Branch Nature Center
Activity #: 922226-06
1 Session - $5
Enjoy a day exploring nature, learning about different animals, and ending the event with wild and wet stream play! The Long Branch Nature Center will be open during the event, so bathrooms will be available on site.
Parking will be limited so we encourage you to carpool, park on the street as available, use the medical building parking lot next door, or park in the neighboring school parking lot.
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Skate Night
Saturday, May 9, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Thomas Jefferson Community Center
Activity #: 922226-07
1 Session - $5
Come roller skate with family and friends while listening to some fun music. Roller skates and skate walkers (limited availability) can be requested when registering for this event and are included in the registration fee. Participants are also welcome to bring their own roller skates and/or helmets.
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Spring registration is underway, and there are still plenty of opportunities to join the fun! We’re excited to offer a wide range of adapted programs designed to help participants learn, move, and connect. This season includes art, gymnastics, aquatics, fitness classes, family programs, and a special nature program designed to help participants explore the great outdoors.
To view all available Parks & Recreation spring classes, browse the Enjoy Arlington Spring Catalog. Our adapted spring class offerings can be found on page 36 of the catalog or visit the Current TR Programs webpage.
We can’t wait to welcome you this spring!
Summer is just around the corner and now is a great time to secure your spot at camp! Arlington County offers a wide variety of summer camp experiences for youth of all interests, including recreation, sports, arts, nature, and more.
To view the full list of camp offerings, visit the CampTranslate Searchable Database for real-time availability and program details.
If a camp week is currently full, we encourage families to add their participant to the waitlist. Waitlists are actively monitored, and every effort is made to accommodate additional campers as space allows.
Inclusion support is available for DPR and Partner general recreation camps for participants with disabilities. Families may request inclusion support during registration or contact our office directly at 703-228-4740 or TRInfo@arlingtonva.us.
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Mark your calendars! Arlington Palooza returns on Saturday, May 16, from 1pm- 6pm at Lubber Run Community Center and Park.
This free, family-friendly festival features live music, local vendors, food trucks, hands-on activities, and fun for all ages as we celebrate spring together in Arlington County.
Visit the Arlington Palooza website for event details.
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The Teen Pass is your all-access ticket to free fun across Arlington! Designed for middle and high school students, the Teen Pass makes it easy to swipe into after-school programs, drop-in sports, gym access, and more. The Teen Pass will be auto-renewed until the pass holder's 18th birthday.
Get your free Teen Pass today!
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Discover the different programs happening across our Parks & Recreation units! From fitness classes to community gatherings, there is something for everyone. Visit the Programs for All Ages website to view upcoming events. Your next adventure awaits – do not miss out!
Check out some of the exciting things other units are doing this month:
The Therapeutic Recreation Office is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in recreation activities by:
- Creating and sharing modification plans - Please submit a Program Modification Information form if we do not already have one on file or if updates are needed.
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Conducting class and program observations upon request.
- Supporting instructors and parents/guardians on implementing inclusion supports, upon request.
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Providing additional staff support when available, however this is not guaranteed.
Contact our office at trinfo@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4740 if you are unable to complete the Program Modification form online, would like to request any program modifications, or discuss specific supports to successfully participate in activities.
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Adapted Aquatics is a learn-to-swim program for children and adults with disabilities and is supported by volunteers.
Volunteers will work with participants in the water to strengthen and develop basic swim skills. Volunteers must be strong swimmers, comfortable in the water and enthusiastic about helping people learn.
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"Like" our Therapeutic Recreation Facebook page to stay connected and up to date. We share program updates, event announcements, registration reminders, and occasional behind-the-scenes moments from our team. It’s the easiest way to know what’s coming up and stay engaged with our community. |
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