South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) is a special recreation cooperative comprised of the Alsip Park District, Blue Island Park District, Justice Park District, Village of Merrionette Park, Midlothian Park District, Palos Heights Recreation Department, Posen Park District and Summit Park District. SWSRA was formed in 1981 to provide year-round quality recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. SWSRA programs are designed to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for each individual. SWSRA is now in its 25th year of providing recreation for special populations in the south suburban area. A wide variety of programs are available for individuals from early childhood through adulthood. The programs are designed to meet the individual recreation needs of any person who is in special edu- cation classes, participates in a sheltered workshop, is referred to SWSRA from a local hospital or rehabilitation center, or whose special needs restrict or prohibit their participation in traditional park district or recreation department programs. This would include individuals who have varying degrees of physical or mental disabilities, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, attention deficit disorders, hearing or visual impairments.