Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Assoc

The mission of the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) is to promote and support the optimal development and well being for youth and adults who have a primary physical or visual impairment through inclusive recreational, fitness and sports activities. GLASA programs offer opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community based organizations. GLASA has been providing adaptive services since 1993 as a program under the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County.In May 1999, GLASA was formed to ensure quality programming and to expand services to the target population throughout Lake County, Il and Southern Wisconsin. GLASA was incorporated as a 501c(3) nonprofit agency in February 1999. Adaptive and inclusive programs include Saturday and Weekly Sports, Six Summer Day Camps, Teen Disability and Awareness, Teen Nights, Competitions and Training, and One Day Events.

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) was formed in 1993 as a program of the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County to serve the unmet need for adaptive sports and recreation programs for physically or visually disabled individuals in Northern Illinois. The few summer camps were seasonal and leisure time activities for individuals with physical or visual impairments were not available on a year round basis.

In 1999, the GLASA board, athletes, and parents decided to form their own non-profit organization. This determined group of supporters believed in the benefits of the services provided and GLASA was able to offer programs on a year-round basis. Even though we were operating on a shoestring budget, GLASA continued the quality of services, providing opportunities for the target population to enjoy themselves with both their disabled and non-disabled peers, establishing both camaraderie and role models. In many cases, GLASA's participants began enjoying activities such as wheelchair dance, wheelchair tennis, adaptive biking, swimming and many other activities for the very first time resulting in positive changes in their lives. Children, who came into the program quiet and shy, were now beaming with self-confidence and having so much fun! Therefore, GLASA knew somehow it would find the resources to continue and hopefully expand these essential programs.

GLASA continues to grow and is the only agency in Chicago's suburbs providing adaptive and integrative services specifically to individuals who have a primary physical or visual impairment. From 1993, the number of individuals GLASA served has grown from a handful of people to being on target to serve 273 youth and adults in FY2008 through direct programs and outreach.