Oakland County’s Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized nationally for an autism-related training program and day camp.
The Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Services’ (OUCARES) Day Camp and staff training program aims at giving people a better understanding of how to interact with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The National Association of Counties has awarded the department an Achievement Award for 2016 for both the training program and day camp.
In 2016, parks and recreation supervisors received training provided through OUCARES. The four major focus areas were communication, social interaction, sensory integration and learning styles.
Each summer parks and recreation hosts an OUCARES Autism Camp at Independence Oaks County Park. Campers participate in a variety of activities.
“To better serve patrons with developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers, Oakland County Parks
and Recreation makes training its staff members a priority,” said Oakland County Parks and Recreation Executive Officer Dan Stencil.
