Program helps those with developmental disabilities become independent

Independence is the goal of an adaptive recreation program of the city of Las Vegas.

New A.G.E., an acronym for Activities, Games and Exercise, is an adaptive recreation program promoting self-esteem, independence and individuality for people age 22 and older with developmental disabilities ranging from Down syndrome to cerebral palsy to autism.

“We have a variety of individuals with different ability levels,” said Jennifer Winder, senior inclusion recreation specialist for the city of Las Vegas. “Our whole goal is to make them independent — as much as they can be.”

The activities are modified to cater to each individual, she said.

Although New A.G.E. is listed as an after-work program and the majority of its participants do work, Winder said, program organizers want everybody to socialize and be active rather than to sit at home.

The adaptive program has activities such as arts and crafts, bowling, basketball, kickball, cooking and leisure skills such as how to use a computer, she said, and they also do a lot of swimming during the summer.

Fred Howe’s granddaughter Christina, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy, has been attending the program for about four months, and said it is “really good for her.”

The city-based program lets Christina get out of the house and socialize with peers, Howe said.

“She feels better about herself,” he said.

Winder said the program began in the early 1990s because of the “huge population in Vegas of individuals that have developmental disabilities.”

Dale Shoemaker said his 35-year-old daughter Renee, who has Down syndrome and epilepsy, has attended the program since she was 22.

“She loves every minute of it,” he said. “That’s her favorite part of the week after work.”

Shoemaker said the program has helped Renee to become more independent, make her own decisions, have more courage to do things that she wouldn’t do before and to cultivate lifelong friendships.

New A.G.E. runs from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at the Centennial Hills Active Adult Center. Participants can choose from one to three days for $21, four days for $28 and five days for $35. The fee includes all activities, Winder said.

The program is offered year-round, she added.

For more information on New A.G.E, call 702-229-5177 or email jwinder@lasvegasnevada.gov.

Find Andrea Corral on Twitter: @andrea_corral2.