My Milestones – Jayme Jirousek: Using Soc/Rec to Expand Horizons After High School
After finishing high school, there is a population of individuals with ASD who may not wish or be prepared to enter the workforce or pursue higher education. Social and recreational programs can serve as a great alternative for these individuals and their families, offering opportunities to develop new skills, create new relationships, and enjoy new experiences.
The Quantum LEAP (QL) recreation program in Cleveland is a great organization that provides socialization, recreation, and athletic activities to people with developmental disabilities, allowing participants to express themselves through recreation and oftentimes, to improve their quality of life through engagement in different events. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, reside in Cuyahoga County, and be eligible to receive services from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Quantum LEAP is run by the nonprofit agency Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential (LEAP). LEAP’s mission is to advance a society of equal opportunity for all persons, regardless of disability. The founders of LEAP saw that individuals with disabilities did not have an equal opportunity for recreation in Cuyahoga County and decided to act. Since, the organization created Quantum LEAP, which launched in 2006. What simply started as an annual dance for individuals with disabilities has now evolved into a year-round program, with over 30 different activities that serve upwards of 400 participants throughout the year. Popular activities provided include a walking club, spring outside fun, bocce ball, kickball, softball, and golf. Don’t worry, Quantum LEAP also offers indoor activities once the weather turns cold, such as a bowling league, basketball clinic, aerobics, and more. These activities are offered in the evenings and on the weekends in six weeks-long sessions, taking place throughout the east side of Cuyahoga County in Cleveland, East Cleveland, Mayfield, Solon, and Euclid. Starting in April and ending the second week of October, many of the activities take place outdoors.
Quantum LEAP also offers one-time events throughout the year, including chances to see our local sports teams, such as the Cavaliers, Indians, Lake County Captains, to attend Playhouse Square musicals and Monster Jam, and to get together at social events like game nights, pizza bowling, painting class and the very popular dances.
Recreation has been shown to improve self-esteem, mental health and physical health. The following is one of many wonderful stories I’ve heard during my time with LEAP: A shy, introverted, young man in his forties was not interested in leaving the house. With some prodding from his mother, he started to participate in Quantum LEAP. He remained that shy, introverted man for some time, preferring to be left alone. Yet, his mother started to notice changes, however small, in him. Over time, he started to come out of his shell. Fast forward to today and you no longer see the same man; he is now vocal and helps lead activities such as bocce ball and bowling. He wears a watch and makes sure to remind his mother what time it is and the activity they must go to for the evening. It really goes to show you that these activities are as much socialization as they are recreational.
For more information about Quantum LEAP, please click here or give us a call at 216-696-2716 ext. 824.
Looking for social/recreational events and resources now? You’re in the right place! Head over to our Community Calendar to view upcoming Social & Recreational events today.
Jayme Jirousek graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Special Education and a minor in Parks and Recreation Management. He heard about Quantum LEAP through his brother, Jesse. Jesse has been a participant in Quantum LEAP for many years. Jayme was hired into LEAP in 2014 as the Recreation Program Specialist, and has helped expand the program to reach more participants.
216-696-2716 ext. 824
jjirousek@leapinfo.org