Social recreation can be linked to physical, social, and emotional wellbeing that translates into a healthy balanced lifestyle. Inland Regional Center (IRC) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) recognize the need to incorporate social recreation into our clients’ everyday lives. Time spent outdoors leads to a range of benefits, from reduced obesity rates to strengthened family ties. Social recreation offers a chance to socialize and meet people with similar interests- an important benefit in itself. Along with physical and social benefits, outdoor activities can lead to an increase in confidence, improved creativity, and self-esteem.

Under the California Welfare and Institutions Code – WIC § 4648.5, regional center’s authority to purchase social recreation and camp services was suspended effective July 1, 2009. However, effective July 1, 2021, under the direction of DDS, regional centers will once again be authorized to fund social recreation and camping options, along with any associated travel camp expenses, for clients ages 3 to 17. Social recreation is tailored to provide socialization and recreational opportunities to the clients we serve in the Inland Empire. The activities and goals will be person centered, meaning they will be based on the client’s strengths and needs discussed with their Consumer Services Coordinator (CSC). Camp will be an opportunity for the client to participate in leisure activities at a chosen camp site, outside of the home, for at least one session per year. In alignment with IRC’s core values of independence, inclusion, and empowerment, the expectation is for clients to participate in these social activities to integrate them into their communities and strengthen their social skills.

Dates – as to when social recreation and camping services will begin – have not yet been announced. IRC continues to work actively with DDS and the vendor community to develop these services before offering them to our clients. IRC understands why these recreational services are important and strongly sought after amongst our clients, for many of them these are the only opportunities they have to socialize and build long-lasting friendships. Once vendors are secured, IRC may fund these services completely after generic resources have been exhausted. We encourage you to follow our social media accounts and visit our website routinely to stay on top of developments as they come in.

For questions, we can be reached at [email protected].

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]