A “volcano eruption” delighted dozens of youngsters and adults with disabilities during a “Family Festival of Arts and Games”at Indian Hammocks Park on Feb. 8.
Charles Sothers and Ivan Lopez of Kendall’s Roxy Theater Group added special emphasis to a scale model volcanic eruption after the pair told of the unfortunate fate of Pompeii and Herculaneum when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79.
Energetically playing the roles of two mythical European scientists, “Dr. Franz” and “Dr. Gorcek,” the pair added special emphasis when a three-foot high scale model “erupted” after they had explained how underground magma pressure creates swelling before rupturing the earth’s crust.
The dramatic climax lent special effects to a model contributed by students from Kendall’s science-focused Terra High School that concentrates on environmental study programs.
Adaptive sports led a 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. program with hip-hop by Music 4 Autism, a fire truck demonstration by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and a series of theater exercises by the Roxy dramatists. A free sampling of healthy spices accompanied a noon luncheon and lessons on how to make custom herb teas. Free chair massages were provided caregivers.
A partnership of Villa Lyan with Miami-Dade County Parks Division of Disability Services provides an alternative path to education of children with special needs and their families, incorporating instruction that extends throughout a scope of adaptive technologies.
“It’s one of many such events we hold throughout the year to help disabled persons enjoy the fun and activities of Miami-Dade parks,” said Lucy Binhock, supervisor and manager for the Parks special division. “We present programs at parks the year-around to provide both an educational and entertaining experience for the disabled in our community.”
Miami-Dade Parks is committed to including children and adults with disabilities in general park programs, said Laura Phillips, Parks spokesperson. General recreation staff members participate annually in Inclusion Training to reinforce their skills, and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are on hand to assist when needed during events.
Countywide events for disabled children and adults are regularly listed on a monthly calendar that can be accessed at <www.miamidade.gov/parks/> or by telephone at 305-255- 7848.
The next major free event in the Kendall area is “A Paralymic Experience,” scheduled 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 22, near the boxing center parking lot at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St.
Kayaking/canoeing, wheelchair basketball, tennis, golf and other paralympic and adapted sports will be explained and guided by coaches and athletes. Pre-registration is urged with information available at 305-234- 1673 or 305-755-7848.
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