Director: Chester Caldwell

Contact Information
Phone: 662-513-7845
Email: cbrown@nmrc.ms.gov

The Recreation Therapy Department provides the individuals of NMRC with the opportunity to participate in a prescriptive recreation therapy program. Year-round activities allow for participation in events that enhance motor abilities, promote peer interaction, and encourage individual leisure skills. Recreation therapists are charged with the responsibility of seeing that each individual receives individual programming designed to promote these areas of daily life. In order to provide an array of opportunities, we also utilize the resources of the University of Mississippi, Oxford Park Commission, and commercial programs.

Aquatics

Aquatic Therapy is generally considered to be one of the best physical activities for developing and maintaining high levels of physical fitness. Swimming is an excellent activity to meet various needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To enhance maximum fitness potential, Watsu therapy, aquatic exercises, and various range-of-motion exercises are employed daily by certified aquatic therapy practitioners.

Activity Therapy

The Activity Therapy Program is designed to strengthen sequential developmental motor skills through organized leisure programs. Individuals are given the opportunity to participate in activities that challenge their skills through organized games, passive and active leisure outlets, and auditory, visual, and tactile stimulation.  Community awareness trips to the surrounding neighborhoods and communities are involved in this process to promote individuality and adaption.

Health & Wellness

The Human Performance Lab provides prescriptive exercise programs designed to promote optimal fitness benefits for each individual. Our focus for each prescription is to enhance or improve cardiovascular endurance, motor performance, and flexibility, and to improve each individual's overall health and wellness.

Throughout the week, individuals participate in various cardiovascular, strength, and muscular endurance exercises. To maximize the potential for best possible results, individuals utilize treadmills, recumbent and stationary bikes, ellipticals, and even the on-campus nature trail. To maintain and monitor progress, weekly weigh-ins and yearly evaluations are conducted for each individual.

Music

The Music Program at NMRC provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression through choirs, caroling, and percussion ensembles. The choir has performed at various functions in the community such as in Christmas programs and a variety of on-campus events.

Leisure Activities

The Leisure Program provides outlets for individuals of NMRC to interact socially with staff and peers. This gives them the opportunity to develop and enhance the social skills required for integration into the community setting. Recreation also allows for fun and relaxation, away from the demands of school and work.

Special Events

Providing special recreation events combines a variety of conditions to enhance self-confidence through an improved sense of self-reliance. Some of the special events sponsored for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities include:

• Challenger League Baseball & Basketball
• Special Olympics including: Alpine Skiing, Athletics, Aquatics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Canoeing, Croquet, Horseshoes, Roller Skating, Soccer, Softball, Southeastern Regional Sailing Regatta, State Fall Games, State Summer Games, Tennis, and Volleyball
• Holiday Events
• Oktoberfest
• Sporting Events
• Hippotherapy
• 4th of July Fireworks
• NMRC Anniversary
• Christmas Parade & Program
• NMRC’s Biennial Prom
• Halloween Carnival
• Ole Miss Sporting Events (Football, Baseball, Tennis, Basketball)