A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

Expanding recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus.

Recreation Complex
Adult Services

Social & Recreation Programs

The Spoken Wheel Society

The Spoken Wheel Society (SWS) is a social group for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded by an adult with autism, the group offers both in-person and virtual social opportunities.

Members gather virtually every Friday (except the second Friday of the month) from 1-2 PM for social interaction and games. On the second Friday of each month, the group meets either at The Els Center of Excellence campus or a local venue for two-hour interactive gatherings. Members are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks.

Additionally, members independently organize monthly off-campus events on Saturdays for activities like bowling, movies, or dining out. These events are not staffed by Els for Autism and require participants to navigate community environments independently.

Structure of the Group

Virtual (Zoom) Meetings:
Fridays from 1-2 p.m.

On-Campus/Off-Campus Meetings:
2nd Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Watch SWS’ met up at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (Right)


Recreation Programs

Recreation Programs

Participating in recreational activities is critically important for people with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Recreational activities and experiences foster feelings of achievement and enjoyment, and they promote inclusion, self-confidence, and an enhanced quality of life. Our recreation programs include a variety of sports and the arts on our campus in addition to our virtual groups available online. 

Learn more about our Recreation Programs

For more information:

Adult Services Team






    X
    Giving Tuesday

    18 Days of Giving

    Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our GivingTuesday Goal

    As our team continues to change the culture of sports and recreation for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, we need your help! To expand our recreation offerings, we are fundraising to build a specialized autism-friendly recreation complex that will include a gymnasium, aquatic center, and splash pad. With these features, we will be able to offer a dedicated indoor space for activities during inclement weather and provide water safety and drowning prevention for our clients. Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex. Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.


    Current Progress $18,000
    Learn More