Coffee Talk Replay: How Inclusive Recreation Helps Ignacio Gallegos Find Purpose in Life — Episode 113

In the spirit of registration opening yesterday for the 2022 NRPA
Annual Conference, I wanted to replay one of our Coffee Talks from
last year’s conference, when I had the opportunity to talk with
Ignacio Gallegos and his grandmother, Leticia DeLaFuente.

Ignacio has been a participant in the programs through Fox Valley
Special Recreation Association in Illinois for the last 11 years,
which he says has helped him find purpose in life. Ignacio, who
was born blind, shares how the programs at Fox Valley have made
him feel included, helped him participate in activities with his
peers, and learn something that we have all become widely
familiar with over the past few years – how to use Zoom and build
connections virtually.


I hope you enjoy this conversation – and be sure to stick around
until the end when Ignacio performs his favorite karaoke song,
which is one of his most loved programs to participate in. And,
if you enjoy this Coffee Talk, I hope you’ll join us at the 2022
NRPA Annual Conference, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, this
September 20-22. Register today at www.nrpa.org/conference.


Tune in below to learn:


What kinds of programs have improved Ignacio’s quality of
life the most

What skills Ignacio has developed through the programs at Fox
Valley Special Recreation

How Leticia feels witnessing her grandson thrive and immerse
himself in these programs

The importance of connection and a sense of belonging

How the staff at Fox Valley Special Recreation have made
their way into Leticia and Ignacio’s hearts, and much more!



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