RockAbilities: California JPIA member city Irwindale builds an inclusive community

Every July is National Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme, “Where You Belong,” celebrates how parks and recreation areas foster a sense of community through inclusive programs and essential services for all ages and abilities. To commemorate this month, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) has spotlighted the City of Irwindale’s RockAbilities program, a shining example of how recreation can foster inclusion and build community.

RockAbilities’ mission is to create an inclusive environment through recreation-focused programs and activities. It serves people with intellectual and physical disabilities and ensures that all bodies and minds have access to enriching recreational experiences.

“I want to thank our recreation team for their vision and work in creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members of our community,” said Irwindale City Manager Julian Miranda. “The RockAbilities program represents the best of our Irwindale community and enhances the quality of life and pride in each of us.”

The program was inspired by the increasing number of individuals with additional support needs attending Irwindale’s after-school program. Staff recognized the need for training to create a safe and inclusive environment and began looking for learning opportunities. However, they quickly noticed a larger gap in recreational programs for people with disabilities. This led to the launch of RockAbilities in February 2021 with 24 participants. By December 2023, the program had grown to over 150 participants, with staff witnessing firsthand the profound impact of their efforts.

RockAbilities offers a variety of events that encourage socialization and community engagement. From dances and petting zoos to Summer Olympics and resource fairs, the program ensures there is something for everyone. Each event is carefully planned to accommodate people with disabilities, their families and staff. All participants are provided with assistive devices such as fidget kits, headphones and rest areas. Individualized support is also available to meet special needs.

During spring break, the city hosted a petting zoo. The event featured animals chosen for their suitability for people with sensory disabilities and featured a popular RockAbilities Sensory Space. The Irwindale Police Department also attended and participated with the community and even with the reptiles. The event was a huge success and an example of true inclusion and the power of community collaboration.

The future of RockAbilities looks bright, with increasing attendance at each event and consistent participation. Staff plan to expand training to all municipal service areas in the city, provide tools for field staff, and add new outings, classes, and open play times for residents. The program’s growing offerings, awareness, attendance, and impact are a testament to its success and potential.

“Since we have the 34^th “As we mark the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act this month, it is inspiring to see the City of Irwindale and its employees continue to advocate for equal opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Senior Risk Manager Maria Galvan.

If your agency is considering building a similar program, the advice is simple: Do it. With more than 400,000 Californians living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the need is clear. Whether you start small or big, the key is to take action and create inclusive environments. It’s not just a win for the community, it’s a win for society.

The RockAbilities program is a great example of how community-focused initiatives can create meaningful change, promote inclusion, and improve the quality of life for all residents. As the program continues to grow, it promises to have an even greater impact on the City of Irwindale and beyond.

For more than 45 years, the company has been offering its public sector partners innovative risk management solutions. California Joint Powers Insurance Agency (California JPIA) is one of the state’s largest municipal self-insurance pools with more than 125 member cities and other government agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide critical coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property and earthquake insurance, as well as comprehensive training and loss control services. For more information, visit the California JPIA website at ,cjpia.org.