Dan Leahy – Western DuPage Special Recreation Association

Dan Leahy is the Executive Director at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), a nonprofit organization that provides inclusive recreation programs and therapeutic services for individuals with disabilities across nine communities in DuPage County. He leads a team of 39 full-time employees dedicated to creating high-quality recreational experiences and expanding access to adaptive programming. Before joining WDSRA, Dan spent more than 20 years in public-sector leadership, including communications roles with the City of Elmhurst and the Fox Valley Park District. He holds a Master of Public Administration, is a Certified Public Recreation Professional, and is passionate about strengthening inclusive communities through recreation.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[1:20] Dan Leahy discusses the transition from Fox Valley Park District to WDSRA leadership
[2:17] Teaching public administration and mentoring future recreation professionals
[7:25] How WDSRA provides inclusive recreation and therapeutic programming across nine communities
[10:31] Why supporting athletes through Special Olympics and year-round competitive sports is important
[12:20] Dan talks about the Rock ‘n Roll program helping adults with disabilities thrive after aging out of school services
[15:59] Meeting growing demand for adult day programming and expanding Rock ‘n Roll locations
[20:05] How WDSRA develops recreation programs while addressing staffing and increasing community needs
[22:12] Volunteer opportunities supporting inclusive recreation across DuPage County
[23:49] How families, volunteers, and community members can get involved with WDSRA

In this episode…

Many families of individuals with disabilities face uncertainty about recreation, social connection, and daily support, especially when school-based services end in adulthood. Communities also struggle to meet growing demand for inclusive programs, trained staff, and volunteer support. How can organizations create lifelong opportunities that promote independence, belonging, and meaningful experiences for people of all abilities?

Dan Leahy, a leader in therapeutic recreation and public administration, shares how inclusive programming, adaptive sports, and community partnerships help individuals with disabilities thrive throughout every stage of life. He explains the importance of designing recreation around participants’ unique needs, expanding programs to meet increasing demand, supporting families through major life transitions, and building strong volunteer and staffing pipelines. Dan also discusses the value of Special Olympics, fostering independence through adult day programs, and creating welcoming communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Dan Leahy, Executive Director at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), about creating inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Dan discusses Special Olympics partnerships, supporting adults transitioning out of school services, and expanding volunteer and community engagement.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“We have our own catalog of programs, and we serve ages, you know, 8 to 78.”
“If a park district does it, we do it too. Or if it’s out there and it’s fun.”
“Routine and structure is important for all of us, but a lot of times for our population in particular.”
“The percentage of population with a disability continues to really balloon like demand for our services is at an all time high.”
“It takes all of us to make the community work. Again, I’m just really thankful to be here.”

Action Steps:

Expand inclusive recreation opportunities: Creating adaptive programs for people of all abilities helps build independence, confidence, and stronger community connections while ensuring more individuals and families receive meaningful support as demand continues to grow.
Support adults transitioning after school services: Developing structured programs for individuals aging out of school provides continued social engagement, purpose, and personal growth while easing a challenging transition for families.
Recruit and train passionate staff and volunteers: Building a dedicated team increases an organization’s ability to serve more participants with high-quality experiences while ensuring safe, inclusive, and impactful programs.
Strengthen partnerships with community organizations: Collaborating with schools, park districts, healthcare providers, and nonprofits expands available resources, reaches more families, and helps organizations better respond to community needs.
Listen to families and adapt programs to their needs: Gathering ongoing feedback keeps programs relevant, addresses participants’ changing needs, and builds trust through a family-centered approach.

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].