INCLUSIVE RECREATION

Just like a child, every program has its own set of characteristics that should be factored into your decision of creating a successful experience. Does your child have any specific hobbies or interests? Options can include sports, martial arts, swimming, music, dance, art, nature or computers. Recreation is an your child should enjoy. Does the program provide the right level of structure and routine for your child? A drop-in afterschool program may not have the structure of activities suitable for your child. An outdoor program such as golf or skiing may not be a predictable routine since the week’s class may be cancelled for weather. Consider your child’s needs, likes and the situations they have the most success in as you plan.

Does the program mention inclusion or supports for children with special needs in its literature? Some recreation guides include special needs, integration or adapted sections that are separate from their general programs. Just because special needs is not listed in a program description, it does not mean the program isn’t open to providing support. Call the program and ask.  Sometimes all it takes is a request.

Many recreation programs arecognize the need to provide additional support to successfully integrate children with special needs into general recreation programs. Consider the type of support your child needs to be most successful in a recreation setting. Does your child receive support at school? What kind? Does your child need program adaptations? Different support options may be available Adapted Programs are programs provided at a lower staff to participant ratio. Programs and activities are often adapted to meet the needs of your child with special needs and can be a great opportunity for your special needs child to meet other children who may be working to overcome similar barriers. One to One Support programs offer one to one support through extra staffing. These support workers may come at an additional cost (typically an hourly wage) and are assigned to your child for the duration of the program. These workers are typically provided additional training around disabilities, personal care, and program adaptations so they can provide a fully inclusive opportunity for your child. Volunteer Support programs may offer volunteers to provide additional support in a program. Volunteers are a great option if your child is high functioning and requires an extra hand with redirection, staying on task, focusing, etc. Volunteers typically will not provide support around toileting/feeding or high behavior concerns. Your Own Support Worker. Most programs are happy to accommodate a support worker the family provides, whether it is a family member, family friend or respite worker. They should be allowed to attend the program at no charge, providing they follow volunteer policies and produce a criminal reference check. Be sure to contact a camp or recreational program for additional support options before to submitting registration forms. Some programs have a limited amount of spaces for additional support and may not be able to provide this support if registration is already completed.

It is important to provide the recreation staff information about your child’s skills, strengths and challenges to put strategies into place so your child can have a successful, stress free experience. BEFORE the beginning of the program, be sure to provide information about:

 

• What your child may find challenging
• What strategies will help them to suceed
• Your child’s favourite things and interests
• Safety concerns you may have

Without the proper information, the support may not be available to ensure safety and security for not only your child, but also the staff, and the other children in the program.

Visit the program prior to the start. This allows you and your child the opportunity to view the environment, and possibly meet their instructor. Prepare your child for the start of the program. Get them used to the environment or schedule. Include your child in the preparation by allowing them to pick out their swimsuit, lunch or snack.

Check in with the instructor to be aware of accomplishments and challenges. Pick the right time to speak with the instructor. If drop-off and pick-up times are busy, see if you can call the instructor at another time, or arrive early the next day. Encourage the instructor to talk with you about effective strategies for working with your child.