INCLUSION IN YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth with disabilities or special needs are welcome and encouraged to participate in existing youth sports, aquatics, trips and seasonal programs.  The “inclusion” policy of this program provides all children registered to participate with an equal advantage. Therefore, adaptive equipment, program modifications, and other accommodations are used to assist the individual as needed.  Individualized consultation with parents and coordination with the coach/instructor helps make the transition possible.  In addition, all coaches, W.S.I’s, and summer staff receive a brief orientation to working with the child with disabilities in their initial training sessions.  One-on-one assistance for your child is provided upon request.

Registration:  When enrolling your child in sports and other youth programs we request that you check the “Special Needs” column on the registration form.  We must be aware of any medical condition that warrants medication or special attention from Parks and Recreation staff while your child is in our care.  Information shared with a coach or instructor is confidential. 

LEISURE SWIM

This class is designed for youth and teens (age 6-14) that have disabilities and benefit from a specialized program. The instructor is a qualified water safety instructor and experienced in making adaptations for the swimmer with special needs.  If a WSI is unavailable our lifeguard staff will conduct a leisure swim session for participants using games and water activities to promote physical exercise, socialization, and independence in the water.  Those using a wheelchair are encouraged to use our pool lift for transfer into/and out of the water. Anyone whose ability restricts them from using the men’s and women’s locker rooms independently is welcome to use the bathroom and changing area located directly off the pool. A south side accessible entrance is available for pool use.  As we provide an experienced water safety instructor and a special needs aide to assist in the pool, we ask that you provide a volunteer if your child needs further 1:1 assistance.  Class limit is 8.

Spring Session-Tuesdays

Dates: April 5-May 31st

Time: 6:00-7:00 PM

Location: West Hills Pool

Register at the Park and Recreation office.

Cost:  $39.00

Summer Session – Thursdays

Dates:  June 9-August 11  

Time:  7:00-8:00 PM

Location:  West Hills Pool

Register at the Park and Recreation office

Cost:  $39.00

TEEN CLUB

This weekly activity group is designed for teens age 14-22 years, who have developmental disabilities and would benefit from social interaction and a place to meet friends.  Our 90 minute weekly schedule includes drop in activities, structured crafts, games, local trips and tours, as well as attending OHS events as a group.  A schedule of our weekly plans and locations is available in the Therapeutic Recreation office and again in our newsletter every 2 months.  Teen Club runs year round.  The group meets Thursday evenings from 6:30PM-8:00 PM with locations to be announced.  Weekly sites vary between Warsinski Chalet at Morehouse Park and Brooktree Clubhouse.

• >Membership fee is $45.00 for six months with fees due January 1 and July 1.

Preseason Warm Up for Soccer

This program is geared to children, ages 5-12 years who have special needs and plan to register for youth soccer or little Tikes sports.  The program’s purpose is to prepare kids with special needs for existing youth sports for one month prior to the start of soccer season on April 11^th or for Little Tikes to start in June.  We will focus on improving motor skills and concentration as well as self confidence and socialization.  We will work 1:1 on soccer skills once weekly for the month of March.  Wear tennis shoes and shin guards all other equipment is provided.  Parents interested in volunteer coaching with this program, contact the Therapeutic Recreation office at 774-7360.

Tuesdays:  March 8, 15, 22 (March 29 TBD)

5:30-6:30 PM

McKinley School gym

Fee:  $15.00

A minimum of 8 required to offer this program

Registration Deadline:  February 22^nd

 Preseason Warm Up for Baseball

This program is geared to children age 5-12 that have special needs and will participate in T-ball, Squirts or Little Tikes Sports this summer.  The program is intended to prepare kids with special needs for regular sports prior to the season’s start.  We will focus on improving motor skills and concentration as well as self confidence and socialization.  We will play games and work 1:1 on skills once weekly during the month of May.  Bring a glove, wear lace up tennis shoes.

Tuesdays:  May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Time: 5:30-6:30 PM

Location: Dartts Park Softball Field

Fee:  $15.00

A minimum of 8 required to offer this program.

Registration Deadline:  April 26

Kid’s Friday Camp

This day camp program is designed for kids with developmental disabilities, ages 6-16 years. Campers will be placed in small groups based on age.  Camp will be held Fridays at Lake Kohlmier. With this location, we will incorporate boating, fishing, and nature activities.   Most of the day’s schedule will be spent in small group activity, with the exception of lunch and large group games.  Afternoon swimming will be available this year in conjunction with other water activities.  We will provide snacks and ask that campers bring their own sack lunch each week. On the last day we will prepare lunch over a campfire. Sack lunches will not be necessary on that day. Specific details about the camp schedule and weekly list of rain plans will go out in Friday Camp letters. Our agenda will feature traditional camp activities including: crafts, games, nature exploration, and water fun. Transportation is not provided. Experienced Park and Recreation staff will supervise this group. Our goal is to make friends and have fun.

A minimum of 20 registrations is required to offer this program.

Dates: Seven Fridays June 17 – Aug 5 (excluding July 1)

Times: 9:30 am-2:30 pm

Location: Lake Kohlmier

Fee: $90.00

Register: Deadline to register is June 3^rd to avoid a $10.00 late fee.