3 minute read
Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Services
Therapeutic Recreation (in person and virtual) Specialized recreation programs for Prince George’s County residents with disabilities. Children must meet the age requirements by the last day of the session to attend these programs. If your child meets the age requirement and you have trouble during registration, please call the Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-CALL (2255), TTY 301-699-2544, or email CustomerService@pgparks.com.
Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services
Advertisement
WHAT IS INCLUSION?
Inclusion within The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County means that individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in the same recreation programs and activities as their peers without disabilities.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS?
Accommodations that may be available to promote successful participation in programs include: the provision of an enhanced staff /participant ratio; use of companions; sign interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing; adaptive activity equipment and/or supplies; accessible transportation when transportation is provided as part of an activity or program; and assistance with health services that do not require medical training.
WHAT SERVICES ARE NOT PART OF INCLUSION?
Inclusion services do not include the following: • Provision of separate program activities • Exception (with or without accommodations) to minimum compliance with program rules and regulations established for safety purposes. • Hiring, selection, or guaranteed assignment of a specifi c staff member; • Individualized therapy within a program; and • Provision and/or purchase of personal custom devices.
HOW DO I REQUEST A DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION?
All disability accommodation requests for day camps must be noted on PARKS DIRECT accounts, and requested at least two weeks prior to the start date of the program.For Inclusion Services contact the Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699CALL (2255); TTY 301-699-2544 – or contact the following offi ces:
• Northern Area: 301-445-4500 northerninclusion@pgparks.com • Central Area: 301-249-7200 centralinclusion@pgparks.com • Southern Area: 301-203-6000 southerninclusion@pgparks.com
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL INCLUSION?
The same minimum requirements that apply to a person without a disability also apply to a person with a disability. These include:
• Meeting the program’s age and registration requirements; • Following the rules of conduct (with or without reasonable accommodation); • Voluntary participation (Note: Recreation programs and activities are voluntary in nature. Participation will be encouraged and aided, but not forced.); • Meeting necessary level of participation with or without reasonable accommodations (participant will engage in scheduled activities for the majority of the program time); • Ability to use a consistent form of communication to indicate basic needs and follow simple directions; and • Ability to function, with assistance, as a member of a group of 12 or more people.
IS AN INCLUSIVE RECREATION SETTING THE RIGHT CHOICE AND/OR EXPERIENCE?
• Observe the program fi rst-hand and ask yourself… • If school-aged, do your child’s current classroom activities or goals prepare him/her for an inclusive recreation experience? • Has the individual shown an interest in the program activity or subject matter? • Is he/she comfortable and able to function appropriately, with or without assistance, in inclusive environments (malls, restaurants, parks, etc.)?
The Department of Parks and Recreation off ers alternative choices (for Prince George’s County residents only) through its provision of specialized therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Patrons have a wide range of abilities and special needs; some prefer and benefi t from participating in highly structured specialized programs designed specifi cally for participants with disabilities. For program inquiries, please call the Special Programs Division at 301-446-3400 (voice) or TTY 301-699-2544. Program spaces are limited and available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis.
