Choosing a recreation program for special needs kids

 

For many parents of children with special needs, the decision to enroll your child in a summer recreation program can be a daunting or even frightening task.  Ultimately however, the opportunity for a child to meet other kids, form lasting friendships, as well as for you to establish relationships with other families who have a child with the same disability, is well worth the effort.

 

When deciding on a camp or summer recreation program for a child who has special needs, you will find programs that cater to a variety of disabilities and those specifically designed towards a single range of disabilities. You will also find recreation programs with a wide variety of programming.   Most have age requirements, usually beginning at five or six, and most require the child be toilet trained. Aside from these choices and factors, there are also a broad range of other considerations in the selection of a program that will best serve your child and that you and your child will enjoy and benefit from.  The best advicesÉconsider planning ahead, by researching and visiting recreation programs the summer before you plan to send your child (that way you can see the program in action).  However, even if you are in the market for a camp this year, the information below should help get you started.

 

Narrow your choices:

á     Day OR residential (sleep away) program

á     Single disability / generalized / both programs

á     Types of activities and environment your child will enjoy and benefit from

á     Cost and reimbursement avenues- self / school district / insurance

 

Once you have a general direction, its time to make a list of the programs you want more information about.  Contact each program and request information including brochures, DVDs, and applications.  Now is also a great time to ask about availability for your time-frame as well as application procedures and deadlines.  After you have reviewed potential camps and have developed an interest, getting more detailed information become necessary before final choices can be considered. 

 

Questions to consider:

á     History and age of the program( do they have a positive track record)

á     Counselor to child ratio including assistants and volunteers

á     Availability of therapists, special educators and other staff on-site

á     Training and qualification of ŇcounselorsÓ and assistants

á     Medications, who dispenses, where they are kept

á     Availability of modified apparatus and communication devices

á     Program hours and daily schedule of activities and breaks

á     Individual implementation and tracking of goals

á     Field trips how do they get there, safety issues

á     Emergency procedures

á     Disciplinary procedures or implementing behavioral goals

á     Transportation (who provides) and travel time

á     Meals snacks and other supplies you may be required to provide

á     Willingness to provide modification or special requirements your child might need

 

Once you have these questions answered, make a list of the pros and cons for each program, in order of importance to you.  The chances are that there will be some drawbacks to most programs.  How significant they are depends on how important that factor is to you and your child.  Finally, if time allows, visit the site with your child at least once.  Check out the facilities; visit each location your child will be utilizing, including the restrooms, nurses station etc., meet the director, councilors and therapists.  Not only will this make your child more comfortable the first day, but it will give you an opportunity to see the facilities in person, not just in pictures. -S.P.O.T.