Program Levels & Eligibility

Choosing the Right Participation Level

Adaptive Recreation programs use four participation levels to ensure safety and help participants get the most out of the program. These levels describe the skills and support needed for participation.

 Level 1                         

No assistance needed to maneuver rugged terrain and extended distances. Can maintain their own personal hygiene and without assistance. Can follow multiple-step instructions. Able to convey feelings, desires, and emotions without assistance. Demonstrates age-appropriate social and emotional skills in managing personal boundaries, relationships, communication, stress, and conflict. Will stay with group without assistance. Can independently manage the sensory stimulation of a frequently large, loud, and energetic group environment. For outdoor adventure-based programs only: Must be comfortable in a rustic, outdoor environment (e.g. exposure to extended periods of direct sun, varying weather conditions, insects/animals, grass/dirt/mud). Must be comfortable in open water using a PFD (personal flotation device).

Level 2

No assistance needed with level surfaces. May use assistive device (manual wheelchair, canes, walker, crutches, etc.). Can maintain their own personal hygiene with verbal cues. Can follow single or two-step instructions. Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with picture cues or communication device. Demonstrates age-appropriate social and emotional skills in managing personal boundaries, relationships, communication, stress, and conflict with some assistance. Will stay with group with the help of verbal prompts. Can manage the sensory stimulation of a frequently large, loud, and energetic group environment with some assistance.

Level 3

Difficulty with terrain. May use assistive and/or self-propelled device as listed in Level 2, plus powered wheelchair or scooter. Maintains personal hygiene with some assistance. Can follow instructions with assistance. Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with picture cues or communication device. Demonstrates age-appropriate social and emotional skills in managing personal boundaries, relationships, communication, stress, and conflict with assistance. Will stay with group with continuous supervision. Can manage the sensory stimulation of occasionally large, loud, and energetic group environment with assistance.

 Level 4

Full assistance and/or self-propelled device as listed in Levels 2 and 3. Personal hygiene with full assistance. Limited comprehension. Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with full assistance. Wil stay with group with continuous supervision.


For help determining the right level, contact Nicole Tapley at ncantwell@frederickcountymd.gov.