- Frederick County Parks & Recreation
- Recreation
- Adaptive Recreation
- Inclusion & Reasonable Accommodations
Inclusion & Reasonable Accommodations
What Inclusion Means
Inclusion means people with and without disabilities take part in the same activities together. Reasonable accommodations are offered to ensure everyone can participate successfully while keeping the program’s purpose intact.
Examples of Accommodations
- Inclusion Support Staff: Trained staff who help participants join activities safely.
- Companions: A helper chosen by the participant; must complete a Volunteer Application.
- ASL Interpreters: Support for participants who use American Sign Language.
- Visual Supports: Tools like picture schedules, cue cards or social stories.
- Staff Training: Sensitivity and disability training to promote understanding and inclusion.
- Adaptive Equipment or Supplies: Special tools or materials to help participants engage.
- Activity Modifications: Small changes to rules or teaching styles that do not change the activity’s purpose.
- Individualized Strategies for Success: Personalized plans using supports such as sensory breaks or visual cues.
- Instructor Notifications: Program staff receive relevant information from the AR Team to support the participant.
What’s Not Included
- Separate or alternate activities for most of the program time
- Exceptions to safety rules or FCPR’s Code of Conduct
- Assignment of a specific staff member
- Therapy or medical services
- Purchase of personal or custom devices
- Changes to program age limits or activity requirements
- Personal care assistance
- Register for the program, camp, or event.
- Check “Yes” when asked if you need an ADA accommodation.
- AR staff will contact you to complete an Accommodation Request & Health Skills Form.
- Return the form to: Nicole Tapley at ncantwell@frederickcountymd.gov
- AR staff will follow up to discuss your needs and create a plan for success.
Note: Requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the program start date.
All participants, with or without disabilities, must:
- Meet age and registration requirements
- Follow program rules (with or without support)
- Participate voluntarily
- Engage in scheduled activities most of the time
- Communicate basic needs and follow simple directions (with or without help)
- Function in a group of about 12 or more people, with support if needed
Before enrolling, consider:
- Does the participant’s school or other activities prepare them for being in a group setting?
- Are they interested in this type of program?
- Can they participate, with help if needed, in community places like parks or restaurants?
- Will accommodations or support staff provide enough help to join activities without disruption?
- Would an Adaptive Recreation program designed specifically for participants with higher support needs be a better fit?
Under the ADA, requests are not considered reasonable if they:
- Change what the program is about
- Ignore basic eligibility rules
- Cause undue hardship or burden
Please note that conduct that jeopardizes the safety of others will not be tolerated and may result in removal from our programs. Conduct that jeopardizes the safety of other may include, but is not limited to:
- Elopement
- Harming self or others
- Aggression towards peers, staff and self-injurious behaviors
- Property destruction
Our Commitment
Frederick County Parks and Recreation believes everyone should have the chance to play, learn, and connect through recreation. Our team is here to support each participant’s success and make every program welcoming and inclusive.