Step 1

Initial Request
Option A: A person registers on his or her own, indicating through a statement of request on the registration form that he or she has a special need requiring an accommodation and has stated the modification needed to participate. If applicable, registration staff informs all participants at the time of registration about the parameters of the class, program, or activity (essential eligibility requirements, prerequisites, parent handbooks, brochure/flyer descriptions, rules, fees, etc.) Registration then informs the PRCS staff responsible for the program and the Inclusion Office that a person requesting assistance has registered.

Option B: A person contacts the PRCS staff regarding a program in which he or she would like to request an accommodation. PRCS staff encourages person to register and, once the person has registered, contacts the PRCS staff responsible for the program and the Inclusion Office.

Option C: A person is already registered for a program and due to an incident or an acknowledgment of need, requests an accommodation or reasonable modification to participate.

IMPORTANT: Staff cannot assume that just because a patron appears to have a disability, they must follow the inclusion process steps. It is important to remember that a person with a disability need not follow this process if he or she chooses not to request an accommodation or modification to our services or programs. Our registration forms ask all patrons if they need an accommodation due to a special need in order for the Department not to discriminate or single anyone out.

Step 2

Assessment/Information Gathering (if applicable)
Program staff gathers pertinent information from the participant or may set up a time to meet or talk with participant, instructor, caregiver or parent about any necessary information or reasonable modifications that they have requested for full participation. Information may be collected about an individual participant's skills and abilities as they pertain to the specific program, class or service. Each Division or Program area may have a specific assessment or way to gather information. The Inclusion Office is kept informed of the information and may request that an additional assessment or observation be completed to further evaluate the participant when necessary.

Step 3

Goals/Inclusion Plan (if applicable)
The Program staff, in conjunction with participant, caregiver and/or parent may establish attainable goals for the participant while participating in the program, class or service. Goals should be realistic and appropriate for the participant and the activity. Goals may be documented and communicated to the program staff, parent/guardian, or therapist.

Step 4

Reasonable Modifications
Reasonable modifications to the program are determined and implemented on a case-by-case basis, and may be based on the individual assessment(s), the fundamental nature of the program, and the Goals/Inclusion Plan for participation established by the staff, parents and caregivers.

Step 5

Documentation
Ongoing documentation may be completed to record the participant's progress and implementation of the Inclusion Plan (when applicable).

Step 6

Evaluation
A final evaluation may be completed by the participant, instructor, parent or caregiver and PRCS staff upon completion of the program. (when applicable)

Other Considerations:

• PRCS staff will do everything necessary to provide a safe and successful inclusion experience for every person.
• If modification cannot be made, PRCS staff should suggest alternatives and may notify participant in writing of the reason why. The Inclusion Supervisor should review and approve all written correspondence.
• If a person is unable to complete a program due to safety or health reasons, the PRCS staff should determine an appropriate credit or refund for the participant.
• In the case where inclusion is deemed unsuccessful and the participant, parent or care-giver is unhappy with the experience, a discussion can be held to develop other options for the person. Options may include inclusion in a higher-skilled activity, inclusion in a lower-skilled activity, inclusion in a smaller group activity or participating in another PRCS program if one is available.
• For more information on Inclusion, Training, or People with Disabilities, please contact the Inclusion Office at 326-6316.