Leisure Services for Customers with Disabilities: Programs, Fairfax County Park Authority

L.S.C.D. Programs

Service Continuum of Recreation Services
for Customers with Disabilities in Fairfax County

LEISURE COACHING...
EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

The Fairfax County Park Authority, in collaboration with Community and Recreation Services, Therapeutic Recreation Services, offers a limited opportunity for customers with disabilities to participate in camps, classes and tours with the support of trained staff.

How does the program work?
Leisure coaches, typically seasonal staff working in summer camps or seasonal programs targeting persons with disabilities, implement the customer�s accommodation plan (a detailed plan of needs and strategies). This plan may typically include behavioral and transitional support, activity modifications and/or adaptations. If needed, the leisure coach can also provide training for instructors or leaders and ensure sensitivity awareness for customers without disabilities.

What is the goal of the leisure coaching program?
The goal is to provide customers with disabilities the opportunity to work towards independent leisure participation. Essentially, the leisure coach provides support until the point at which the customer�s ability to participate independently reaches the level of other individuals in the class or camp. In addition, the leisure coach helps to facilitate a successful recreation experience for the customer in the least restrictive setting.

Who is eligible?
Upon request, the ADA/Inclusion Coordinator will review a number of factors before determining whether or not the placement of a leisure coach is needed to help facilitate a successful experience. These factors include feedback from the parent, classroom teacher or group home staff, and availability of leisure coaches. In addition, 10 days advance notice is required. Customers with disabilities participating in the Summer Rec-PAC program or contained programs through Therapeutic Recreation Services are not eligible to receive this service.

How long can I expect to receive the support of a leisure coach?
Classes: A leisure coach can provide support for one class session per seasonal Partakes brochure (targeting 6 out of 8 classes in a typical class session). Camps: A leisure coach can provide support for 3 out of 5 days for one week camp sessions and 6 out of 10 days for 2 week camp sessions per summer. If a leisure coach is requested for another camp session, transitional support can be provided for a limited time only.

Note: Flexibility is maintained in the duration of the assigned leisure coach, however, the customer with a disability must demonstrate a reasonable chance to achieve independent participation within a given session.

Tours/Trips: A leisure coach can provide support, based on assessed needs, for any of the tours and trips offered in the Parktakes magazine.

For additional information, contact the ADA/Inclusion Coordinator:
(703) 324-8563 TTY (703) 803-3354

TRADITIONAL PROGRAMS

Traditional programs typically offer a structured environment and a lower staff ratio (1:1 or 1:4 depending on the program). Select programs offer opportunities for inclusion (participants without disabilities may participate in the contained setting). Individuals generally have not yet developed the skills necessary for participation in an inclusion setting.

FCPA:
Call 703-324-8563 for more information.

Adapted Aquatics: variety of classes depending on age & disability
Adapted Gymnastics: year round, seasonal class offering (elementary age, all disabilities)

CRS-TRS:
Call 703-324-5532 for more information, or visit the CRS-TRS Therapeutic Recreation web site.

Saturday Leisure Program: school calendar year only (grades 1-6 and grades 7-12, developmental disabilities)
Summer Leisure Program: grades 1-6 and grades 7-12, developmental disabilities
Summer Explorer Program: grades 1-6 and grades 7-12, physical/sensory disabilities
Summer Adventure Program: grades 1-6, ld/add/ed
After School Motor Skills Program: school calendar year only (elementary age, all disabilities)
SMILE Program: preschool only, all disabilities

INCLUSION SERVICES

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that reasonable accommodations are available upon request in all programs and services. The FCPA, operating in the spirit of the ADA, embraces the philosophy of inclusion and supports the accommodation process with inclusion staff (in most scenarios referred to as leisure coaches). Inclusion staff support accommodations by empowering staff and instructors to ensure full participation. Please note that inclusion staff are a limited resource in these programs (camps, classes and tours) with the exception of the targeted summer rec-PAC camp inclusion sites. Inclusion staff providing accommodation support in this program are located at specific camp locations for the duration of the six week program. Inclusion support in the form of leisure coaching is not accessible at other rec-PAC camp locations.

The FCPA values all individuals regardless of ability, and the agency's ADA Coordinator serves to help guide potential customers in locating the least restrictive and most appropriate environment possible. In addition to all programs and services, park and facility accessibility guidance and information are also provided.

For further information, contact Gary Logue at 703-324-8563, TTY 703-803-3354, or VIA email.

OTHER PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA:

Sports and Recreation Opportunities:

Summer Camp Opportunities: