Inclusion For All™

Dedicated to including ALL people with special needs™

The Camp-For-All™ Information Center

The complete resource to help parents and professionals include ALL kids in summer camp

Provided by The Jewish Community Center of The Greater St. Paul Area 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is….

1. Opportunities:

Having the same choices & opportunities for recreation that everyone has, regardless of the presence of a disability.

2. Acceptance & Appreciation:

Being accepted & appreciated for who you are as a unique individual including your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Making Friends:

Being with friends who share your interests, not your disability.

4. Valued & Welcomed:

Being a valued customer and participant in the community & program regardless of ability levels.

5. Accessibility:

Having the opportunity to use a facility/area because they are accessible and easy to use by everyone.

6. Provisions:

Making necessary changes to programming (adaptations, accommodations, and supports) so that all individuals can benefit equally from the experience, regardless of the presence of a disability.

Inclusion is not….

1. Grouping:

Putting large groups of people with disabilities in one program.

2. Irregular Proportions:

Disrupting the natural proportion of individuals with and without disabilities in the community.

3. Labeled Programs:

Special, labeled programs such as a “handicapped gym program.”

4. Care Giving:

Caring for or looking after people with disabilities instead of facilitating equal opportunities for equal participation that include risk and challenge.

Barriers to Inclusion in

Recreation Programs

1. Attitude:

· Fear of the unknown / Lack of understanding

· Having limited exposure to persons with disabilities

· Top down vs. working together

2. Programs:

· Denying access to a program based upon a disability

· Inadequately trained staff

· Lack of role models (Administrators, Inclusion Facilitators, Staff)

· Role confusion – What do I do?

3. Facilities:

· Network (not letting people know you’re out there)

· Resources (not providing information to staff and clients)

· Denying reasonable accommodations (facilities which are not accessible, not wanting to change the routine or program to accommodate)

Overcoming Barriers

1. Attitude J

2. Attitude J

3. Attitude J

J Attitude is everything!

With a willing attitude, and a little creativity, almost any barrier can be overcome!

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