Inclusion Services

Reasonable accommodations are modifications or supports based on an individual’s abilities, that reduce barriers and promote successful participation. Accommodations may be flexible and creative, provided they do not fundamentally alter a program. Examples can include, but are not limited to the following:

• Activity modifications (breaks, simplified instructions, additional prompts, etc.)
• Individualized resources (behavior support plan, visual schedule, communication board, etc.)
• Adaptive equipment or sensory tools (noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, seating options, etc.)
• An enhanced staff to participant ratio
• Sign language interpreters
• Alternate or accessible transportation, when transportation is provided for all participants
• Removal of architectural barriers
• Additional staff training

Any individual with a disability as defined by the ADA is eligible for Inclusion Services with MSCR. As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), we also recognize anyone receiving Special Education Services/504 Plan Accommodations as a person with a disability. 

To ensure success, we encourage you to consider these questions:

• Does the participant have an interest in the program, the activities being offered, and the location/environment where the program is offered?
• Will the participant be comfortable, safe, and able to engage with activities in an inclusive environment, with or without accommodations?
• Does the participant meet basic eligibility requirements for participation in the program? 
  • Meets age/grade requirement
  • Is registered for the program
  • Adheres to behavior expectations, with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Voluntarily participates in registered activity, with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Meets any other essential eligibility requirements for a specific activity

If inclusion is not the right choice for you or your participant, please consider one of our Adapted Recreation Programs

1. When registering for a program, you will be asked the question, “Does the participant require an accommodation or special assistance due to a disability?“. Please select “YES” when prompted. You will then be asked to explain the potential accommodations needed.
2. Inclusion Services Specialists review new registrations that indicate a need for accommodation(s), and begin an assessment process. This could include a review of information such as: 
   1. Participant Profile Form
   2. Details provided directly by the participant or guardians 
   3. IEP or 504 documentation (for school-based programming)
   4. Existing resources provided by school teams, support staff, case managers, etc.
3. An Inclusion Support Plan is created to summarize the participant’s needs and accommodations as they relate to that specific program. Inclusion Support Plans are living documents that may be adapted for changing needs or for different program environments.
4. Inclusion Support Plans are shared with MSCR program staff for review. Staff implement the strategies, interventions, and/or accommodations necessary within the program.

We request at least 2 weeks to plan and secure reasonable accommodations. In some cases reasonable accommodations may take longer or other options may be discussed. 

No, there is no additional cost for Inclusion Services beyond the program registration fees. If finances are a barrier to participation, learn more about MSCR’s Fee Assistance Policy here.

Some accommodations, due to the activity or the environment in which the activity is conducted, may not be reasonable and thus there is no guarantee they will be provided. For example, these accommodations are not guaranteed:

• Individualized therapy or programming
• Provision and/or purchasing personal, custom devices or equipment
• Hiring or placement of a specific person as support staff
• Support of a personal nature such as toileting, feeding and dressing
• Nursing services or specialized medical support

Is Additional Staff Support Available?

MSCR hires Recreation Inclusion Staff to enhance staff to participant ratios. If a participant benefits from additional assistance to be successful in a program, MSCR makes every effort to supply the necessary staff support up to 1:1 assistance. If a participant requires direct 1:1 support in a program to be successful, their registration may be dependent on our ability to place a Recreation Inclusion Staff with the appropriate skillset.

MSCR is committed to hiring diverse staff that have experience and an interest in working with people with disabilities. Recreation Inclusion Staff are provided with the participant’s Inclusion Support Plan, along with the tools and resources needed to implement accommodations within the program. 

Recreation Inclusion Staff are not provided for non-structured/non-registered programs (i.e. open gym, open swim, drop-in program, or parent/child or family activities). Other reasonable accommodations or program options may be discussed.

By requesting Inclusion Services, I understand that:

• Inclusion services are not designed for therapeutic or individual programming. 
• MSCR must be provided with the most current information to assist in providing accommodations to meet the participant’s needs
• Reasonable accommodations may assist the participant in meeting activity rules/expectations, but does not exempt them from following those expectations
• If the participant’s behavior presents clear or imminent risk to themself or others, and no additional reasonable accommodations to modify behavior are available, MSCR may unenroll the participant from the activity.
• For MMSD students: MMSD/MSCR staff may share with each other any information or records regarding my child. This includes the ability of MMSD school staff to disclose to MSCR staff pupil records or information related to disability status, special education needs (Individual Education Program), accommodations (Section 504 Plan), health conditions and behavioral concerns for the purpose of providing appropriate accommodations and supports in MSCR youth programming.