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The Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services is a strong advocate for people of all ability levels. The Department promotes and protects the rights and choices of individuals of all abilities.  The Department believes that every individual, regardless of ability level, is deserving of satisfying recreational and leisure activities.  With the combination of competent, qualified, professional staff and innovative programs, Recreation, Parks and Community Services fosters independence and fulfillment by allowing for self-determination and personal choice.  

INCLUSION SERVICES GOALS

  • Referred To TR Section

    • Therapeutic Tennis photoReferrals can come from other departments, agencies or participants.

  • Assessment

    • Observations, meetings with clients and/or families, resources from schools and therapists are typical means of assessments.

  • Placement

To assist the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in determining the best inclusive experience, a Participant Profile Form along with Registration Form A  is required to be filled out and provided to the Recreation & Parks office in Leonardtown. Forms may be faxed (301-475-4108), mailed (Recreation & Parks, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650) or hand delivered with payment. These forms may be downloaded by clicking on the form names. To view these forms so that you can print them you will need to have Adobe Acrobat on your computer. If you do not have this program on your computer CLICK HERE for a safe and simple FREE download that will install the program on your computer.

Specialized Skill Programs

Programs developed specifically for individuals with disabilities to increase recreation and leisure skills.

Inclusion Specialist

One on one (or one on a few) staff to aid in providing services in regular programs. Staff are assigned to individuals with disabilities to aid in the integration of the program.

Program Modifications or Accommodations

Sign language instructors, assisted listening devices, rule manipulation; alternate activity suggestions and architectural barrier removal are a few examples of modifications and accommodations.

Complete Inclusion

  • Full participation in "regular" programs without any support services.

  • Follow-Up

A series of evaluations including specific programs, therapeutic services, and specialist/instructors will be conducted to continually improve services and instructors/specialists abilities to work with specific individuals.

  • Recreation & Parks will assess the needs, desires and interests of the community through interviews, observations and surveys.

  • Recreation & Parks will develop strategies and techniques to help individuals and their families make the transition to inclusive activities.

  • Recreation & Parks will expand resources, which facilitate inclusive recreation and leisure activities.

  • Recreation & Parks will make reasonable accommodations based on individual needs and requests.

  • Recreation & Parks makes every effort to ensure that programs and services are accessible for all individuals.

  • Recreation & Parks will devise and maintain concrete program and service evaluation criteria and will review programs as determined necessary

 
ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

Therapeutic Recreation PhotoRecreation & Parks makes every effort to insure that programs and services are accessible for those with disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to register for general recreation programs.  With your registration, please include information regarding your disability and accommodation needed.  A two-week notice is required in order for the Department to make reasonable accommodations based on individual needs. The Department of Recreation & Parks, a recognized leisure industry leader in opportunities for individuals with disabilities, is pleased to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. The Department has selected a committee of leisure professionals, facility planners and advocates with disabilities. This committee meets quarterly to monitor and review the department’s compliance. TDD is available for phone communications 301-475-4105 for those with hearing impairments, and an audiotape of program offerings can be made available to those with visual impairments. Any citizen with a suggestion or concern can contact the Department at 301-475-4200 ext 1801 or 1802.