Adaptive Recreation and Inclusion Services

 Philosophy

The Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is dedicated to providing people with and without disabilities the opportunity to participate in recreation and leisure programs together and to providing the necessary individual adaptations, accommodations and/or supports so every person can benefit equally from recreation experiences.

 Inclusion Process:

1. Register for program, indicating a need on the form, to the person taking the registration, or if registering online, please let us know what class you choose so we can get the inclusion process started.

2. Adaptive Recreation specialist will contact you to discuss strategies for inclusion and to gather participant information.

3. Decide on accommodation/adaptation, and start the class or program.

What programs are inclusive?

Inclusion is available into any program offered through the Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks department. Our program content and class environments are inclusive, but may not work for every individual. If you have any questions or specific concerns before you register, please contact us ahead of time and we will make every effort to find a program or class that is the best fit. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we can help you find someone who does.

How do you “qualify” for inclusion services?

Inclusion requests are handled on a case by case basis. Let us know any disabilities or special needs when you register and we will work together to figure out what accommodations are necessary.  We will keep information in a confidential file so that the next time you register we know how previous classes have gone.

How much does it cost?

Participants pay the program fee for the class of their choice.

What disabilities or special needs should I report when I register?

Anything that you think may have an effect on program participation. Allergies, asthma, medical conditions, physical disabilities/mobility impairments, developmental disabilities, or major behavior concerns are all things we may need to know about.

How will staff or other participants find out about a disability or special need?

All of our recreation staff is trained to handle inclusion and work with an inclusion specialist. Our summer staff receives more extensive training in disability awareness and specific information on any disabilities or special needs they may encounter. If needed, disability awareness information is passed on to other program participants through handouts or awareness activities. This is done only with parent consent. In the case of severe allergies, other participants and staff may be asked to omit certain food items for the safety of others.

What about adaptive recreation programs just for people with disabilities?

The Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department partners with REACH For Resources, Special Olympics of MN, and Courage Center to provide adaptive recreation opportunities throughout the year. We are also a member of the NARC – Northwest Adaptive Recreation Consortium. Brooklyn Park residents are able to participate in any program for people with developmental disabilities offered through REACH and are entitled to priority registration.

If you or a family member has questions related to accessibility and the Americans With Disabilities Act  or you wish to discuss program options before you register, please contact Jen Gillard, CTRS at 763-315-8459 or Jen.Gillard@brooklynpark.org. For more information on inclusion, please visit National Recreation and Parks Association.