Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/253219
Register: classweb.townofcary.org | More info: (919) 469-4061 23 Specialized Recreation In Fall 2013, Judy Newsome was hired as the Specialized Recreation & Inclusion Specialist, overseeing recreation programming for persons with disabilities. Previously, staff implemented the "inclusion" portion that is required by law. As recommended by the Specialized Recreation Study in 2009, an inclusion service statement was developed that declares the Town of Cary is "committed to an inclusive approach to recreation and encourages individuals with and without disabilities to participate together." With the hiring of the Specialized Recreation & Inclusion Specialist, we can focus on the next step—specialized recreation—an area that will offer a variety of programs designed specifically for individuals who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities. This gives people a choice to participate either in an existing program with reasonable modifications or to participate in a program specifically designed to meet their needs and interests. We are excited about this next step! See the Specialized Recreation section in the Summer 2014 brochure for new activities. Contact Judy with questions or ideas at judy.newsome@townofcary.org or (919) 462-2027. The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation and encourages individuals with and without disabilities to participate together. In order for individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible, reason- able modifications will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you or a family member re- quires a reasonable modification to participate in a program, please check the appropriate box on the registration form. What does "reasonable modification" mean? Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department supports access to existing programs for participants with disabilities by offering reasonable and appropriate resources to the participant. Resources may include, but are not lim- ited to, supportive/adaptive materials, program/site specific training and/or additional staff support for the program. I have indicated that I or a family member needs a reasonable modification, what happens next? Once you have indicated that a reasonable modification is needed, staff will contact you regarding this request. An inclusion support form will be filled out. It is important that this form is completed as thoroughly and accurately as possible. All information is confidential and is shared only with the staff members who will be working directly with you or your family member. This information will be used to better serve the participant in our programs. We want you to know . . . You are a valued participant and your involvement in our programs, our parks system, and our facilities is important to us. InclusIon servIces My son has loved Cary Teen Council. He has Autism (Aspergers of old) and many of the disabilities that go hand in hand with Autism. He's been bullied his whole life and was suicidal in 3rd grade. We moved to NC a year and a half ago for the Autism support NC provided. After getting involved with iAspire Bowling, the staff encouraged my son to get involved in Cary Teen Council. My son is in a high school that has a strict community service volunteer program and job shadowing requirement. He has loved his first year of high school and is blowing the staff away with how many hours he has already accumulated for community service thanks to Cary Teen Council! It has been a great experience for him to be sure! Thanks so much for all you do! – Cary Teen Council Parent