Title

Inclusion Services

Banner
Adaptive athletes celebrating after a softball game
Sections

Bloomington Parks and Recreation provides Inclusion Services for participants with disabilities. These services are available by request and are designed to help participants fully participate in our programs.

Belief Statement

Every registrant is entitled to an assessment to determine the most appropriate inclusion support. All Parks and Recreation programs are open to providing inclusion services, and the parent/guardian of the participant serves as the most valuable resource in planning these supports. Our programs follow a participant-centered approach in developing inclusion plans and ensure that each individual’s needs are considered. 

We strive to make reasonable accommodations to ensure that all participants can safely and successfully engage in our programs. 

Services and Support

Inclusion services encompass a wide range of supports and adaptations, planned through individual support assessments. The following outlines examples of services we can provide, as well as supports that fall outside our scope of staff training and operation. 

Examples of services City staff can provide: 

  • Activity and schedule flexibility.

  • Additional peer, volunteer, and staff support and modeling.

  • Support from staff with specialized training in inclusive practices.

  • Adaptive equipment and play structures.

  • Communication visuals and language services.

  • Behavioral support.

  • Limited medication monitoring can be supported for individuals who can self-administer.

Examples of services City staff cannot provide:

  • Supports involving physical contact unless necessary to ensure infrequent and immediate participant safety.

  • 1:1 support for toileting, transfers, eating, and some medication administration and behavior management, participants may be asked to attend with their own support staff.

  • Behavior management including physical restraint, restriction from participation, transfers or isolation.

  • Medical administration via injection, topically, or rectally.

Alternative accommodation will be communicated with parent(s)/guardian(s) when necessary to ensure safe and meaningful participation.

We strive to provide consistency for participants; however, we cannot guarantee that the same staff member will be available every time. 

Registration Process - Support Assessments

  1. Review current programs offered by Bloomington Parks and Recreation.

  2. Consider programs that are fun and developmentally appropriate. If guidance is needed, contact our Inclusion Services team for personal recommendations:

    • Arron Willis, Recreation Supervisor, Inclusion Services 
      Phone: 952-563-8891 or MN Relay 711
      Email: AWillis@BloomingtonMN.gov 

  3. Decide which programs meet your or your participant’s goals.

  4. Register for the program and check the box indicating that you or your participant may need support.

  5. After registration, a member of the Inclusion Services team will contact you to develop an inclusion plan that meets your or your participant’s needs and helps sets the participant up for success.

Getting to Know Your Participant

After registering for a program and agreeing on appropriate supports, a member of the Inclusion Services team will reach out to schedule a meeting. While participation in this conversation is not required, we encourage participants to join and share any information they feel comfortable providing. 

Examples of information typically discussed during a support assessment include: 

  • Interests: Hobbies, school subjects, and recreational activities.

  • Support Needs: How we can best provide assistance. 

  • Health Information: Allergies, dietary needs, medications, and other medical considerations related to participation in the program.

  • Behavioral and Communication Considerations: Strategies for supporting the participant and communicating effectively with the participant and parent/guardian.

  • Mobility Considerations as needed.

  • Other Helpful Information: Tips or hints for working with the participant.

All support information remains confidential and is shared only with program staff on an as-needed basis determined by the Recreation Supervisor. 

Fees and Forms

Fees 

Inclusion services are provided at no additional cost. 

Medical Forms 

Participants may need to submit medical forms before participating in certain programs. To request any of the forms listed below, please email parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

  • Asthma Form
  • Diabetes Form
  • Medications Form
  • Severe Allergy Non-Food Form
  • Food Allergy Dietary Restrictions Form
  • Seizure Action Plan
  • Sunscreen Form

Forms are required if: 

  • A participant may need medication staff can support, during the program (including overnight programs).

  • A participant has a severe allergy (not including seasonal allergies). 

  • A participant has asthma or diabetes.

Prescription medications require a doctor’s signature on the Medications Form. Forms completed for the current school year may be accepted. Staff are available to assist with form completion as needed. 

Accessibility and ADA Requests

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is committed to ensuring that programs are accessible to all participants. If you need reasonable accommodations or have questions about inclusion services, please contact: 

Arron Willis – Inclusion Services 
Phone: 952-563-8891 
Email: AWillis@BloomingtonMN.gov

We will work with participants and guardians to make reasonable modifications so everyone can participate safely and successfully. 

Sidebar Widgets
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

952-563-8877