Inclusion Services

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. To facilitate opportunities for people with and without disabilities to engage in leisure pursuits together, the Department of Parks and Recreation provides inclusion support services. These services include, but are not limited to, the provision of support staff, sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and adapted equipment. To ensure the requested accommodation, please notify the specific facility where the program is provided at least two weeks in advance for accommodations (i.e. support staff). Direct specific questions regarding individual facilities' accessibility features to 301-699-2480; TTY 301-454-1493. See how inclusion services is making a difference in the lives of our county residents. Download the article from the 2005 Summer Guide.

What is inclusion?
Inclusion within the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation means that individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in the same recreation programs and activities as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations are provided to enable an individual's successful participation in a program. Some minimum eligibility requirements (age, level of participation) must be met in order to participate.

What are some examples of reasonable accommodations available to promote successful participation in a program?

• Ongoing training provided for inclusion support staff.
• An enhanced staff/participant ratio (two weeks advance notice).
• Sign interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Adaptive activity equipment and/or supplies.
  - Find out more about our Water Wheelchair
  - Find out more about our Accessible Golf Cart
• Accessible transportation is provided with two weeks advance notice when transportation is provided as part of an activity or program.
• Assistance in the provision of health services, which do not require medical training.

• Meeting the age and registration requirements of the program.
• Following the rules of conduct (with or without reasonable accommodation).
• Voluntary participation: recreation programs and activities are voluntary in nature. Participation will be encouraged and aided, but not forced.
• Level of participation: with or without reasonable accommodations, the participant will engage in scheduled activities for the majority of the program time.
• Ability to use a consistent form of communication to indicate basic needs and follow simple directions.
• Ability to tolerate and function, with assistance, as a member of a larger social group (12 or more people).

• Provision of a separate area or alternate activities for a significant portion (more than 25%) of the scheduled program.
• Exception to minimum compliance with the program's rules and regulations, with or without accommodations, established for the safety of all program participants and staff.
• Hiring, selection, or guaranteed assignment of a specific staff member.
• Individualized therapy within a program.
• Provision and/or purchase of personal custom devices.

• If school-aged, does your child's current classroom activities or goals prepare him/her for an inclusive recreation experience?
• Has the individual shown an interest in the program activity or subject matter?
• Is he/she comfortable and able to function appropriately, with or without assistance, in inclusive environments (malls, restaurants, parks, etc.)

Northern Area: 301-445-4500(voice); TTY 301-445-4512
Central Area: 301-218-6700(voice); TTY 301-218-6768
Southern Area: 301-203-6000(voice); TTY 301-203-6030
Informacion en Espanol: 301-445-4509(voice); TTY 301-445-4512