(a)
- (1) Participants with disabilities should be included in the same general activities as their same-age peers.
- (2) Certain accommodations for their disability and some modifications to activities may be necessary.
(3) These accommodations should be:
- (A) Determined on an individual basis; and
- (B) Related to the specific needs of the individual.
- (4) Out-of-school time providers are encouraged to make available additional staff training in the area of (OST) awareness.
(5) Such training may encompass the use of:
- (A) People-first language;
- (B) General communication strategies; and
- (C) Disability etiquette.
- (6) In general, it is desirable to treat an individual with a disability in the same way one would treat an individual of the same age but without a disability.
(b)
- (1) Additional information from the parent and caregiver of a child with a disability may be necessary.
- (2) Questions that cover usual routines, special instructions for care and interaction, the child’s interests, and things or situations to avoid are important, as is determining what kinds of things will motivate the child.
- (3) If there are individualized requirements for rest, nutrition, hydration, etc., these should be noted.
- (4) Emergency contact information, with backup contacts, may be essential.
- (c) Consideration should be given to special needs related to medical as well as developmental, social and emotional, and mental health and behavioral concerns.
- (d) While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., is specific to educational needs, consideration should also include cooperation with 504 and medical plans to best meet the needs of the individual child.