ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS CAN ALSO BE A GOOD OPTION

We typically encourage families to make fully-inclusive settings a priority. This enables their children and adult family members with special needs to interact with typical peers, which we believe is healthy for them and also helps to foster acceptance and appreciation for those with disabilities among the broader community. In addition, new federal rules require that programs receiving federal funds be inclusive, so many adaptive programs in the U.S. cannot be funded by local disability services agencies. Nonetheless, it's important to recognize that programs specifically geared for those with disabilities can also be extremely valuable and enriching.

I think, for example, of Amy Jessee, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Amy has always had a loving and supportive family that encouraged her involvement in activities like wheel- chair tennis and a bowling league in which she and her teammates referred to themselves as the "Ramp Rascals," because they all used wheelchairs.

Amy looks forward to participating in a camp, each year, exclusively serving people with disabilities, which offers youth and adult programs where each camper is paired one-toone with a dedicated counselor. There is always a medical staff on-site, so even those with complex medical needs can participate. She could not be more enthusiastic about the opportunities this camp provides for those with even severe disabilities, to engage in activities they might never have thought were within reach for them.

It's clear that social and recreational activities greatly improve overall health and self-esteem and help weave stronger and more engaged communities. •

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Montanez, M.S., is Director of Case Management for Regional Center of Orange County, the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for more than 26,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. The Regional Center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at rcocdd.com