Frederick County Parks & Recreation
Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities, Developmental Differences, & Higher Support Needs
Our Goal The goal of the Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR) is to enhance participants’ health and well-being, sense of self and community, and overall quality of life by facilitating the development of leisure and recreation skills, fostering independence, and promoting socialization.
What We Offer
Adaptive Recreation Programs
Frederick County Parks and Recreation offers Adaptive Recreation (AR) programs designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, developmental differences, and/or higher support needs as well as emphasize participants’ unique abilities. Programs utilize trained staff and higher staff/participant ratios in addition to adapted spaces, materials, and content to provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in various recreation activities. Programs include: Sports Fitness, health, & wellness classes Social groups Enrichment and special interest classes
Inclusion Services
Reasonable accommodations are also offered to individuals who need additional support to encourage and enable them to fully participate in our general recreation programs alongside their peers. Reasonable accommodations are based on each individual’s abilities and needs. Possible Accommodations include: Inclusion support staff ASL interpreters Communication visuals Additional training provided for program staff Activity modifications that do not change the nature of the program or activity Individualized strategies for success
Programming Levels & Essential Eligibility Criteria FCPR utilizes designated program levels and essential eligibility criteria to ensure the safety of all participants and staff who are part of the program and to allow participants to experience the program to the fullest extent. These levels outline the minimum physical and cognitive skills needed in order to participate.
Level 1
No assistance needed managing any terrain. Can maintain their own personal hygiene and without assistance. Can follow multiple-step instructions. Able to convey feelings, desires, and emotions without assistance. Will stay with group without assistance.
Level 2
No assistance needed with level surfaces. May use assistive device (manual wheelchair, canes, walker, crutches, etc.). Can maintain their own personal hygiene with verbal cues. Can follow single or two-step instructions. Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with picture cues or communication device. Will stay with group with the help of verbal prompts.
Level 3
Difficulty with terrain. May use assistive and/or self-propelled device as listed in Level 2, plus powered wheelchair or scooter. Maintains personal hygiene with some assistance. Can follow instructions with assistance. Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with picture cues or communication device. Wil stay with group with continuous supervision.
Level 4
Full assistance and/or self-propelled device as listed in Levels 2 and 3. Personal hygiene with full assistance. Limited comprehension. Able to convey feelings, desires and needs with full assistance. Wil stay with group with continuous supervision.
Requesting an Accommodation 1. Enroll for the program, camp, or event that you would like to attend. When asked, check "yes" that you are requesting an ADA accommodation. 2. AIR staff will contact the parent/guardian to complete an Accommodation Request Form. Complete and return the form to AIR at 355 Montevue Lane, Suite 100, Frederick, MD 21702 or via email. 3. Once the Program Accommodation Form is received, AIR staff will reach out to the parent/guardian to set up a time to review the request and develop individualized strategies for success.
Finding the Best Fit
Not sure whether inclusion or adaptive recreation is what’s best for you? Consider the following questions: 1. Is the activity, class, or program something that interests the participant? Interest is a primary motivation for participation. 2. Does the participant have the basic skills required? To find out more about a specific activity, you may want to call us at 301600-2936. Accommodations may be helpful to facilitate participation in the activity. 3. Will an accommodation or inclusion support staff give the participant adequate support to fully participate in a general recreation program? With the proper support, the participant should be able to participate without disruption to others. 4. Are AR programs a better choice? If accommodations and inclusion support staff won’t adequately support the individual's needs, consider enrolling in an AR program, which are specifically designed and staffed to meet the needs of individuals with various disabilities, developmental differences, and higher support needs. 5. Still not sure? Contact our AIR Team: Calli Guercio, cguercio@frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-2197
Our Facilities Rock Creek Recreation Center
The Rock Creek Rec Center (RCRC), located in Walkersville, opened in Fall 2021 and serves as one of our two main sites for our Adaptive Recreation programming. RCRC is a fully accessible and inclusive rec center with some adapted amenities. This facility is solely dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities, developmental differences, and higher support needs. Amentities of this facility include a rec room, gym, sensory space, spacious restrooms, and an adapted family restroom.
Our Facilities Scott Key Community Center
The Scott Key Community Center, located in Frederick, opened in Fall 2021 as well and is FCPR's second main site for our Adaptive Recreation programming. Along with serving this unique population, SKCC also serves our preschool, teen, and senior participants through various program offerings. Amentities of this facility include a lobby that can double as a programming space, a small gym, a dedicated preschool room, a larger rec room, large restrooms, and a family restroom.
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Program Suggestions Is there a program you would like to see offered? Let us know what you're interested in by filling out our Program Suggestion Form.
Volunteer & Employment Opportuntities In order to provide safe, quality AR programs, we heavily rely on dedicated staff and volunteers. Employment and volunteering with these programs is not only rewarding, but also provides the opportunity to make new friends and to get to know the local community in a new way. Staff and volunteers will be responsible for helping to implement different activities, teaching individuals the skills needed to participate in the activities, and having fun! Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to learn are a must! For more information or to apply, visit www.recreater.com.
Locations & Important Information
Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Team
Calli Guercio, Rec Supervisor, cguercio@frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-2197 www.recreater.com/AIR
Frederick County Parks & Recreation Main Office 355 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702, 301-600-2936 www.recreater.com
Rock Creek Rec Center
55B West Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD 21793 301-600-6088
Scott Key Community Center 1050 Rocky Spring Road, Frederick, MD 21702, 301-600-1607