Participation in Our Programs – It's Your Choice

Whether in an adaptive recreation program or in inclusive recreation settings with those who do not have disabilities, we'll find a way for you to get the most out of every leisure activity. We believe that involvement in leisure experiences is important to the quality of life for all individuals.

Assistance Selecting a Program

If you need assistance in making recreation and leisure choices or exploring new and different possibilities, a leisure interest assessment may be appropriate. Our staff will identify an individual's needs, strengths and interests through a leisure interest assessment that will help in pinpointing programs that match the individual's abilities and interests.

The Inclusion Process

Some individuals with disabilities prefer to participate in the traditional recreation programs we offer. To include those with disabilities, Adaptive Recreation and Inclusion Services provides support in the form of adaptive equipment, program modification, additional staff training, support staff, and other services to facilitate inclusion. Our staff will assist in determining the most effective means of inclusion support for individuals to participate in any program.

Benefits of Inclusion

• Everyone has the right to recreate in an activity of their choice in an environment that is welcoming and supportive of their needs.
• All people learn to grow and develop together.
• Individuals with and without disabilities have fun sharing experiences and building lasting friendships.
• Participants become aware of the similarities and differences between themselves and others. They gain a sense that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has an important role in our community.

Minimum Eligibility to Receive Inclusion Services 

• Register at least two weeks in advance.
• Must have a diagnosis or disability to receive accommodations, if needed.
• Adhere to the program’s code of conduct, even with modifications in place. 
• Be able to tolerate and function, with assistance, in a social setting of 15 individuals or more.
• Be able to attend to their own personal care, such as toileting, feeding, etc.
• Do not require a separate area or alternate activity for more than 25% of a scheduled program time.

How to Get Included

• Register for the recreation program of your choice. If you or your participant has a special need or disability that requires special accommodations, please contact Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Services.
• Contact the Recreation Services supervisor at least two weeks before the start date to discuss the details or features of the program. Although participants may register without a two-week notice, accommodations may not be in place. 
• Fill out and return the Welcome Letter Referral form to the Adaptive  Recreation & Inclusion Services office or the recreation center of your program or email it to AdaptiveRec@cityofhenderson.com.
• The Recreation Services supervisor contacts Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Services (if necessary) to discuss the type of support needed to accommodate you or your family member.
• Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Services office will contact you via phone and email you a form to gather more information on how to assist your child.
• You or your family member start the program with inclusion support(s) in place, if needed.
• Our staff members periodically observe the program to provide assistance and answer any questions.
• Communication between Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Services staff, Recreation staff and the individual and/or family is maintained continuously throughout the cooperative inclusion process.

View parent orientation video to learn more! 

Personal Care Assistance

We encourage individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs. However, those needing personal assistance with toileting, feeding or dressing must make personal arrangements for this assistance.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available for qualified individuals and programs.