What is inclusion?

Inclusion is a method by which all eligible participants – with or without disabilities – are invited to participate in recreation programs activities and events with or without the support of reasonable accommodations. 

Who is eligible for inclusion?

Any individual who registers for a recreation program through the City of Coral Gables and has a need for inclusion services. Individuals must meet the essential eligibility requirements of the program for which they are interested in registering. Requirements may include but are not limited to age, grade, and skill level. 

Is there a fee for inclusion support?

No.

What is a reasonable accommodation?

It is a process of providing support, adaptations, training, and more to ensure that individual needs for participation are met in ways that are safe, financially sustainable, and do not fundamentally alter the nature of the recreation program or activity. Reasonable accommodations for city programs and activities are determined on an individual basis. Some examples include; an enhanced staff/participant ratio, behavior support plan, adapted equipment, and additional training to staff. 

Do participants receiving Inclusion Servies receive priority in registering for recreation programs? 

No.

Do participants receiving inclusion services receive exceptions to basic program requirements? 

Participants must be able to meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be used to assist a participant in meeting these requirements. Regardless of disability, participants must be able to meet the minimum requirements for age, capacity, and fee. 

Age override requests on the basis of disability will not be approved, unless participants without disabilities are also granted age overrides on a case-by-case basis. Age override requests will only be approved if the program is still age/grade appropriate. For example, a 15 year-old will not be approved for participation in a program designed for 5-7 year-old children regardless of cognitive or developmental abilities. 

Is transportation provided to and from recreation programs? 

No. However, transportation may be provided to and from activities that occur during recreation programs. Please include any accessibility needs related to transportation when requesting Inclusion Services. 

Are personal care or health services provided through Inclusion?

The city cannot provide personal care services. If an individual with a disability requires personal care assistance they may bring a companion or aide (at no additional charge or program fee and must pass a background check through the City of Coral Gables) to assist with personal care services. 

The background check process can take time, so please request early. 

Is behavioral therapy provided through Inclusion Services? 

No. However, as a reasonable accommodation, a participant may be accompanied by a behavioral therapist during a program. The therapist must pass a Level II background check through the City of Coral Gables. 

The background check process can take time, so please request early. 

What behavior standards apply to participants receiving Inclusion Services? 

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, the city expects all participants to treat people and facilities with respect and abide by all rules and direction from staff. The city reserves the right to refuse services to anyone for failure to abide by these standards. If a participant engages in behavior that creates a safety threat (direct threat), the city reserves the right to remove a participant from a program, activity, or service if that safety threat cannot be mitigated by staff intervention, provision of auxiliary aids, or services or modification in policies. In addition, a failure to comply with legitimate rules and standards for participation may result in exclusion from a program. Reasonable accommodations to rules and standards will be considered. 

May a participant bring their own 1:1 aide to provide assistance during a recreation program? 

Yes. As a reasonable accommodation, a participant may be accompanied by an aide during a recreation program. The aide must pass a Level II background check through the City of Coral Gables. 

The background check process can take time, so please request early. 

If I am receiving Inclusion Services and something about me or my participation changes, who do I notify? 

Please notify the Recreation Accessibility Coordinator of any disability related updates or changes. Non-disability related updates or changes should be communicated directly to the program staff. 

Are there any exceptions to the requirement to accommodate a participant with a disability? 

Yes. Programs are not required to accommodate a participant with a disability if doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or create an undue financial or administrative burden, or pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other that cannot be eliminated through reasonable modification. 

Who do I contact for more information or to request Inclusion Services? 

Please contact the Recreation Accessibility Coordinator via email PlayForAll@CoralGables.com or text (305) 978-1196.