Therapeutic Recreation - Modifications and Support

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How do I request modification and support services?

Disclaimer:

If you plan to register your child or teen for a McBeth camp program you do NOT need to complete the modification and support services request. If you register your child or teen for McBeth and another PARD location camp you will need to complete the inclusion support services request. To register for McBeth, Alamo or Dottie Jordan adult programs please refer to Therapeutic Recreation Services.

At the City of Austin, we prioritize an individualized approach to modification and support services. It is important for us to gather individualized information in order to meet the unique needs of each participant. Program modification requests must be submitted annually. Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support staff will begin processing modification requests for summer camp 2025 on Monday February 3rd, 2025.

Program Modification Requests

1. Complete an Online Registration. This form gives you the opportunity to consent to services and formally request ADA modification by selecting ‘Yes’ under Accessibility Accommodation Request.  
2. Complete Acknowledgment Form for support services.
3. Complete the Family/Child Profile.
   1. If you are a returning to PARD programming, please update your information HERE. 
4. Schedule an Assessment. This is a conversation to discuss the accommodations requested as well as an opportunity for us to learn more about your participant prior to attending camp this summer/year.
   1. For returning participants: This will be a virtual meeting where the previous year’s modification plan will be reviewed, and edits will be made. Attendance by the participant is optional. Please plan 30 minutes for this appointment.
   2. For new participants: This will be an in-person meeting held at the site in which your child will attend programming. These assessments take approximately 1-2 hours, and the participant needs to be present. 

*If you prefer paper copies of these forms please visit your local recreation center and ask for "Program Modification Request" forms.

Next Steps:

1. Attend your scheduled assessment time allowing the Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support service Coordinator to meet the participant and assess their level of need.
2. The Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support service Coordinator will write an Individualized Modification Plan and send it to the family for review.
3. The family will review and suggest edits to the proposed Modification Plan.  When all edits have been made the family will send a signed copy back to Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support (inclusion@austintexas.gov).
4. Start receiving services in accordance with the Modification Plan!

*Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support services cannot be put in place until all the information has been received, an assessment has been conducted, and a modification plan has been approved. Please complete the paperwork in a timely manner as the process can take up to two weeks to complete.

*To continue to meet the current needs of all participants, Individuals will need to complete this process annually. This allows us to make sure all our services are up-to-date and accurately reflect participant needs.

How do I request a sign language interpreter?

All Interpreter Request must be made via email to Inclusion Support Services inclusion@austintexas.gov

Interpreter requests should be submitted a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the desired date. Any requests received less than 72 hours before the required date may not be accommodated. Additionally, please note that a distinct request is necessary for each event or program. Follow the outlined steps below to initiate the interpreter request process.

Step 1: Send a Written Request to Inclusion Support Services

Your interpreter request email must include the following information:

• Date or Date Range: including the specific day of the week. Example: every Wednesday from 6/1-7/25 or Tuesday, 3/15/23

• Time: if the time, Inclusion MUST be notified.

• Location: include name of recreation center AND physical address of the event

• Other Clarifying Information:

  • Name of sport or type of event

  • Name of team or coach and their contact number

  • Number of participants needing an interpreter

  • Age of participant(s)

  • Contact person requesting the interpreter and phone number

Step 2: Review Interpreter Confirmation for Accuracy

Once an interpreter has been scheduled, Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support will receive a written confirmation via email from the interpreting agency. This confirmation will be forwarded to the requesting party for verification. It is the responsibility of the requesting party to review the confirmation and check for accuracy of dates, times, and other information. Any inaccuracies should be reported to Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support immediately via email.

Canceling a Request:

If the times, location, or other details change, or the event is canceled, it is the responsibility of the requesting party to notify Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support immediately of these changes. Interpreting agencies require a minimum of 24 hours to cancel an interpreter. Failure to inform Therapeutic Recreation - Modification and Support on cancellations may result in insufficient funds to provide this service to your participants in the future.

Therapeutic Recreation - Modifications and Support Services Staff

• Recreation Program Supervisor: Rachel Hyde, CTRS
• Recreation Program Coordinator: Emmanuel Turner, CTRS
• Recreation Program Coordinator: Vacant
• Recreation Program Coordinator: Vacant