Inclusion is the concept that people of all abilities can and should have the opportunity to recreate and interact together. Inclusion fosters an environment where everyone feels welcome to participate in the activities or programs of their choice regardless of actual or perceived limitations. All classes offered in the Recreation Guide are available for inclusion. People with special needs are encouraged to register for any activity that they wish to participate in, provided they meet the general class requirements. These requirements include age, gender, and specific class pre-requisites.

An accommodation is a modification to an activity or class that enables people with specific challenges or needs to participate fully or to their personal capability. The District requests a minimum of two weeks’ notice prior to the first activity meeting to determine whether reasonable accommodation is possible. Although the District will make every reasonable effort to meet your needs, unfortunately not all accommodation requests can be granted. Each request is evaluated by the District on a case-by-case basis.

How do I request a Recreation Companion?

The Park District will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy Park District programs, services, and activities. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid assistance for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the Park District should contact the ADA Coordinator Cody Ogren at 206.842.5661 #311 or codyogren@biparks.org.

With respect to personal services

• Feeding
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Medication Administration
• Behavior Monitoring (for example, to control aggression or flight risk)

The District will consider permitting a personal caregiver to accompany a paying participant. The caregiver would be arranged and paid for entirely by the participant. The caregiver would be solely responsible for ensuring that the participant’s personal services needs are met throughout the entire activity. District would waive all class and transportation fees for the caregiver when accompanying the participant. Contact the ADA Coordinator immediately after registering so the District can determine whether accompaniment by a caregiver would be a reasonable accommodation for the activity.

 A Recreation (Rec) Companion is a trained BIMPRD staff member or volunteer who provides individualized attention and support to facilitate an individual’s program participation.  The Rec Companion program strives to provide support for all participants, regardless of ability, wanting to participate in any recreation program.

For more information on how to request a Rec Companion or on how to become a Rec Companion contact the Adaptive & Accessibility Coordinator Cody Ogren at 206.842.5661 #311 or codyogren@biparks.org

1. Register for classes/activities in which you want to participate. Please ensure you meet the general class requirement to register for the course or training.

For example, you are the appropriate age and meet the prerequisites.

2. Contact the ADA Coordinator immediately after registering to request an accommodation. The District requests two weeks’ notice before the first activity date to determine whether a reasonable accommodation is possible.

ADA Coordinator

Cody Ogren, Adaptive and Accessibility Coordinator

Office: 206.842.5661 #311

Cell: 206.565.5811