OasisLMS

This course provides an introduction to practices that support the participation of all youth in recreation and camp programs, with a particular focus on youth with disabilities.Utilizing Recreation and Camps: Including Youth with Disabilities - A Guide to Effective Approaches, this course translates key concepts into practical, easy-to-apply strategies.

Participants will explore the benefits of accessible recreation, learn how to implement accommodations and support strategies, and develop skills to create welcoming environments where all youth can participate. The course also emphasizes collaboration with families and community partners while providing real-world examples, activities, and resources to support successful program implementation. Recreation, enrichment, and youth development professionals will leave with practical tools and greater confidence to adapt programs that engage youth of all abilities.

Each module builds on sections of the guide, offering deeper insight into accessible practices. The full guide is provided at the end of the course as a reference for continued learning and application.

Links seen on the presentation slides are available to access as you work throughout each module. For links seen in the references slide at the end of each module, please refer to the guide to access the active link. 

• Explain how recreation benefits youth with and without disabilities.
• Identify respectful ways to communicate and interact with individuals with disabilities.
• Implement accommodations and supports to increase successful participation of youth in recreation activities.
• Utilize tools and strategies to create accessible recreation opportunities that support meaningful participation of youth with disabilities.
• Collaborate with participants, families, and community organizations to support accessible programming.
• Access resources to strengthen disability-inclusive recreation practices and program development.

• Disability awareness and respectful language
• Benefits of recreation for youth with and without disabilities
• Types of recreation and camp programs

• Understanding the “bridge the gap” participation framework 
• Types and examples of accommodations 

• Importance of participant and family input
• Positive behavior supports and visual tools
• Peer support and cooperative activities
• Universal Design for Learning 
• Modifications 
• Facilitator training

• Why partnerships are important
• Identifying day camps and community partners
• Planning and collaboration considerations

• Accessible activity examples 
• Adapting activities using accommodations and supports

• Tools for working with participants and their families
• Inclusive recreation organizations and trainings for continued learning
• Practical guides and planning resources

• Summary of key concepts
• Encouragement to implement strategies, apply practices, and build partnerships
• Access the Recreation and Camps: Including Youth with Disabilities guide