Self-Determination in Leisure Activities Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Self-Determination in Leisure Activities Speakers: Susan Fleming, Executive Director Peggy Welker, LMSW, St. Louis County Coordinator Welcome & Introductions

Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Working to promote and support recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1983 We believe that Recreation is for EVERYONE and EVERYONE should have CHOICES! www.recreationcouncil.org

Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Serving St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County in Missouri Information and Referral Services Vouchers to Help Fund Individualized Supports and Leisure & Recreation Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Publications Highlighting Available Recreation Opportunities in One’s Community Community Presentations & Trainings Adapted Recreation Equipment Loan

Fundraisers and Special Events OUR FUNDING SOURCES Recreation Council Greater St. Louis Funding from SB40 Boards Fundraisers and Special Events

Why are Recreation & Leisure Opportunities Important to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities? Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Health, Social and Physical Benefits Friendship Development Learning New Skills Feeling Part of Their Community Being with Their Peers and Sharing Common Interests And Don’t Forget the FUN!

INCLUSION LOOKS LIKE . . . Being accepted and appreciated for who you are . . . Assume competency! Being with friends who share your interest, not your disability Having the same choices and opportunities in recreation as other people Activities that don’t limit individuals because of social or environmental barriers Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

WHAT IS INCLUSION . . . Providing the necessary individual adaptations, accommodations, and supports so everyone can benefit equally Facilities and areas that are accessible and easy to use by everyone Staff & volunteers that provide individual support to assist someone in having a positive experience Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

WHAT ARE INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES . . . Programs that welcome and encourage participation by everyone in the community Programs & services that provide a variety of options to meet many different needs Communication, coordination, and shared responsibility among individuals with disabilities, family members, educators, recreation providers and others Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

Recreation & Leisure – Choice in Opportunities Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

Promoting Self-Determination CHOICE Participants apply for vouchers to offer choice Participant completes application RC processes & approves the voucher. Voucher is issues to participant, Service Provider & file. RC provides invoice to Service Provider; Provider invoices RC for service.

Camp (Residential/Overnight) Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Voucher allows participant choice of ANY camp they show us is a viable experience. Inclusive or specialized, in state or out of state Voucher can pay for the cost of the camp or the cost of the support person up to $550/$725 based on participants’ support needs

Camp (Residential/Overnight) Barnabas Big Stuff (Missouri) Boy Scout Camp Camp Independence (Chicago, IL) Camp Encourage Camp Akeela Camp Sabra Camp Weloki DASA MO S&T US Golf Camp - Nike Sports Camp (Nebraska) Meramec Learning Ranch UMSL Succeed Sunnyhill YMCA Lakewood Wonderland Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

More Recreation & Leisure Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

Adventure/Experiential Learning This voucher allows individuals ages 18+with I/DD access to their choice of at least one experiential adventure program which offers skill development in the areas of socialization, independent living, experiential learning and/or community integration. Voucher can be used for the cost of the experience or the cost of the support person up to $720 based on your choice. Examples of experiences include going to the city of Fountains (Kansas City), Memphis, Park & Recreation travel programs, YMCA Trout Lodge and other destinations.

After School There are very few after-school programs for kids over the age of 13, often because this is the age most kids can stay home alone by themselves. Many children with I/DD require after-school care due to their support needs. RC’s after-school voucher program enables working families to choose their care provider for after-school services for their son/daughter ages 13-21 to meet their unique family needs. Families can choose between a combo of in-home, out-of-home or organized after-school program. We fund a portion of the cost. RC reimburses the care provider directly. Parent signs off on invoice.

Recreation Support in the community Assists individuals of all ages who are in need of support to assist them in addressing personal care issues and/or significant behaviors in community- based recreation programs that are open to the general public. Allows individual to hire a support provider of their choice to address their unique needs. Up to 80 hours of service per fiscal year. Up to $9/hour

C.A.R.E. – Community Access Recreation Experience Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis This voucher provides an individual with I/DD the opportunity to choose a community-based/inclusive recreation program that best meets their interests and support needs. The voucher will pay up to $350 per year per participant for programs of choice. RC pays the Service Provider directly. 80% of participants were new to the RC and used the voucher for programs such as . . .

C.A.R.E. – How Funds Were Used Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Adapted Cycles Boxing Lessons Swim Lessons Karate Parks & Recreation Programs Day Camps Summer overnight Camps Technology Program Climbing Programs and so many more opportunities offered to ALL individuals (inclusive)

Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Q & A Time Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis For More Information Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis 200 S. Hanley Road, Suite 100 St. Louis, Missouri 63105 www.recreationcouncil.org