1. 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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. More Recreation & Leisure
Recreation Council
of Greater St. Louis

14. 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.

15. 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 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.

16. 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

17. 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 . . .

18. 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)

19. 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