This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Inclusion Program Helps Residents With Disabilities In University City Participate In Community Recreation

The program managed by the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis is in its 20th year of service.

Twelve-year-old Seth Young of University City likes to create origami, make paper airplanes and read a lot. He’s a bit of a recluse and doesn’t make friends easily. He also has Aspberger’s Syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. 

“Aspberger’s kids are socially inept,” said Christy Young, Seth’s mother. They have difficulty interacting with others, which is all the more amazing that Seth likes to attend summer camp at Heman Park. The Mid-County Inclusion Program helps. The program makes it easier for Seth to fit in and make friends at summer camp. He’s participated in the program since he’s been five years old, and according to his mom, is enrolling again this summer. 

Broadly speaking, ‘inclusion’ is when people of all abilities participate side-by-side in activities and events offered by their local parks and recreation departments. It enables children and adults with disabilities to engage in existing recreational activities — from craft classes and summer day camps, to sports leagues — by providing them with the accommodations they need, at no additional cost. However, there still may be an activity fee, and personal care is not provided. 

Find out what's happening in University Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The program provides Seth with a support person, on site at Heman Park, who helps him navigate relationships and control his feelings so he can better participate in camp activities. “He is the go-to person if Seth is having a melt-down or a rough day,” said Young. 

Inclusion allows Seth “to hang out with like-minded and ‘normal’ kids in a relaxed setting,” she said.  And when kids of different abilities play together, barriers tend to break down, said Mary Furfaro, inclusion coordinator for the mid-county region. “Helping to facilitate the process is critical, and that’s the piece I offer,” she said. 

Find out what's happening in University Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The mid-county region includes University City, Clayton, Brentwood, Webster Groves and Maryland Heights. North and southwest St. Louis counties also have inclusion programs and coordinators.

It’s the coordinator’s job to make sure the welcome mat is out and the porch light is on, so to speak.  “We focus on the person first, not their disability,” said Furfaro. “For instance, I’m a person who walks, not a walking person,” she said. “I’m here to make sure that people with disabilities get what they need, and that the facility is accessible.” 

The process usually begins with a call from the local parks and recreation department to the local coordinator about a registrant, typically a child, who may need help participating in a class or activity. The city supplies the inclusion coordinator with names and telephone numbers of the parents or guardian; a meeting is scheduled.   “We talk about their child’s abilities as opposed to their disabilities,” said Furfaro.

Parents or guardians complete a detailed two-page recreational assessment, and answer questions about the participant’s ability to comprehend and communicate, as well as what he or she likes to do. After the assessment is reviewed and other necessary information is obtained, Furfaro determines what type of support service is needed. 

Support can be as simple, yet significant, as providing a welcoming environment, modifying the class activity, changing the staff-to-student ratio, and, when absolutely necessary, supplying a support person to accompany the participant during the activity Seth’s support person has been a young African-American man. “It helps that he has someone he can relate to, like a brother,” said Young. “He helps keep him (Seth) focused and in line.” 

Independent participation is the goal, however.  Since the St. Louis County inclusion program was established 20 years ago, children and adults with autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and epilepsy have participated in local recreational programs, craft classes and day camps. It has bolstered self-esteem, provided socialization, and taught skills and sports. Seth, for example, has learned to swim and play tennis at summer camp. It has also fostered a sense of community. “That’s good for everyone,” said Furfaro. 

While inclusive services are free to residents, there are costs with the program, and they are borne by the individual cities, and an annual grant from the Productive Living Board for St. Louis County Citizens with Developmental Disabilities.  The board is supported by a property tax levy that passed in 1979. Despite a reduction in their revenues, the Productive Living Board is committed to the inclusive services program.

“It is a very important program that is well established and has a good track record of performance,” said Joyce Prage, executive director. “Their funding is secure.” And that makes Christy Young happy. “I am real pleased with the program and what has occurred (to Seth) during his time there,” she said. “I am grateful.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from University City