Inclusion Services

Inclusion with the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities (PRCF) means that individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in the same recreation programs and activities as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable modifications are provided to enable an individual’s successful participation in a program. Some minimum eligibility requirements must be met in order to participate.

The same minimum requirements that apply to a person without a disability also apply to a person with a disability. These include:

• Meeting the age and registration requirement of the program.
• Following the rules of conduct.
• Voluntary participation: participation will be aided and encouraged, but not forced.
• Ability to use consistent form of communication to indicate basic needs and follow simple directions.
• Ability to tolerate and function, with assistance, as a member of a large social group (12 or more people)
• Engagement in scheduled activities for the majority of the time. 

Below are some possible examples of reasonable modifications that are available to promote successful participation.

• Ongoing training provided to staff for inclusion support.
• Enhanced staff to participant ratios.
• Sign Language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Adaptive activity equipment and/or supplies.
• Assistance in the provision of health services which do not require medical training.

Inclusion services do not include:

• Provision of a separate area or alternate activity for a significant portion (more than 25%) of the program.
• Exception to minimum compliance with program rules and regulations that are established for the safety of all participants and staff.
• Hiring, selecting or guaranteeing the assignment of specific staff members.
• Individualized therapy within a program.
• Provision and/or purchase of personal custom device.

We also offers alternative choices through specialized recreation activities that are offered specifically for individuals with disabilities ages 6 through adulthood. The adaptive program offers a wide variety of sports, recreation and social opportunities for youth and adults with varying ability levels. 

We partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to become the first Parks & Recreation agency in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). It is our goal to provide every family with an enjoyable and memorable experience while in our facilities or programs, and we are proud to offer specialized services to individuals with autism and other special needs.