- What is Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy?
- Does Lansing Parks & Recreation provide transportation?
- How early should I arrive before the start of the program?
- What happens in bad weather?
- Are programs open to people without disabilities?


What is Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy?
    It is a profession in which a student must complete a comprehensive and broad background of study on disabilities, assessments, evaluation and the ability to develop, implement and document progress based upon a comprehensive plan of service.
    A Recreation Therapist uses the tools of recreation to provide for increase in physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills.  An example is using tri-ominoes for number recognition or learning to count.  In addition this game can be used to help a person develop strategic processes much like chest or checkers.  Each person participating in the game might be their for different reasons based upon the assessment and program plan.
    Upon graduation and and national testing a student will be eligible for certification.  They will have the credentialing identified as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Does Lansing Parks & Recreation provide transportation?
    We do not provide transportation.  We work in-conjunction with the school district and Dean Transportation for after-school programs.   Spec-Tran is informed of programs and times which assists people who are making arrangements for transportation.  I also contact both companies when we have an emergency change in plans.  An example is when we have a severe snow storm late in the day which would effect after-school or evening programs.
    We have contracted with the Lansing School District and Dean Transportation for some of our special events that involve transportation to another place other then a Lansing Park & Recreation facility.

How early should I arrive before the start of the program?
    While most of our building will be open before your arrival, it is important to remember the staff leading and assisting in the program may not be onsite until 15 minutes prior to the start time.  I also keep staff afterwards to assist with late transportation by 15 minutes. 
    If you do not need any assistance and are comfortable waiting for your program by more then that be sure the building will be open prior to your early arrival.

What happens in bad weather?
    If you are at one of our facilities the staff will assist you in following safety guidelines for fire, tornadoes, or other catastrophes.  If you are at one of our parks you will be assisted in seeking shelter.  If we are using a facility other the a LP&R facility you will follow the procedures established by the management of the facility.  Staff will always assist in providing you a safe environment.

Are programs open to people without disabilities?
    Yes.  It is important to note that some of the accommodations we make to offer a program are: an increase in staff to consumer ratio, use of equipment to increase or make accessible the activity.
    We have had some youth without disabilities participate in day camps, pre and post camps along with special events.

Is there bowling when the Lansing School District has a day off?
    Yes.  We run a fall, winter/spring session.  The school district maybe closed for in-service days, spring break or bad weather but the Tuesday bowling program will still take place unless otherwise noted. 

Have you every canceled a program because of weather?
    Yes.  When that happens I contact the T.V. and radio stations to ask that they make the announcement.  I call transportation businesses and notify them of the cancellation.  I will also try to call each person to let them know. 

I move around or change phone numbers or case managers often.  Is it important to let you know this information?
    Yes.  Whenever you register make sure you ask to update your personal information.  This is helpful when we need to contact someone because of an emergency, a bus is running late or the program is canceled.  Current information on who to contact, your address and phone number is important.

What is a reasonable accommodation?  or Inclusion?
    It is a priority to make the program accessible and user friendly to all people regardless of skill or ability.  We have provided interpreters for people who are deaf, additional support staff in aquatic exercise classes, support staff at the ice skating program, advance written and diagramed information of what will be presented in a program.  These are some methods of reasonable accommodations that support inclusion.

What is the procedure for assistance with reasonable accommodations?
    Contact the CTRS on staff and identify the program in which the support is needed.  The CTRS will be sure to assist you to find the needed support.  The more advanced notice for accommodations the easier it becomes to find the support systems.  The conversation with the CTRS should help to analyze the information, request and put into action a plan for the accommodation.