ADA & Inclusion
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is committed to ensuring individuals of all abilities have an equal opportunity to participate in our programs, services, and activities.
Recreation Programs
Here at Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, we strive to authentically create a welcoming and accessible environment for people of all abilities and backgrounds! Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers adaptive programs which are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. You do not have to be a member of the Monon Community Center or a Carmel resident to register. Our programs are available to anyone who would benefit from our offerings.
Adaptive Recreation Program Overview
My experience at the Monon Community Center has been awesome! I love all the classes and the fun people that I get to meet. There are some really nice instructors too! They try to get everyone involved and help us meet and talk with each other. Since I moved to Indiana, knew no one, the Monon Community Center programs and instructors have helped me meet lots of friends.
– Creighton, participant
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Inclusive VS Adaptive Recreation
- Inclusive recreation programs provide the opportunity for people with and without disabilities to participate in the same activity. For inclusive services to be successful, inclusion must be a value that is shared by all parties involved, including agencies, staff, families, participants, and the greater community. May also be referred to as integration.
- Adapted recreation programs are modified to meet the needs of a specific group of participants. This could be through equipment, content and rules, structure, support, or environment.
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Requests for ADA Modifications
All of our programs are inclusive. If you or your family member would like to participate in any program or use our facility, we can make reasonable modifications to meet your needs. Requests for modifications must be made at least one month before participation.
- The Waterpark Modifications
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Grievance Process + Form
If you recently visited a CCPR park/facility or participated in one of our programs and believe that there is an accessibility or inclusion issue that is covered under the ADA, please bring it to our attention within 60 days by filling out a Grievance Form. Potential issues should be notified in writing whenever possible, however, if you are unable to write due to a disability, please contact our Kelvin Solares at 317.573.5237 or ksolares@carmelclayparks.com to discuss alternate delivery methods. Once a grievance is filed, you will receive confirmation of receipt within 48 business hours from the CCPR Inclusion Team. The Department will conduct an analysis of the grievance and contact you with the final resolution within 120 days.
If this does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, qualified individuals may submit an appeal within 15 days of the decision. Appeals should be in writing addressed to CCPR Inclusion Supervisor Kelvin Solares, ksolares@carmelclayparks.com, or agreed upon alternative delivery method from original submittal. All appeals will receive a written response within 30 days of receipt.
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Meet the Team
Kelvin Solares
Inclusion Program Supervisor
317.573.5237
ksolares@carmelclayparks.com -
Volunteer
Interested in becoming a support volunteer for our Adaptive programs? Come join us! Adaptive programs focus on providing skill-building, social, and recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities. We offer ongoing opportunities, volunteers will work with the Inclusion Supervisor to create a regular schedule. Applicants must be 18 years old and pass a background check.
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Person First Language
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation encourages all to embrace person first language. When you put the person first, then you are focusing on the individual instead of the disability. Words are powerful. Old, inaccurate descriptors and the inappropriate use of medical diagnoses cause negative stereotypes and reinforce a significant social barrier. Person first language puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, not who a person is. If possible do not mention the disability, describe the person and their strengths. In communication with people with disabilities be careful not to imply that people with disabilities are to be pitied, feared, or ignored, or that they are somehow more heroic, courageous, patient, or ‘special’ than others. Always remember that people with disabilities are people.
Person First Language Information Sheet
Parks & Greenways
We incorporate universal design principles at all of our parks, which means spaces are designed with amazing features that can be enjoyed by all people – including kids and adults with disabilities. Want to learn more about some of the accessible features at our parks? Click through each park below! Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of accessible features at our parks.
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River Heritage Park
Inclusive Playground Experience The park’s playground has two main sections: the front pod, which is located at the entrance of the park, and the back trail, which winds through the wooded areas extending toward the White River.
Both sections feature play pieces that are wheelchair accessible, including a swing and merry-go-round. Play experiences along the back trail provide options for parkgoers with varying levels of mobility and body strength. The public can look forward to zip lines, climbing structures, and more.
Wheelchair Accessible Nature Trail
A looping .75-mile immersive nature trail invites parkgoers on an adventure through the forest and along the White River. The unique trail has a hard, rubberized surface that is wheelchair friendly.
This surfacing was chosen specifically to give a different, more natural feel as opposed to asphalt. To add to the overall immersive nature theme, the rubber was crafted in rich earth tones and is permeable to easily allow stormwater to filter through the surface.
White River Overlooks
Along the backside of the park, there are two overlooks that offer tranquil viewing of the White River.The structures, which are fixed several feet from the water’s edge, are wheelchair-friendly and feature foot railings for safety and unobstructed viewing for parkgoers who may be in a wheelchair.
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Meadowlark Park
The pond at Meadowlark Park is the best fishing spot here in Carmel! It’s part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Urban Fishing Program, which means it’s carefully stocked with fish like rainbow trout and catfish each year. The fishing pier is wheelchair accessible. -
Carey Grove Park
Do you hear that? It’s music at Carey Grove Park! Musical features are incorporated throughout the playground to make it our very first musical park. Not only are the musical features lovely to look at, they also add a unique learning and exploratory component for park visitors. Research by the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation found that there are a plethora of benefits for introducing music into early childhood play. Music allows kids to combine mental and physical skills, and in the long run can help with motor skills, cognitive development, social skills and even literacy!
Extended School Enrichment & Summer Camp Series
During the school year, CCPR offers the Extended School Enrichment (ESE) program. Through this program, we offer on-site after-school care at all 11 Carmel Clay elementary schools. During the summer months, our team offers 10+ summer camp options for ages 5-15 via the Summer Camp Series (SCS). We are committed to being an inclusive program. By making reasonable accommodations, our inclusion model allows participants of many different ability levels to join our program.
“I am blown away by the efforts by the ESE staff to include my son, Connor, who has significant special needs, in the ESE program. From getting special activities that Connor will enjoy, to working with the school staff to make sure he is safe and comfortable- they have all gone above and beyond. I cannot say enough good things about how caring, welcoming and overall awesome the program has been for him and us. Thank you so much for welcoming us into the ESE family!”
-ESE Parent
- ESE/SCS Inclusion Statement
- ESE/SCS Behavior Rubric
- ESE/SCS Request for Modification
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Grievances
If you have questions/concerns regarding Extended School Enrichment or Summer Camp Series, please contact ESE/SCS Inclusion + Engagement Supervisor Aimee Rich at arich@carmelclayparks.com.
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Meet the Team
Aimee Rich
Inclusion + Engagement Supervisor
317.843.3866
arich@carmelclayparks.com
Resources
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National Laws
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TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED (“ADA”), is a federal law protecting qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination. This law applies to all state and local government agencies.
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SECTION 1557 OF THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 (“Section 1557 of ACA”) is a civil rights provision of ACA that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. This law applies to entities receiving federal financial assistance.
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Indiana Agencies + Policy
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This publication is an overview of the Indiana Governor’s Councils stance on leadership, health care, education, employment, transportation, community supports for children and adults, and legal justice issues for people with disabilities.https://www.in.gov/gpcpd/policy-platform/
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The Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) Commission is the governing authority of Indiana Disability Rights. The Commission is responsible for assuring adequate legal and advocacy services for the protection, promotion, and empowerment of the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities throughout Indiana. https://www.in.gov/idr/
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Definitions
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DISABILITY is defined as a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include: caring for one’s self, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning.
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QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY is defined in Title II ADA as “an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.
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Website Accessibility
This site was developed according to ADA best practices, meeting the ADA Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG 2.0 A, AA) rules. The CCPR website also has the UserWay widget, which allows website visitors to use a variety of visual aid tools and translate website content into 30+ languages.