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By Summer Stanley
It’s that time of year—time to sign up for summer camps! For parents of children with disabilities, it might be a bit more difficult to find the right program.
According to Care.com, there are a few different types of camps:
- Camps for children with specific disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, or diabetes, allow kids to befriend others with similar abilities and to learn specific skills and coping strategies.
- Camps for children with any disability offer a diverse environment while still meeting the needs of each individual.
- Inclusive camps serve children with and without disabilities. This type of camp may be a good fit for kids who participate in the general education curriculum.
When looking for a camp for your child, consider the following factors:
- Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA)? Camps that are accredited by the ACA have met certain standards for camp operation, program quality, and health and safety.
- Who is organizing and running the camp? Make sure you approve of their philosophy and activities.
- How long is the camp? Lengths can vary from one day to several weeks.
- Are the grounds accessible for your child? This can include community buildings, cabins, trails, bathrooms, pools, lakes, and transportation.
- Is the staff trained for your child’s needs? What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
- Is the camp equipped to handle a variety of medical and behavioral issues?
No matter what type of camp you choose, if your child has fun, stays safe, and has an enriching experience, you can consider summer camp a success! Visit VerySpecialCamps.com for a comprehensive list of camps for children with disabilities throughout the country with links to each camp’s website.
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