Camps must make reasonable accommodations for all children
Indianapolis -As summer is officially upon us, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler wants to remind camp organizers and parents that all children are welcome to attend camps, especially those with disabilities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is circulating a flyer to hundreds of summer camps located within the Southern District of Indiana reminding them of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA").
Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modifications to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This generally means that children with disabilities are entitled to attend any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, that camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and that camps must train their staff in the requirements of the ADA. Camps are obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for disabled children to participate in camp activities, and parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs.
“Summer camps present tremendous growth opportunities for children to learn independence, try new activities and gain self-confidence," Minkler said. “The law requires camps to provide equal opportunities to disabled children whose needs can be reasonably accommodated."
Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, the ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (Voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TTY) or by contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (317) 226-6333, Toll-Free (888) 368-5067, TTY (317) 226-5438 or via e-mail at usains.webmaster@usdoj.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
