The
Inclusion and Accessibility program is an important program
at Camp Butwin. Ann Hoffer, the St. Paul JCC Inclusion and
Accessibility Director, supervises the inclusion program at
camp. Many positive experiences occur as a result of inclusion
for people with disabilities who attend camp. The children
with disabilities are able to express in a variety of ways
what it feels like to be a part of a group; make friends and
renew old relationships; experience and learn new leisure
and recreation skills; and gain self-confidence and self-esteem.
This
is the 22nd consecutive summer that children with cognitive,
physical and/or social disabilities will participate in inclusive
groups at Camp Butwin. These children have a variety of diagnoses
including autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, developmental
disabilities, epilepsy, ADHD and muscular dystrophy. At Camp
Butwin, however, abilities are emphasized -- not disabilities.
At Camp Butwin, children with disabilities have the opportunity
to develop friendships with peers without disabilities as
they take part in a full range of camp activities.
Each
child will be included as a member of a group with children
without disabilities, and will have one-on-one assistance
if needed from an Inclusion Facilitator. Camp staff will receive
training in how to include a child with special needs into
group activities. Peers without disabilities will receive
awareness orientations about disabilities and will learn to
interact with other children who have disabilities.
This
unique learning opportunity is provided through generous contributions
from United Way of the St. Paul Area, United Jewish Fund and
Council and several private donors. For further information
about the JCC Inclusion and Accessibility Program at camp,
or if you have specific questions about a situation your child
has encountered, please contact Ann Hoffer, Inclusion and
Accessibility Director at 651-255-4759.
