Summer camps

This is the time of year that parents often sign up their children for sumer camps. If you think your child is eligible for ESY, as outlined in previous posts, summer camp may be a way to meet the need for FAPE.

There are many camps for children with special needs listed here.

However, don't forget that your child with a disability is a CHILD first. You should consider camps for non-disabled students as well. My own child is participating in camps through the YMCA and our local school district. They often offer camps that focus on "life skills": cooking, crafts, etc in a way that allows him to be with non disabled peers. In addition to the YMCA, you can look at local parks programs and library programs. If you live in the Indianapolis area, Indy's Child has a very comprehensive guide to summer camps.

With the schools becoming ever more focused on standardized testing, sometimes at the expense of the arts, music and physical education, camps offer many of those programs, and the ability to socialize.