Has anyone here been successful in getting Recreation and Leisure

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Ask for an evaluation/assessment in the area. Sometimes giving examples is helpful in getting IEP team members in to the discussion, since it is rarely discussed or assessed in a typical ARD process Below is guidance from NICHY that may be helpful in the discussionRecreation services generally are intended to help students with disabilities learn how to use their leisure and recreation time constructively. Through these services, students can learn appropriate and functional recreation and leisure skills (Schleien, Green, & Heyne, 1993). According to the IDEA '97 final regulations, recreation as a related service includes: assessment of leisure function; therapeutic recreation services; recreation programs in schools and community agencies; and leisure education. [section

300.24((10)] Recreational activities generally may fall into one or more of the following classifications: (1) physical, cultural, or social; (2) indoor or outdoor; (3) spectator or participant; (4) formal or informal; (5) independent, cooperative, or competitive; or (6) sports, games, hobbies, or toy play (Moon & Bunker, 1987). Recreational activities may be provided during the school day or in after-school programs in a school or a community environment. Some school districts have made collaborative arrangements with the local parks and recreation programs or local youth development programs to provide recreational services. As part of providing this related service, persons qualified to provide recreation carry out activities such as: assessing a student's leisure interests and preferences, capacities, functions, skills, and needs; providing recreation therapeutic services and activities to develop a

student's functional skills; providing education in the skills, knowledge, and attitudes related to leisure involvement; helping a student participate in recreation with assistance and/or adapted recreation equipment; providing training to parents and educators about the role of recreation in enhancing educational outcomes; identifying recreation resources and facilities in the community; and providing recreation programs in schools and community agencies. Rehabilitation Counseling ServicesTo err on the side of kindness is seldom an error. ~Liz Armbruster