Adaptive and Inclusive programs provide recreation opportunities for persons with special needs, including those with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. These programs are offered in safe, fun, structured, success-oriented environments in areas of sports/fitness, arts, independent living skills, social activities, and special events. The goal of each program is for the participants to have fun while learning a new skill, improving their physical fitness, or making new friends along the way. Registration is required for participation and class size is limited to assure quality instruction.

Davenport Parks and Recreation believes all individuals should be provided with recreation opportunities that allow for performance at their highest level of ability and encourages participation of children and adults with disabilities in all of its programs. Staff make every reasonable effort to ensure programs, activities and services are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.  Reasonable accommodations will be attempted for all programs. 

Davenport Parks and Recreation fully supports and complies with the efforts of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  And we recognize ADA standards meet the minimum for inclusion and, as such, we strive to exceed the standards whenever/wherever possible and practical.  We do this by incorporating inclusive design elements in parks, programs and through on-going park renovation projects.  Our programs, services and activities are accessible to all individuals with disabilities.  

Inclusion provides:

• A chance for individuals to participate in recreation and leisure activities

• Opportunities to increase skills and confidence

• Recreation opportunities for individuals with special needs in an environment which is natural, positive and supportive

• Support from peers, staff and the community

How to be included

To ensure appropriate accommodations are met, participants in need of accommodations must register at least two (2) weeks in advance of a class or program's start date.  At that time, individuals requesting modifications or auxiliary aids/services shall provide Davenport Parks and Recreation with notice that they seek an accommodation. Participants requesting an adaption can do so by contacting the Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Supervisor via email or via phone at 563.888.2219. The accommodation notice allows Davenport Parks and Recreation to evaluate and find the appropriate assistance, but will also continue to monitor progress throughout the program. This is done through ongoing communications with staff and the individual's family members if necessary.