In Nashville, U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis has issued a reminder to summer camps across Middle Tennessee about their legal responsibility to accommodate children with disabilities. This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that children with disabilities have the same opportunities to participate in summer camp activities as their non-disabled peers.
As summer draws near and parents start planning activities for their children, the U.S. Attorney’s Office took proactive steps by distributing a letter and a flyer to numerous summer camps within the Middle District of Tennessee. These materials underscore the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that both privately operated and municipal summer camps make reasonable adjustments to allow children with disabilities to fully engage in camp programs and activities.
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The ADA establishes that children with disabilities have the right to attend any camp that is available to non-disabled children. This involves evaluating each child’s needs on an individual basis and ensuring that camp staff are adequately trained on the ADA’s requirements. Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that the costs associated with any necessary modifications for disabled children to participate should be covered by the camps, and that parents should not face any additional fees beyond the standard enrollment costs.
U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis emphasized the significant benefits that summer camps offer children, including the chance to learn independence, explore new interests, and build self-confidence. He highlighted that children with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for growth and development as their peers, which is not only the right approach but also a legal obligation.
For further details about the ADA and the responsibilities of summer camps, individuals are encouraged to visit www.ada.gov.
Source: Read Original Release