“Atlanto-Axial Instability”
Individuals with Down Syndrome are at risk of having a condition known as Atlanto-Axial Instability (AAI). This condition allows for increased laxity of ligaments involving the top bones of the neck. In a number of individuals with Down Syndrome, the movement between the first and second cervical vertebrae is abnormally increased and may lead to pressure on the spinal cord. Undue pressure on this area may cause severe injury. It is a SWSRA policy that any individual with Down Syndrome is required to have a doctor’s written note on file stating the person is free of AAI if that person wishes to participate in any program with a potential to cause undue stress upon the neck. Programs with the * sign are identified as those requiring the AAI test. SWSRA will also be offering other programs that are not by inherent nature of the activity at risk for undue pressure upon the neck. However, the nature of play is active participation. Please take this into consideration when enrolling your child into a program and inform staff if the condition is present.
A Gentle Reminder
SWSRA asks that participants arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of a program or slated pick-up time, and be picked up promptly at the end of the program or slated drop-off time. Being early or late for pick-up, drop-off, starting and ending times of programs is detrimental to the quality and success of our activities and the safety of our participants.
Behavior Code of Conduct
SWSRA participants are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. The following guidelines have been developed to help make SWSRA programs safe and enjoyable for all participants. Additional rules may be developed for particular programs and athletic leagues as deemed necessary by staff.
Participants will:
- Show respect to all participants and staff and take direction from staff.
- Refrain from using abusive or foul language.
- Refrain from causing bodily harm to self or others.
- Show respect to equipment, supplies and facilities.
Discipline
Positive approaches will be used regarding discipline. Staff will periodically review rules with participants during the program session. If inappropriate behavior occurs, prompt resolution will be sought specific to each individual situation. SWSRA reserves the right to dismiss a participant whose behavior endangers the safety of him/herself or others.
South West Special Recreation Association is committed to the safety and well being of staff and patrons. All acts of violence by program participants will be taken seriously, and SWSRA will promptly respond to any incident or suggestion of violence. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or denial of participation, at the discretion of SWSRA.
Dispensing of Medication
If a participant is in need of assistance (other than a reminder) to take a prescription medication, a permission form MUST BE signed by the parent or guardian and returned to SWSRA before the first day of registration. Medication information must also be indicated on the SWSRA Master registration – this assists SWSRA in determining its ability to comply with any request to assist with the administration of medication. Contact SWSRA to obtain a permission form. [PLEASE NOTE THAT SWSRA DOES NOT ADMINISTER RECTAL MEDICATION]
The Dispensing of Medication Form can be found on the forms page under the information tab.
Inclusion Policy
SWSRA and our member agencies believe that all individuals should be provided with leisure opportunities that allow for performance at their highest level of ability. Although many people achieve this through participation in a SWSRA program, others may have greater success and the member agencies adhere to the following basic principles when providing accommodations to allow for successful inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the activities of member recreation agencies.
Principles of Inclusion:
- The interests and needs of an individual participant will be addressed.
- The concerns of the family will be taken into account.
- The member agency staff will be given support by SWSRA.
- Options and choices will be made available to individuals with disabilities.
Please contact SWSRA at 708-389-9423 to discuss an individual’s options and participation in the program of choice.
Late Pick Up Fee
Please pick-up participants at the designated times.
If parents/guardians are not on time for a participant pick-up/drop-off, a $5 fee will be assessed after 15 minutes late and every 15 minutes thereafter. Thank you for your cooperation.
Mandated Reporters
All SWSRA staff are mandated by the State of Illinois to make a report to DCFS hotline if they observe a situation that provides reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect. Workers in certain professions, including “recreational program” personnel, have this legal mandate. Our staff is trained on signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, and procedures for making a report.
Master Registration Form
SWSRA requires all participants to complete a Master Registration Form yearly. The form provides staff with valuable information, which allows SWSRA to conduct its activities in the safest possible manner and to meet the basic needs of participants. If you are new to SWSRA or do not have a current form on file, please contact the office and one will be sent to you. Additionally, if the agency receives a registration form and does not have a Master Registration Form on file, one will be sent to you to complete and return. If at any time the form needs to be updated (change in medication, behavior, address, etc.) please call the SWSRA office. All information is kept strictly confidential and enhances successful participation. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Master Registration Form can be found on the forms page under the information tab.
Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF)
A $25.00 Service charge will be assessed for any returned check and any future registration will need to be paid in cash.
Participation When Illness Occurs
In consideration of other participants and the SWSRA staff, to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses it is recommended that participants refrain from attending programs when any of the following conditions exist:
- Fever of 100 degrees or higher
- Vomiting within the last 24 hours
- Persistent diarrhea in conjunction with other symptoms
- Contagious rash or a rash of unknown origin
- Persistent cough and/or cold symptoms
- “Pink eye” (conjunctivitis) or discharge from the eye
- Symptoms of mumps, measles, chicken pox, strep throat, flu, impetigo or coxsackie virus
- Runny nose with yellow or green discharge (which indicates infection)
- Lice or mites present
- Fatigue, due to illness that will hinder participation and enjoyment in the program
Please notify the SWSRA office if the participant contracts any contagious illness that will affect his/ her attendance at the program. Participants should return to programs at the doctor’s recommendation, or, if not under a doctor’s care, when the symptoms have clearly passed.
Program Cancellation due to Severe Weather Guidelines
In the event of severe weather, SWSRA may be forced to cancel programs. The following guidelines will be used to determine cancellation.
Outdoor programs:
- 10 degrees or/in combination with wind chills of zero degrees or less.
Programs with transportation:
- Temperature range of –10 degrees or/in combination with a wind chill or –20 degrees or less.
- All programs (including indoors): Snowstorm situations with driving restrictions (winter storm or blizzard warning in which authorities have advised not going out unless necessary) and emergency accident plans (state and local police) are in effect.
Sever Hot Weather:
- Outdoor programs or indoor sites without air-conditioning: Heat index of 115 degrees or higher.
- All programs (including indoors): Weather situations when a tornado warning is in effect for Cook County.
Refunds/Credits
A refund or credit will be issued to participants if a program, trip, or special event is canceled due to low registration. If a participant cancels out of a program prior to the start and no costs have been incurred, a $2 service fee will be charged and a refund or credit will be issued. There will be no refunds or credits issued if a participant cancels out of a program, trip, or special event and SWSRA has incurred costs due to purchase of tickets, rentals, deposits, etc. If inclement weather or leader absence occurs, SWSRA will try to reschedule the activity or issue a credit or refund.
The Registration deadline for most trips and special events is 2 weeks prior to the event date on a first-come, first-serve basis dependent on the maximum. Take note of the Registration Deadline for each trip or special event throughout the brochure. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY! If the minimum number of participants needed is not reached by the indicated date, the trip or special event will have to be canceled. Alternately, if the maximum number of participants is reached before the deadline, unfortunately, we may have to cut off registrations early.
Registration/Fees and Payment Procedures
At SWSRA, it is our responsibility to provide adequate staffing and supplies for our programs, special events and trips. Help us by registering before the deadline date(s) so we can make these necessary preparations.
Registration and fees will not be accepted at program sites. Registration and fees will only be accepted by walk-in registration at the SWSRA office or mail-in registration.
Registration fees have been established for each program, trip and special event. These fees must be paid at the time of registration. If you do not live within Alsip, Blue Island, Justice, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos Heights, Posen or Summit, you are considered as residing “out-of- district,” and must pay the OD (out-of-district) fee. The OD fees are typically 100% higher than the listed fee.
No registration will be processed if there is a balance due from past seasons. Full payment is expected at the time of registration unless special arrangements are made. Call the SWSRA office to discuss a payment plan or eligibility for a scholarship.