Sending any child to camp can be a nerve-wracking experience for a parent, but sending a child with special needs to camp can be downright frightening. There are many factors to consider, and so many ways that your child's care could be neglected without the right supervision. Finding a camp in which you can be confident is essential, and finding that camp starts with asking the right questions.
1. Is the camp for a specific type of special need or disability or does the camp included children with a variety of diagnoses? You can even check if the camp includes children without disabilities as well. Some camps have different weeks for different disabilities, while others are all inclusive.
2. What is the staff to camper ratio? This is important in ensuring that your child has the supervision and care she needs.
3. What training does the staff go through? Your child's health and well-being is at stake. Make sure all staff has gone through proper training, including CPR/First Aid, and any special requirements needed to care for children with disabilities and special health needs.
4. How many doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are on staff and what are their qualifications? You need to make sure your child is well taken care of, especially in case of a health emergency.
5. How does the camp plan on meeting your child's dietary needs, personal hygiene needs, and any other needs specific to your child?
6. How will your child be included in activities? Does the camp use special equipment to help children get in and out of pools, play sports, go boating, etc.?
7. Can your child go to the camp during the day, overnight, or a mix? Some children, depending on their diagnosis, can handle camp overnight. Others can't. Make sure you find a camp that will work with you and your child.
8. What are the medical facilities like? Is there an area for your child to do her therapies and treatments? Can your child take her own medications?
9. How are the children grouped? By age? By diagnosis?
10. How can I stay in touch with my child during camp? This will help ease both of your minds.
11. What is the cost of camp and do they offer financial aid?
Disaboom.com and the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities have some great resources available for sending your child with special needs to camp. The most important steps you can take are to research, research, research, and of course, be sure you and your child are both ready for the camp experience. Even if the camp you want to send your child to doesn't offer financial aid, you can look into grants from specialty groups for children with disabilities.
