An Inclusive Approach

Cary is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation and encourages individuals with and without disabilities to participate together. In order for individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible, reasonable accommodations will be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you or a family member requires a reasonable modification to participate in a program, please check the appropriate box on the registration form. At least a two-week notice is needed. Please see the information below for some commonly asked questions.

Does Cary provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA?

Yes, reasonable modifications or accommodations are resources used to help a person with a disability to participate in any program. Modifications and accommodations cannot fundamentally alter a program, change the nature of the program, or cause undue burden/hardship.

Do ADA reasonable accommodations only cover individuals with a physical disability?

No, the ADA protects individuals with impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.

What reasonable accommodations does Cary offer?

• Staff education on disability awareness and inclusive practices.
• Headphones
• Sensory tools
• Additional Support Staff (if available)
• Sign language interpreters
• Verbal prompting
• Visual aids
• Frequent breaks
• Adaptive equipment (if available)
• Accommodations not listed above can be requested and reviewed by the Inclusion Services Team. 

What services are not considered part of inclusion support?

• Direct personal care or bathroom assistance, such as entering stalls or assisting with toileting or hygiene needs. Staff CAN provide verbal and visual prompts, including a bathroom schedule.
• Feeding support such as hand-over-hand assistance or feeding by mouth or tube.
• Medical or nursing services such as administering injections, catheterization, or monitoring medical conditions beyond basic first aid.
• Mobility or transfer assistance, such as physically lifting or transferring participants between locations or equipment.
• Provision of personal or specialized equipment such as personal wheelchairs, communication devices, or other individually prescribed items. While Cary can not provide these items, families are welcome to.
• Altering the compliance with program rules and regulations established for safety purposes.

Is there an additional cost to receive accommodations?

No, inclusion services are a free service to the community.

Myself or a family member is not a Cary resident.  Can I/they receive accommodations?

Yes.  Anyone who registers for a program, regardless of residency status, can receive reasonable accommodations. 

What is the background of the Inclusion Services Team?

Our support staff come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including general education, special education, social work, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, other related fields, and lived personal experience. Every team member receives training upon hire to ensure they are prepared to support participants who require accommodations in our programs. 

Can our family provide our own aid?

Yes, your family can provide their own aid. They must complete and clear a background check before the start of the program. Please contact Sarah Gamsey or Laura Morton for background check information. 

How do I request an accommodation?

When registering for a program in RecTrac, select "Yes" when asked: "To Participate in this program, will you require any reasonable modifications or accommodations due to a physical or cognitive disability? We welcome participants of all abilities! By choosing Yes, you will receive an Accommodation Form link via email."

I have indicated that I or a family member needs a reasonable accommodation. What happens next?

Once you have indicated that a reasonable modification/accommodation is needed, RecTrac will send you an Accommodation Request form via email. Once you fill out this form, the Inclusion Services team will review your request. This information will be used to better serve the participant in our programs. If additional information is needed, a staff member will reach out to you via phone or email. Once accommodations are approved, an Accommodation Plan is created and shared only with the individuals working with the participant who requires the needed modifications/accommodations.

Is an inclusive recreation setting the right choice and/or experience?

Observe the program first-hand and ask yourself…

• If school-aged, do your child’s current classroom activities or goals prepare them for an inclusive recreation experience? 
• Has the individual shown an interest in the program activity or subject matter? 
• Are they comfortable and able to function appropriately, with or without assistance, in inclusive environments (malls, restaurants, parks, etc.)?
• Will an accommodation or inclusion support staff give the participant adequate support to fully participate in a general recreation program without disruption to others? 

Click the "Register" button to explore and sign up for classes and programs. 

You are a valued participant, and your involvement in our programs, parks system, and facilities is important to us. Contact us with questions or ideas.

Sarah Gamsey BS. Ed, MA ASD, NIP Inclusive Recreation Specialist, Specialized Recreation & Inclusion Operations Supervisor
(919) 462-2027 | Email

Laura Morton LRT, CTRS, NIP Inclusive Recreation Specialist, Specialized Recreation & Inclusion Program Specialist
(919) 462-3961 | Email