ADA Policy

ADA Policy

Nondiscrimination Policy

Camp Walden complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Walden will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities where it is possible to do so without changing the fundamental nature of our program or creating undue hardships on the business and its employees.

Each camper’s or staff member’s situation will be considered thoroughly and individually, in consultation with the camp directors, camp medical staff, the person’s caregivers and their healthcare providers.

Camp Walden will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability, including a child with diabetes, with regard to the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations, including but not limited to participation in Camp Walden’s summer camp programs, in violation of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182, and the relevant implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 36.

Camp Walden will not exclude or otherwise deny equal goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to an individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the individual is known to have a relationship or association, in violation of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182, and the relevant implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 36.

Camp Walden will make reasonable modifications for children with disabilities, unless Camp Walden can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of its goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations or that the individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Camp Walden agrees that reasonable modifications for children with diabetes include, but are not limited to assisting with, supervising, and/or monitoring of children with diabetes while using blood glucose monitoring tests, insulin pumps, syringes, or other diabetes related medical equipment, as well as consumption of food while participating in a summer camp program.

Camp Walden recognizes that children with insulin-dependent diabetes who participate in Camp Walden’s programs may require assistance with diabetes management. The management regime of every child with diabetes may be different, and therefore, one policy cannot dictate the particular protocol for all individuals. Camp Walden affirms that successful participation of the child and accommodation of the child’s needs depend on an actively cooperative relationship and ongoing communication between the parent/guardian(s) and Camp Walden.

Camp Walden will review all requests for reasonable accommodation on an individual basis. In doing so Camp Walden will follow the above protocols and will send a written explanation to the family and the Department of Justice as to the rationale should any request for reasonable accommodation be denied.

Parents requesting reasonable accommodation for their child to attend Camp Walden can do so by contacting Camp Walden at [email protected] or by phone at 231-625-2050.

 

ADA Reasonable Accommodation
Information Form, Policy & Procedures

Purpose

Our camp is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all campers. When a camper requires accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we partner with families to gather the information necessary to assess and plan for those accommodations.

Families requesting accommodation can do so by emailing or calling Camp Walden and speaking with one of our directors. We will provide the forms and information necessary to ensure we can provide a safe, enjoyable, and successful camp experience.

What We Need from Families

To evaluate and plan accommodation, we ask families to provide:

  1. Description of Needs – Details of the camper’s disability-related needs that affect participation in camp activities, residing in camp living accommodations and/or eating meals at camp.

  2. Specific Accommodation Requests – What accommodations you believe will support your camper at camp.

  3. Health and Safety Information – Any relevant medical, dietary, or safety-related details, including giving health-care providers permission to share health information with Walden’s directors and/or the healthcare providers who will be staffing our Infirmary during the camper’s session.

  4. Support Strategies – Techniques, tools, or approaches that work well for your camper at home or school.

  5. Emergency Considerations – Information we may need in case of an urgent situation.

How the Process Works

  1. Submission of Information – Parents/guardians complete the accommodation request form and return it to the camp office no later than 90 days following enrollment. If the need for accommodation arises after enrollment, the camp should have at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the camp season to prepare (i.e., the first day of First Session).

  2. Review by Camp Administration – The camp directors, other relevant administrators, and camp healthcare providers will review the request and determine if and how the requested accommodations can be reasonably implemented.

  3. Follow-Up Conversation – The camp directors will schedule a call or meeting with you to confirm details, ask clarifying questions, and outline next steps.

  4. Written Accommodation Plan – Once confirmed, we will provide a written summary of the agreed-upon accommodations and supports.

  5. Ongoing Monitoring – Camp staff will check in with your camper as needed and with you on a regular basis (frequency of both to be determined by all parties).

  6. Adjustments if Needed – If an accommodation is not working as planned, we will collaborate with you promptly to identify alternatives.

Roles and Responsibilities

  1. Camp Administration – Reviews requests, determines feasibility, coordinates the written accommodation plan, and ensures staff are trained.

  2. Camp Staff – Implements the agreed-upon accommodations and communicates progress or concerns.

  3. Parents/Guardians – Provide accurate, timely information and access to resources, and partner with camp staff in monitoring and adjusting accommodations if needed.

Download Request Accommodations Form >>

diversity, equity, inclusion

Walden understands that a relevant camp community requires the harmonies of many voices—not only those that inspire, but also those that instruct and challenge. We strive to be a camp where diversity is celebrated and supported, and where each camper and staff member is provided the resources and opportunities to succeed. Our mission of teaching empathy and respect is incomplete if it only serves those who think and look like we do. We believe that our camp can be anyone’s camp, and that our greatest strength lies therein.

Walden is an Equal Opportunity Employer that hires qualified staff regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.