Accessibility
Accessibility Policy
Camp Lilac is an open and affirming community that is committed to making the summer camp experience more enjoyable for all gender diverse people. Although we are not a disability-centered camp, we acknowledge the large overlap between gender diversity, neurodiversity, and disability and seek to make camp as widely accessible as possible each year.
Prospective staff and campers with learning, mental health, and/or physical disabilities have the same rights to attend summer camp as their non-disabled peers, and cannot be denied admission due to their disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that summer camps must provide reasonable modifications of policies, practices, and procedures when necessary to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in camp programs. You may see this referred to as “reasonable” or “readily achievable” accommodations throughout the application process. Parents cannot be required to pay the cost of reasonable modifications necessary for their child to participate. Staff are also not expected to cover the cost of readily available accommodations.
Please note that while our hope and goal is to accommodate all people, Camp Lilac remains a small nonprofit. Limiting factors, such as host camp facilities, financial resources, or available medical support may practically limit our ability to adequately accommodate all potential campers or staff members.
In planning for the accessibility needs of your camper or yourself, please find below our accessibility-minded policies and procedures, a non-exhaustive list of readily achievable accommodations, “quick-pass” accommodations, and a list of what we are unable to provide at this time. If your accommodations extend beyond the accommodations listed below, or you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us so that we can learn more about you or your camper's needs and discuss if Camp Lilac can provide a positive and safe camp experience.
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Supporting Documents
Allergy & Food Preparation Policy
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Accessibility-Minded Policies & Procedures
The following are notable features of our program that were designed with accessibility in mind to eliminate many barriers commonly encountered by neurodivergent and/or disabled community members in the summer camp setting.
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Accessibility Benefits Everyone: Summer camp can be exhausting. Accessibility-minded policies, procedures, and ready-to-go accommodation benefit ALL attendees, from those experiencing a chronic pain flare-up to those with temporarily sore legs. Camp is a better place when everyone has the tools to thrive.
Transparency & Self-Selection of Activities: Most activities are self-selected the same day they take place, allowing for campers to take into account their present state of being (e.g., fatigue, pain level, sensory threshold). The venues and extent of physical activity required by each activity are also stated upfront to ensure informed decision making.
Alternate Activities: Activities that are not self-selected will have an alternate option, space, or way to engage intended to be sensory-friendly and accessible, with reduced noise and accessibility tools readily available.
Flexibility: Due to privacy and safety concerns, it is not possible for campers and staff to see the site prior to arrival. We recognize that needs may change after gaining first-hand experience, and are prepared to update accommodations accordingly on-site.
Disability Training: Staff are trained in basic disability-minded conduct at camp. Staff are trained in basic intervention, as well as when to involve the mental health team, nursing staff, and/or the accessibility coordinator.
Accessibility Coordinator: Camp Lilac employs a dedicated year-round leadership member for addressing accessibility concerns, making camp more accessible, and planning on-site accommodations. The accessibility coordinator is also present on-site to implement accommodations and address changing needs. The accessibility coordinator also holds mealtime office hours
Accommodations Request Form: Attendees will have the opportunity to fill out a form requesting specific accommodations and/or providing relevant disability information prior to camp.
Mental Health Professionals: We have at least one mental health professional on call 24/7 to provide short-term, solution-based support to campers, or to collaborate with the camper and caregivers on a plan to address more significant needs. We are not a therapy camp, thus we are unable to provide any diagnosis or treatment. Staff may also access our on-site professionals as needed and available.
Vaccination Policy: Camp Lilac requires all attendees to have received all vaccines required by the Ohio Department of Health for school attendance. Camp Lilac also requires attendees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and strongly recommends a booster within 1 year of attendance. COVID-19 testing is additionally required prior to arrival in order to protect immunocompromised individuals. See our complete Infectious Disease Policy.
Readily Achievable Accommodations
The following section details accommodations which are easily accomplished and frequently utilized. Please contact danny@camplilac.org if you would benefit from an accommodation not listed here.
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Calls Home: offered on a limited basis to campers with significant homesickness or anxiety. See our full electronics policy in our handbook.
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Canes & Crutches: available for use during the week(s) of camp in the case of injury, chronic conditions, and loss/damage of an ambulatory device brought to camp. Attendees must check in with both a nurse and the accessibility coordinator to receive such accommodations, unless replacing a lost/broken aid.
See also: joint braces, mobility carts, preferential placement, shower chairs
Communication Cards/Sheets: alternatives to speech for nonverbal communication of basic needs, wants, and feelings. Communication cards are limited-quantity booklets of extensive phrases organized by subject, with many camp-specific phrases useful on-site. See also: earplugs, noise reduction earmuffs, schedules
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Electricity Access in Cabins: staff may charge personal devices at indoor charging stations, but cabins do not have outlets or power. Portable camping batteries may be loaned to a staff member or camper for medical equipment (e.g., a CPAP device). Advanced notice is required. We do not have sufficient space to accommodate indoor sleeping at our current site.
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Fans: Campers will stay in open air cabins that have a foundation, roof, and bunk beds, with canvas walls that are rolled up in good weather for an open air experience. There is no climate control in the cabin. Some battery powered fans will be available for use in cabins and can be requested by those with temperature regulation needs.
See also: flashlights, nightlights
Flashlights: camp is located in the woods and is very dark at night. Flashlights and lanterns are provided to attendees, with headlamps as our most accessible option to those using mobility aids.
See also: fans, nightlights
Joint Braces: not stocked, but easily acquirable. Occasional store trips are made throughout the week, and specific braces may be requested as pain arises.
See also: canes & crutches, mobility carts, preferential placement, shower chairs
Medication: Campers and staff in training may access their PRN medications upon request. Medication passing from nurse to camper occurs at all meal-times and bedtime as indicated by medication instructions/camper health forms. Common over-the-counter medications are available according to caregiver approval, including pain relief. Staff are able to access their own medications at their discretion and may self-administer. Staff must store most medications in the nurse’s station (exceptions may be made, e.g., epi-pens).
Menu Modifications: most dietary needs can be accommodated as requested, but must be communicated well in advance of camp to ensure proper purchasing of food. Alternative or modified meals are provided in these cases. Meals generally consist of a main option, supplemented by special meals such as vegetarian options (as informed by dietary requests), as well as a common safe food such as buttered noodles. In cases of a very limited diet, staff or campers may request permission to bring a selection of foods from home, to be stored in our kitchen. Please see our complete Allergy & Food Preparation Policy here.
Mobility Carts: golf carts used for the transportation of staff & campers with mobility restrictions. Available upon request throughout the day for campers approved for this accommodation. Cart drivers make rounds during transition periods (e.g., release from an activity to the next block). Wait times vary based on time of day and amount of pick-ups, but are generally anywhere between 2 to 15 minutes. Please note that wheelchair accessibility is very limited on camp terrain and carts are generally only able to transport folding walkers and canes.
See also: canes & crutches, joint braces, preferential placement, shower chairs
MP3 Players: camper phones are collected upon arrival and kept safe throughout the week, however, campers are permitted to bring basic MP3 players with wired headphones for music, as long as the device cannot text, access the internet, or take photos. MP3 players are not provided by Camp Lilac. Staff may use their phones for this purpose.
Preferential Placement: campers and staff are assigned to cabins based on age groups, staffing needs, and availability of beds. Individuals with disabilities may be relocated upon review or request if terrain is unreasonably inaccessible. Please note that wheelchair accessibility is very limited on camp terrain regardless of placement.
See also: canes & crutches, extension cords, joint braces, kinesthetic tape, mobility carts
Nightlights: camp is located in the woods and is very dark at night. Cabins do not have electricity, but are provided with battery-powered light sources to assist with visibility. We provide red lights that can be left on throughout the night as nightlights without attracting bugs to the sleeping area.
See also: fans, flashlights
Noise Reduction Earmuffs: headphone-style earmuffs commonly marketed as hearing protection earmuffs, used for blocking out noise. More effective than earplugs, and also offered in a more limited quantity. Also available for temporary use in every building: see “quick-pass” accommodations.
See also: communication cards, communication sheets, earplugs, sleep masks
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Shower Chairs: available in most shower areas and easily moved to specific bathrooms as needed.
See also: canes & crutches, joint braces, mobility carts, preferential placement
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“Quick-Pass” Accommodations
The following section details accommodations which can be quickly passed along to attendees throughout the day, or are available to freely use in buildings. These accommodations are purchased or created in bulk by Camp Lilac and are widely available.
Communication Sheets: alternatives to speech for nonverbal communication of basic needs, wants, and feelings. Communication sheets single 8.5x11 printouts with fewer options than communication cards, but are more widely available. All cabins have a basic communication sheet for nonspeaking episodes in the staff clipboard. Additionally, every indoor area has sheets available, and staff are encouraged to keep sheets on hand.
See also: communication cards
Earplugs: foam ear inserts offered frequently at loud events, also available upon request all other times.
See also: communication cards, communication sheets, noise reduction earmuffs
Fidgets/Stim Toys: variety of stim and fidget styles for sensory seeking individuals. Large bins of assorted fidgets/stim toys are available in every building, along with noise reduction earmuffs. Some basic fidgets are available for attendees to keep. Other fidgets may be available for loan through the week.
Noise Reduction Earmuffs: headphone-style earmuffs commonly marketed as hearing protection earmuffs, used for blocking out noise. More effective than earplugs, and also offered in a more limited quantity. All buildings contain multiple pairs of noise reduction earmuffs with the fidget bin. Attendees may also request to loan a pair for the week, but must check earmuffs out via the accessibility coordinator (see readily achievable accommodations).
See also: communication cards/sheets, earplugs, sleep masks, quiet spaces
Schedules: printed schedules with breakdowns of each day and spaces to write down activities signed up for. Schedules are subject to change and may run behind at times, but generally adhere to the daily structure.
See also: watches
Sleep Masks: basic fabric eye covers for sleep and/or sensory overwhelm.
See also: earplugs, noise reduction earmuffs
Watches: plastic digital keychain watches are available upon request. While campers are welcome to bring their own watches or other time devices, cellphones and other smart devices are collected at the beginning of the week and cannot be relied on for time. Staff may use phones or other devices. Schedules may experience delays or shifts, but generally adhere to similar times.
See also: schedules
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Accommodations Camp Lilac is Unable to Provide
The following section details accommodations we are unequipped to provide at this time for a variety of reasons, such as staffing limitations, physical facilities, and/or safety.
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1:1 Support or Aides: While campers are supervised at all times, we are not able to provide 1:1 staff or personal aides to campers requiring significant support. Assistants of this nature must be sourced outside of camp, and are not the responsibility of camp to fund or supply.
Wheelchair/Walker Access: Due to the outdoor environment and camp terrain, wheelchair and walker access is limited. Additionally, some spaces are only accessible by staircase and ramps are limited. While we can transport folding wheelchairs and walkers between buildings, the camp setting is very limiting for those who exclusively use ambulatory devices with wheels.
Uncontrolled Major Mental Health Needs: We are not equipped to address uncontrolled major mental health issues, such as: active eating disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis, actively suicidal thoughts or behaviors, active self harm, hospitalization for mental health issues within the last six months, and other needs as determined by our Mental Health staff. Controlled major mental health needs will require collaborative creation of a plan, involving the camper, caregiver, camp leadership, and a mental health provider. We are not a therapy camp and do not provide therapy/treatment.
Newly Presenting Mental Health Needs: Attendees may experience different needs and feelings than they usually do outside of camp (e.g., first time homesickness) which we are provisionally able to handle on-site. However, we are generally not able to accommodate for more severe mental health disorders that were not known or experienced prior to camp. When this occurs, we generally recommend campers or staff return home and see a therapist or psychiatrist as soon as possible to ensure they receive the appropriate care and management of symptoms.
Emotional Support Animals: No animals can come to camp with attendees unless otherwise approved for camp programming. The exception to this is service animals, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Prior notice is required if an attendee will have a service animal at camp. Emotional support animals do not have the same legal standing.
Access to THC for Medicinal Purposes: Attendees please note that regardless of your state of origin, legality, or use for medicinal purposes, THC is not permitted on camp property.
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Questions?
Please contact danny@camplilac.org with accessibility related questions. Questions concerning treatment or medication for health conditions, please additionally copy nurses@camplilac.org​