Forms and Policies |
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Forms
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Member Information:
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If you get this message when you register:
We are sorry but you are not currently eligible to register for activities online because you have forms that are not complete, this is the form you need. |
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Special Olympics:
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If you get this message when you register:
We are sorry but you are not currently eligible to register for SPECIAL OLYMPICS activities online because you have forms that are not complete, this is the form you need. |
Other Forms:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you offer one-on-one supervision at programs?
We cannot guarantee there will be one-to-one supervision at programs and activities. If one-to-one supervision is required for participation, caregivers or family members are welcome to attend an activity or program with the participant. Please feel free to contact program staff to discuss your needs.
Does LIFE Mower County provide scholarships?
Scholarships are available: Looking forward to that special activity, but it’s slightly out of your budget? Not to worry, we have the solution for you! Click here to request a scholarship.
Does LIFE Mower County provide transportation?
Door to door transportation is available for most activities. To request a ride for an activity, you need to call LIFE Mower County the same day as the activity before 12:00 pm. For all trips, participants are required to meet at LIFE Mower County or the designated activity location. You will always be dropped off at home after the activity. There are a few exceptions where the participant has to be picked up at LIFE Mower County after the activity is over including: Vacations, Weekend Ventures, Special Olympics tournaments, Minnesota Twins Game trip, etc. These activities will be marked in the newsletter.
What if I forget to register for an activity or program? Can I just show up?
We ask that you register in advance for programs. This helps us plan for the right amount of supplies and staff for the group size. However, we understand that things happen. Please at least check in or contact us in advance to find out if there is room for you to attend by emailing info@lifemowercounty.org or calling 507-433-8994.
Policies
Attendance
LIFE Mower County should be notified in the event that participant cannot attend an activity. Adequate advance notice may allow another participant to fill the vacant spot and for you to receive credit. Also, if the participant is sick (fever, vomiting, cough or cold symptoms, runny nose, fatigue, etc.), please refrain from attending the activity. In most cases you will receive credit.
It is important that all members be on time for all activities that you are registered to attend. Certain activities taking place at LIFE that have already begun before the member arrives are difficult to start over. It will be up to LIFE staff whether or not the late member will be able to take part in the activity or if the activity can be started over. If a member cannot attend an activity, he/she cannot send a substitute in his/her place. Attendance is taken, so please be sure to check in with the staff at LIFE.
Behavior
Good behavior on the part of all participants is expected while attending activities is a condition of continued participation in the activities offered by LIFE Mower County. An important element of good behavior is having and showing respect for all LIFE Mower County staff, volunteers, visitors, and fellow participants. Misconduct by any participant will not be tolerated.
Cancelled Activities
The activity that you wanted to attend was cancelled, because we did not know that you were interested in attending. In order for an activity to be held, all activities must meet the minimum enrollment. Please remember to register on time. Do not delay! Avoid disappointment by registering early. Activities will be cancelled when fewer than 5 registrations have been received in the office. If an activity is cancelled, you will be notified by phone and credit will be given to those registered. Be sure to register early. Many activities have a limited enrollment and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Credit
Members will be credited the amount paid for the activity if they are unable to attend, only if the member calls and notifies LIFE office 24 hours before the activity. Members will also receive credit if LIFE activity does not meet the minimum enrollment of 5 members or if LIFE needs to close for sever weather. ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN!
Complaints
Please report any problems you have to LIFE Mower County’s Executive Director. We will do our best to look into, address and resolve any problems. You may reach the Executive Director at the LIFE Mower County Office during office hours.
Dismissal from LIFE
If a behavioral problem arises the following procedure will be used to deal with the situation:
Dress Code and Hygiene
Program members are expected to come to program clean and neat (bathed daily, washed and combed hair, brushed teeth, and clean clothes without holes). Program members who come to program inappropriately dressed may be sent home to change or if they have a change of clothes with them will be asked to change. Members Are Not Allowed To Wear:
Financial Assistance
If a member finds themselves in financial difficulty, please call LIFE office and the Program Director will work to assist with financial arrangements. Payment plans can be established if needed. LIFE does have scholarship money available on a yearly basis. This money can be used to help pay for activity that members may not be able to afford.
Inclement Weather
Out of the concern for safety, bad weather occasionally forces the closing of LIFE Mower County. If an activity is cancelled, all participants that are registered for that activity will be notified of the closing via phone, email and a Facebook post. Please don’t call and ask if an activity is cancelled. If you don’t hear from us, that means the activity is still on as scheduled.
Medication Administration
All medications that LIFE staff must administer during activities should be pre-packaged in individual envelopes with detailed directions and handed directly to LIFE staff. A “Medication Assistance Form” must be completed by personal care provider/guardian for each individual member. LIFE staff also needs to be aware of any side effects that come with each medication. LIFE staff should also be informed of any allergies a member might have, as food or drink might be provided at activities.
Registration
Once all necessary forms are completed and the current year membership is paid, registering for activities is easy. You will receive an email with your log-in information to access the online registration site. Online registration (Preferred Option) offers you the most up-to-date information on your activities. Upon completion of your online registration you instantly know your status.
Rules at LIFE
There are 10 rules at LIFE. These rules are in effect and followed to make LIFE a safe and friendly environment for people with disabilities and other guests.
Severe Weather Reminders
LIFE would like to remind all members/staff/guardians to always pay attention to the weather. In the event of severe weather, cancelling programs may be in the best interest of our members. The following guidelines will be used to determine cancellations:
Transportation
LIFE Mower County provides FREE door-to-door transportation within the city of Austin (2-mile radius from the LIFE building, see photo below) for members to attend activities at Our Place Recreation Center. Transportation is also provided for Special Olympics practices
and competitions, day trips, Weekend Ventures and for our Spring and
Fall Vacations. To request a ride for an activity, you need to call LIFE Mower County the same day as the activity before 12:00 pm. For all
trips, participants are required to meet at LIFE Mower County or the designated activity location. You will always be dropped off at home
after the activity. There are a few exceptions where the participant
has to be picked up at LIFE Mower County after the activity is over including Vacations, Special Olympics tournaments, Minnesota Twins Game trip, etc. These activities will be marked in the newsletter.
Members, who request a ride and receive a ride from somebody else, ride their bike, walk, etc. without cancelling their ride will be charged $10.00. These fees will automatically be added to your account, and you will receive an invoice at the end of the month. Reminder: LIFE bus only holds 13 members. If you would like to attend an activity but provide your own transportation, please contact LIFE and ask about attending those activities with your own staff. Bus rules are located on the bus for all members to follow.
Wellness
In order to maintain a healthful environment for all members, staff and visitors and to minimize the spread of any contagious illness, we ask members to refrain from attending LIFE programs if any of the following conditions exist:
Please notify LIFE office if the member contracts any contagious illness that will affect his/her attendance at the program. Members should return to programs at the recommendation of the doctor, or, if not under a doctor’s care, when the symptoms have clearly passed.
LIFE Mower County should be notified in the event that participant cannot attend an activity. Adequate advance notice may allow another participant to fill the vacant spot and for you to receive credit. Also, if the participant is sick (fever, vomiting, cough or cold symptoms, runny nose, fatigue, etc.), please refrain from attending the activity. In most cases you will receive credit.
It is important that all members be on time for all activities that you are registered to attend. Certain activities taking place at LIFE that have already begun before the member arrives are difficult to start over. It will be up to LIFE staff whether or not the late member will be able to take part in the activity or if the activity can be started over. If a member cannot attend an activity, he/she cannot send a substitute in his/her place. Attendance is taken, so please be sure to check in with the staff at LIFE.
Behavior
Good behavior on the part of all participants is expected while attending activities is a condition of continued participation in the activities offered by LIFE Mower County. An important element of good behavior is having and showing respect for all LIFE Mower County staff, volunteers, visitors, and fellow participants. Misconduct by any participant will not be tolerated.
Cancelled Activities
The activity that you wanted to attend was cancelled, because we did not know that you were interested in attending. In order for an activity to be held, all activities must meet the minimum enrollment. Please remember to register on time. Do not delay! Avoid disappointment by registering early. Activities will be cancelled when fewer than 5 registrations have been received in the office. If an activity is cancelled, you will be notified by phone and credit will be given to those registered. Be sure to register early. Many activities have a limited enrollment and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Credit
Members will be credited the amount paid for the activity if they are unable to attend, only if the member calls and notifies LIFE office 24 hours before the activity. Members will also receive credit if LIFE activity does not meet the minimum enrollment of 5 members or if LIFE needs to close for sever weather. ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN!
Complaints
Please report any problems you have to LIFE Mower County’s Executive Director. We will do our best to look into, address and resolve any problems. You may reach the Executive Director at the LIFE Mower County Office during office hours.
Dismissal from LIFE
If a behavioral problem arises the following procedure will be used to deal with the situation:
- The member is given a verbal warning. The incident is discussed with the member. Staff explains to the member why they received the verbal warning.
- The member is given their first warning and called into the office. The member is reminded of the verbal warning that was given. The incident is discussed with the member. Staff writes a description of the incident and explains to the member why they received the first warning.
- The member is given their second warning and called into the office. The member is reminded of the verbal warning and the first warning that was given. The incident is discussed with the member. Staff writes a description of the incident and explains to the member why they received the second warning.
- The member is given their third warning and called into the office. The member is reminded of the verbal warning, the first warning and the second warning that was given. The third warning is suspension. LIFE staff will contact the appropriate party to discuss the appropriate time of suspension. The incident is discussed with the member. Staff writes a description of the incident and explains to the member why they received the third warning. LIFE will take the member home or the appropriate party will be called to pick them up.
Dress Code and Hygiene
Program members are expected to come to program clean and neat (bathed daily, washed and combed hair, brushed teeth, and clean clothes without holes). Program members who come to program inappropriately dressed may be sent home to change or if they have a change of clothes with them will be asked to change. Members Are Not Allowed To Wear:
- Mini-Skirts, Tank Tops, or Spaghetti Straps
- “See-Through” clothing, including tops that expose the mid-section
- Visible derogatory statements whether in clothing, apparel or tattoos
Financial Assistance
If a member finds themselves in financial difficulty, please call LIFE office and the Program Director will work to assist with financial arrangements. Payment plans can be established if needed. LIFE does have scholarship money available on a yearly basis. This money can be used to help pay for activity that members may not be able to afford.
Inclement Weather
Out of the concern for safety, bad weather occasionally forces the closing of LIFE Mower County. If an activity is cancelled, all participants that are registered for that activity will be notified of the closing via phone, email and a Facebook post. Please don’t call and ask if an activity is cancelled. If you don’t hear from us, that means the activity is still on as scheduled.
Medication Administration
All medications that LIFE staff must administer during activities should be pre-packaged in individual envelopes with detailed directions and handed directly to LIFE staff. A “Medication Assistance Form” must be completed by personal care provider/guardian for each individual member. LIFE staff also needs to be aware of any side effects that come with each medication. LIFE staff should also be informed of any allergies a member might have, as food or drink might be provided at activities.
Registration
Once all necessary forms are completed and the current year membership is paid, registering for activities is easy. You will receive an email with your log-in information to access the online registration site. Online registration (Preferred Option) offers you the most up-to-date information on your activities. Upon completion of your online registration you instantly know your status.
Rules at LIFE
There are 10 rules at LIFE. These rules are in effect and followed to make LIFE a safe and friendly environment for people with disabilities and other guests.
- Display appropriate behavior at all times. No crying, yelling, calling names, rough housing, swearing, bossing others, kissing or inappropriate touching.
- Physical violence or property damage will not be tolerated.
- Weapons, alcohol or drugs of any kind will not be allowed in Our Place.
- All property used must be returned to its proper location when you are finished with it.
- Borrowing or stealing money from others will not be tolerated.
- Have respect for staff, members of Our Place and other guests.
- You must display proper manners at all times while you are at Our Place.
- Please help keep Our Place clean. Throw your trash and recycling away.
- Please push your chair in to help prevent falls and so people with walkers and wheelchairs can get around easier.
- Have a FUN time!
Severe Weather Reminders
LIFE would like to remind all members/staff/guardians to always pay attention to the weather. In the event of severe weather, cancelling programs may be in the best interest of our members. The following guidelines will be used to determine cancellations:
- Programs will be held as scheduled if there is a Severe Weather Watch in effect. It will be up to members/staff if they would like to attend. In order to get credit for the activity, cancelations must be called in 24 hours prior to the event start time.
- It is LIFE’s policy to cancel any and all LIFE programs if a Severe Weather Warning is in effect.
- SEVERE HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Temperature or Heat Index of 95 degrees or higher.
Transportation
LIFE Mower County provides FREE door-to-door transportation within the city of Austin (2-mile radius from the LIFE building, see photo below) for members to attend activities at Our Place Recreation Center. Transportation is also provided for Special Olympics practices
and competitions, day trips, Weekend Ventures and for our Spring and
Fall Vacations. To request a ride for an activity, you need to call LIFE Mower County the same day as the activity before 12:00 pm. For all
trips, participants are required to meet at LIFE Mower County or the designated activity location. You will always be dropped off at home
after the activity. There are a few exceptions where the participant
has to be picked up at LIFE Mower County after the activity is over including Vacations, Special Olympics tournaments, Minnesota Twins Game trip, etc. These activities will be marked in the newsletter.
Members, who request a ride and receive a ride from somebody else, ride their bike, walk, etc. without cancelling their ride will be charged $10.00. These fees will automatically be added to your account, and you will receive an invoice at the end of the month. Reminder: LIFE bus only holds 13 members. If you would like to attend an activity but provide your own transportation, please contact LIFE and ask about attending those activities with your own staff. Bus rules are located on the bus for all members to follow.
Wellness
In order to maintain a healthful environment for all members, staff and visitors and to minimize the spread of any contagious illness, we ask members to refrain from attending LIFE programs if 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, head lice, mites and ringworm
- Runny nose with yellow or green discharge, which indicates infection
- Fatigue, due to illness, that will hinder participation and enjoyment of the program
Please notify LIFE office if the member contracts any contagious illness that will affect his/her attendance at the program. Members should return to programs at the recommendation of the doctor, or, if not under a doctor’s care, when the symptoms have clearly passed.
