LIFE Mower County
LIFE is better together.

​Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday : 9:00 AM-12:00 PM & 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Friday : CLOSED
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Forms and Policies


​Forms

Participant Information:
  • Participant Information Form​​ - Required before you can register for activities. 
  • This form is valid until you turn 18 and every three years if you are over 18.
  • This form is available online only.
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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 your PARTICIPANT INFORMATION form is not complete
, this is the form you need.

Special Olympics:
  • Special Olympics Athlete Application - This form is available online only. (Special Olympics Athlete Applications expire every year.) 
  • As of August 15, 2024, a physical examination by a medical practitioner is no longer required.
  • As of May 4, 2026, athlete paperwork has moved online. We no longer use paper applications or medical forms.
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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 your SPECIAL OLYMPICS FORM is not complete, this is the form you need.

Other Forms:​
  • Campership Application
  • ​Financial Assistance Application
  • Spending Money Assistance Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you offer one-on-one supervision at programs?
While we aim to provide the best experience for all participants, we are unable to assure one-to-one supervision at all programs and activities. If individualized supervision is necessary for a participant's engagement, we invite caregivers or family members to join the activity or program alongside the participant. Your presence will ensure personalized support and a safe environment.
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to our program staff to discuss any specific needs or requirements. We are committed to accommodating individual needs and facilitating a positive experience for all participants. Your proactive communication helps us make the necessary arrangements to ensure everyone's enjoyment and well-being.
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?
For most activities, we offer door-to-door transportation services. To arrange a ride, please contact LIFE Mower County on the same day as the activity, before 12:00 pm. Regardless of the outing, participants are required to gather either at LIFE Mower County or the designated activity site.
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Following the activity, you will always be transported back home. While this is the standard procedure, there are a few exceptions. In specific instances such as Vacations, Weekend Ventures, Special Olympics tournaments, Minnesota Twins Game trips, etc., participants may need to be picked up from LIFE Mower County after the activity concludes. These unique circumstances will be clearly indicated in our activity guide.
What if I forget to register for an activity or program?  Can I just show up?
Registering ahead of time for programs greatly assists us in ensuring adequate supplies and staff are available for the group. We value your proactive approach. However, we recognize that unforeseen situations can arise.
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If you are unable to register in advance, we kindly request that you still make an effort to reach out to us. Prior to the event, please check in or contact us to determine if there is space available for your participation. You can do so by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling 507-433-8994. Your consideration in this regard is appreciated.

Policies

Attendance
Please notify LIFE Mower County as soon as possible if you cannot attend a scheduled activity so another participant may have the opportunity to attend. Members who cancel in advance or miss due to illness will usually receive credit. If you are sick with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, cough, or fatigue, please stay home. Arriving on time is important, as some activities may already be underway and may not be able to restart. Late arrivals may be allowed to join at staff discretion. Substitutes are not allowed. All participants must check in with staff upon arrival.

Behavior
All participants are expected to behave respectfully toward staff, volunteers, visitors, and fellow members. Respectful conduct is required to continue participating in LIFE activities. Disruptive, inappropriate, or harmful behavior will not be tolerated. LIFE is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Failure to meet behavior expectations may result in warnings or disciplinary action.

Canceled Activities
Activities may be canceled if minimum enrollment requirements are not met. Programs with fewer than five participants may not run. Registering early helps ensure activities can move forward as planned. If an activity is canceled, participants will be notified by phone and credited appropriately. Many activities have limited space and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

Complaints
If you have concerns or problems, please contact the Executive Director of LIFE Mower County during office hours. LIFE takes all concerns seriously and will investigate issues thoroughly. Feedback is important to improving services and programs. We are committed to resolving concerns fairly and respectfully.

Credit
Members may receive credit for missed activities if they notify LIFE at least 24 hours in advance. Credit is also issued if an activity is canceled due to low enrollment or severe weather. LIFE does not provide refunds. All approved credits remain on the member’s account for future use. Timely communication is essential to qualify.

Direct Care and Supervision
LIFE Mower County does not provide direct personal care services or guaranteed one-on-one supervision. Participants who require individualized support must attend with their own caregiver, family member, or support staff. LIFE staff focus on program facilitation rather than personal care. Families are encouraged to discuss individual support needs with staff in advance. This policy helps ensure participant safety and successful program experiences.

Dismissal from LIFE
Behavior concerns are addressed through a progressive warning system. Members may receive a verbal warning followed by written warnings if behavior continues. Repeated misconduct may lead to suspension from activities. Staff will document all incidents and discuss concerns with the participant. Suspension length will be determined based on the situation. This process supports fairness while maintaining a respectful environment.

Dress Code and Hygiene
Participants should arrive clean, well-groomed, and dressed appropriately for activities. Daily hygiene, clean clothing, and respectful appearance are expected. Clothing that is revealing, see-through, contains offensive language, or is otherwise inappropriate is not allowed. Members may be asked to change or return home if dress code expectations are not met. These guidelines promote comfort and respect for all participants.

Financial Assistance
Members experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to contact the LIFE office for support. Payment plans may be available when needed. Scholarship funds may also be offered annually to help cover activity costs. LIFE is committed to making programs accessible whenever possible. Please reach out to discuss available options.

​Inclement Weather
LIFE may cancel activities when severe weather creates unsafe conditions. Participants will be notified through phone, email, Facebook, and local media when cancellations occur. Severe weather warnings result in automatic program cancellation, while watches may allow programs to continue at personal discretion. Outdoor activities may also be canceled during dangerous heat conditions. Safety is always the top priority. If LIFE cancels a program, participants will receive credit.

Late Pick Up
Participants should be picked up promptly at the scheduled end time. A five-minute grace period is allowed. After that, a $5 fee will be charged for every 10 minutes or portion of time late. Outstanding late fees must be paid before registering for future activities. Timely pick-up supports staff schedules and program operations.

​Medication Administration

Medications must be provided in pre-packaged individual doses with clear instructions. A completed Medication Assistance Form is required for all participants needing medication support. Families or caregivers must also inform staff of allergies and possible medication side effects. Accurate medical information helps staff maintain participant safety. Cooperation is required for proper medication support during activities.

Transportation
LIFE offers transportation for eligible activities, primarily within service guidelines. Ride requests must be made before noon on the day of the activity. Members must cancel transportation if alternate plans are made to avoid unnecessary fees. Failure to cancel a reserved ride may result in a charge. Transportation policies help ensure reliable service for all members. Bus rules must be followed at all times.
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Wellness
Members should not attend programs when experiencing contagious illness symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or significant cold symptoms. Participants may return once symptoms have resolved or a doctor approves. Families should notify LIFE of contagious illnesses affecting attendance. Maintaining a healthy environment protects all participants, staff, and visitors. Wellness policies are strictly enforced for community safety.
© 2026 All Rights Reserved  |  ​​Privacy Policy
LIFE Mower County, ​401 2nd Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912  |  ​507-433-8994  |  [email protected]

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