Forms and Policies |
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Forms
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Participant 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 your PARTICIPANT INFORMATION form is 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 your SPECIAL OLYMPICS FORM is not complete, this is the form you need. |
Other Forms:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 eight 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.
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.
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 eight 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.
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.
Rights and Responsibilities
I have the right to make my own choices.
I have the responsibility to make choices that will not hurt myself, others, or property that does not belong to me.
I have the right to participate in the activities I choose.
I have the responsibility to choose activities that are not already filled and are currently being offered.
I have the right to express my feelings.
I have the responsibility to express myself in a way that does not harm anyone or anything.
I have the right to be angry.
I have the responsibility to express my anger in a calm voice, or to go away from others until I can do so.
I have the right to interact (do things) with other people.
I have the responsibility to treat them with respect, and to make sure they want to do things with me.
I have the right to do things when I want.
I have the responsibility to make sure I am ready to go when the activity starts, or when my ride comes to pick me up.
I have the right to bring things to The Center with me.
I have the responsibility to keep track of these things, and to keep them out of the way of other people.
I have the right to use any public rooms in The Center.
I have the responsibility to ask before using any offices, storerooms, or locked places.
I have the right to use anything that belongs to The Center.
I have the responsibility to keep these things in good shape, to put them away when I am finished, and to share them with anyone else who wants to use them.
I have the right to ask Center staff for help and attention.
I have the responsibility to ask in a nice way, and to let them help others as well.
I have the responsibility to make choices that will not hurt myself, others, or property that does not belong to me.
I have the right to participate in the activities I choose.
I have the responsibility to choose activities that are not already filled and are currently being offered.
I have the right to express my feelings.
I have the responsibility to express myself in a way that does not harm anyone or anything.
I have the right to be angry.
I have the responsibility to express my anger in a calm voice, or to go away from others until I can do so.
I have the right to interact (do things) with other people.
I have the responsibility to treat them with respect, and to make sure they want to do things with me.
I have the right to do things when I want.
I have the responsibility to make sure I am ready to go when the activity starts, or when my ride comes to pick me up.
I have the right to bring things to The Center with me.
I have the responsibility to keep track of these things, and to keep them out of the way of other people.
I have the right to use any public rooms in The Center.
I have the responsibility to ask before using any offices, storerooms, or locked places.
I have the right to use anything that belongs to The Center.
I have the responsibility to keep these things in good shape, to put them away when I am finished, and to share them with anyone else who wants to use them.
I have the right to ask Center staff for help and attention.
I have the responsibility to ask in a nice way, and to let them help others as well.
Rules
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!
Supporting Members in LIFE Programs
PLAN ON BEING AN ACTIVE SUPPORTER TO YOUR MEMBER IF:
PLAN ON REMAINING ON THE SIDELINES IF:
PLAN ON DROPPING A MEMBER OFF IF:
- Member needs physical assistance to carry out an activity we are doing in programs.
- Member tends to wander away from the group or gets distracted easily, and we are in a setting where that could be dangerous.
- It is necessary to provide support to keep member safe during an activity.
- Member needs support with assistive technology.
- Member can become physically or verbally aggressive with others.
- If you do stay to support your member, please remember to:
- Encourage participation.
- Allow for independence while remaining a supporter.
- Interact with other members and the whole group, not just the person you brought.
PLAN ON REMAINING ON THE SIDELINES IF:
- Member can safely participate in the LIFE activity taking place with minimal support.
- Member has a health condition, such as a seizure disorder, that could cause them to need medical intervention during a LIFE program.
- Member needs assistance using the bathroom.
- Member needs medication administered to them during the program.
- Member has difficulty with social boundaries and requires someone to remind them at times what is needed to be socially appropriate.
PLAN ON DROPPING A MEMBER OFF IF:
- Member is comfortable attending LIFE programs independently.
- Member can safely participate in LIFE programs without assistance.
- Member does not need assistance using the bathroom.
- Member does not need medication administered to them during the program.
- Member does not tend to be physically or verbally aggressive with others.
