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?
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.
Does LIFE Mower County provide direct care support?
LIFE Mower County is not a direct care organization. While we are committed to promoting inclusivity and providing a supportive environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we do not offer direct personal care services. Therefore, members who require assistance with activities of daily living or specialized care must bring a support person with them to all LIFE Mower County activities. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of our members, as our primary focus is to facilitate social engagement and community participation rather than providing direct care services. We appreciate the cooperation of our members and their support persons in helping us maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Policies
Attendance
Please inform LIFE Mower County if you are unable to attend a scheduled activity. Giving sufficient advance notice will allow another participant to take your spot, and you will still receive credit for notifying us promptly. If you are feeling unwell with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, cough, cold, runny nose, fatigue, etc., we kindly request that you refrain from attending the activity. In most cases, you will still receive credit for your absence due to illness.
Timeliness is crucial for all members attending activities. Please ensure you arrive on time for the activities you have registered for. Some activities at LIFE may have already commenced before your arrival, making it challenging to restart them. Decisions about whether a late member can join the ongoing activity or if a restart is feasible will be at the discretion of the LIFE staff.
Note that sending a substitute in your place for an activity is not permissible. Attendance records are maintained, so please remember to check in with the LIFE staff upon your arrival. Your cooperation with these guidelines is greatly appreciated.
Timeliness is crucial for all members attending activities. Please ensure you arrive on time for the activities you have registered for. Some activities at LIFE may have already commenced before your arrival, making it challenging to restart them. Decisions about whether a late member can join the ongoing activity or if a restart is feasible will be at the discretion of the LIFE staff.
Note that sending a substitute in your place for an activity is not permissible. Attendance records are maintained, so please remember to check in with the LIFE staff upon your arrival. Your cooperation with these guidelines is greatly appreciated.
Behavior
Maintaining proper conduct is a fundamental requirement for all participants engaging in LIFE Mower County activities. This standard of behavior is essential to continue benefiting from the activities we offer. One key aspect of good behavior involves demonstrating respect towards LIFE Mower County staff, volunteers, visitors, and fellow participants.
It's crucial to uphold respectful behavior at all times. Any form of misconduct by a participant will not be accepted or tolerated. Your commitment to adhering to these conduct expectations is greatly valued.
It's crucial to uphold respectful behavior at all times. Any form of misconduct by a participant will not be accepted or tolerated. Your commitment to adhering to these conduct expectations is greatly valued.
Canceled Activities
We regret to inform you that the activity you intended to participate in had to be canceled due to a lack of awareness of your interest. To ensure the viability of our activities, we require all offerings to meet the minimum enrollment threshold. Your prompt registration is pivotal for the successful organization of these activities. We strongly encourage you not to postpone your registration and to secure your spot without delay.
To prevent any disappointment, we advise you to register well in advance. Activities with fewer than 5 registrations received in our office may regrettably be canceled. In the event of a cancellation, we will notify you via phone, and registered participants will receive appropriate credit.
Please remember that many activities have limited availability, and registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is key to ensuring your participation. Thank you for your understanding and timely action.
To prevent any disappointment, we advise you to register well in advance. Activities with fewer than 5 registrations received in our office may regrettably be canceled. In the event of a cancellation, we will notify you via phone, and registered participants will receive appropriate credit.
Please remember that many activities have limited availability, and registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is key to ensuring your participation. Thank you for your understanding and timely action.
Credit
In the event that a member is unable to attend an activity, a credit equivalent to the amount paid will be issued, provided that the member contacts the LIFE office with a 24-hour notice before the scheduled activity. Additionally, members will receive credit under the following circumstances: if the LIFE activity fails to reach the minimum enrollment threshold of 5 members, or if LIFE needs to suspend operations due to severe weather conditions.
We emphasize that absolutely no refunds will be granted. Instead, credits will be applied as per the aforementioned conditions. Your cooperation and understanding regarding this credit policy are appreciated.
We emphasize that absolutely no refunds will be granted. Instead, credits will be applied as per the aforementioned conditions. Your cooperation and understanding regarding this credit policy are appreciated.
Complaints
Should you encounter any concerns or challenges, we encourage you to communicate them to the Executive Director of LIFE Mower County. Rest assured, we are committed to thoroughly investigating, addressing, and finding resolutions for any issues that may arise. The Executive Director can be reached at the LIFE Mower County Office during regular office hours. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our services.
Dismissal from LIFE
To address behavioral concerns, the following procedure will be followed:
This procedure is designed to address behavioral issues in a fair and progressive manner, promoting a respectful and harmonious environment for all participants.
- Verbal Warning: The member is provided with a verbal warning. During this stage, the incident is openly discussed with the member, and staff explains the reason behind the verbal warning.
- First Warning: The member is issued their first warning and invited into the office for a conversation. The member is reminded of the earlier verbal warning and the incident is thoroughly discussed. Staff documents the incident and outlines the reasons behind the first warning.
- Second Warning: The member is given their second warning and requested to come into the office. At this point, the member is reminded of the previous verbal and first warnings, and the incident is discussed further. Staff meticulously records the incident and clarifies the grounds for the second warning.
- Third Warning and Suspension: The member is given their third warning and called into the office. The member is reminded of all preceding warnings. The third warning results in suspension. LIFE staff will communicate with the relevant party to determine the appropriate suspension duration. The incident is thoroughly discussed with the member, and staff documents the occurrence and reasons for the third warning. Arrangements will be made for the member to be taken home, or the appropriate party will be contacted for pick-up.
This procedure is designed to address behavioral issues in a fair and progressive manner, promoting a respectful and harmonious environment for all participants.
Dress Code and Hygiene
All program members are kindly requested to attend the program in a clean and well-groomed manner, which includes daily bathing, well-maintained and combed hair, brushed teeth, and wearing clean clothes without any visible damage. It is essential to uphold a respectful appearance.
In instances where program members arrive in attire that is deemed inappropriate, appropriate action will be taken. Members who are not dressed appropriately may be requested to return home to change. Alternatively, if a member has a change of clothes with them, they will be asked to change into suitable attire.
Please note that the following items of clothing are not permitted:
Your adherence to these attire guidelines is appreciated as it fosters a comfortable and respectful environment for all program participants.
In instances where program members arrive in attire that is deemed inappropriate, appropriate action will be taken. Members who are not dressed appropriately may be requested to return home to change. Alternatively, if a member has a change of clothes with them, they will be asked to change into suitable attire.
Please note that the following items of clothing are not permitted:
- Mini-skirts
- Tank tops or spaghetti straps
- Clothing that is "see-through," including tops that expose the mid-section
- Any clothing, apparel, or tattoos displaying derogatory statements that are visible
Your adherence to these attire guidelines is appreciated as it fosters a comfortable and respectful environment for all program participants.
Financial Assistance
If any member encounters financial challenges, we encourage you to reach out to the LIFE office. Our Program Director is dedicated to helping find solutions to financial difficulties. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and we are here to assist you.
Payment plans can be arranged to accommodate your needs if necessary. Additionally, please be aware that LIFE offers scholarship funds annually. These funds are designed to provide support for members who may find it challenging to cover activity costs. The scholarship money can be utilized to make activities more accessible for those in need.
Your well-being and participation are important to us. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require financial assistance or have any questions regarding these options.
Payment plans can be arranged to accommodate your needs if necessary. Additionally, please be aware that LIFE offers scholarship funds annually. These funds are designed to provide support for members who may find it challenging to cover activity costs. The scholarship money can be utilized to make activities more accessible for those in need.
Your well-being and participation are important to us. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require financial assistance or have any questions regarding these options.
Inclement Weather
In the interest of ensuring safety, adverse weather conditions can occasionally lead to the closure of LIFE Mower County. In the event that an activity needs to be cancelled due to weather, all registered participants will receive notifications through multiple channels, including phone, email, and a Facebook post.
We kindly request that you refrain from calling to inquire about activity cancellations. If you have not received any communication from us, it indicates that the activity is proceeding as planned. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we prioritize everyone's safety and keep you informed effectively.
LIFE wishes to emphasize the importance of staying informed about weather conditions. In instances of severe weather, the safety of our members is our top priority, and program cancellations might be necessary. To guide these decisions, we've established the following guidelines:
Cancellations will also be disseminated through various channels, including radio (My US Country 99.9 FM), television (KAAL and KTTC), and Facebook. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and communication in adverse weather situations.
We kindly request that you refrain from calling to inquire about activity cancellations. If you have not received any communication from us, it indicates that the activity is proceeding as planned. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we prioritize everyone's safety and keep you informed effectively.
LIFE wishes to emphasize the importance of staying informed about weather conditions. In instances of severe weather, the safety of our members is our top priority, and program cancellations might be necessary. To guide these decisions, we've established the following guidelines:
- Programs will proceed as scheduled during Severe Weather Watches, leaving the choice to attend to the discretion of members and staff. For credit eligibility, cancellations must be reported 24 hours prior to the event start time.
- In the event of a Severe Weather Warning, LIFE's policy dictates the cancellation of all programs.
- Outdoor activities during Severe Hot Weather Conditions, with a temperature or Heat Index of 95 degrees or higher, will be canceled.
Cancellations will also be disseminated through various channels, including radio (My US Country 99.9 FM), television (KAAL and KTTC), and Facebook. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and communication in adverse weather situations.
Late Pick Up
Please double check the pick-up time and be prompt! Program staff would appreciate your consideration because they have additional work responsibilities after the program. Families/staff of participants who are not picked up promptly will be given a 5-minute grace period, a $5 fee will be charged for every 10 minutes or portion thereafter. Registration for other programs will not be accepted until all outstanding late fees are paid.
Medication Administration
For the safe administration of medications during activities, we kindly request that all medications be prepared in pre-packaged individual envelopes. These envelopes should include detailed instructions and be handed directly to the LIFE staff. Additionally, we require a completed "Medication Assistance Form" for each member, to be filled out by the personal care provider or guardian.
It's important to communicate any potential side effects associated with the medications. This information helps us provide the best care possible. Furthermore, please inform LIFE staff of any allergies that a member may have, as some activities may involve the provision of food or beverages.
Your cooperation in providing accurate and thorough health information ensures the well-being of all participants and enables us to maintain a safe environment.
It's important to communicate any potential side effects associated with the medications. This information helps us provide the best care possible. Furthermore, please inform LIFE staff of any allergies that a member may have, as some activities may involve the provision of food or beverages.
Your cooperation in providing accurate and thorough health information ensures the well-being of all participants and enables us to maintain a safe environment.
Registration
After you have filled out all required forms and ensured your current year's membership payment, registering for activities becomes a straightforward process. An email containing your log-in details to access the online registration platform will be sent to you. Opting for online registration (our preferred method) gives you access to the latest activity information.
Completing your online registration provides you with instant confirmation of your status, eliminating any uncertainties. This streamlined process ensures you are up-to-date and well-informed about your chosen activities.
Completing your online registration provides you with instant confirmation of your status, eliminating any uncertainties. This streamlined process ensures you are up-to-date and well-informed about your chosen activities.
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:
- 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.
Transportation
LIFE Mower County proudly offers complimentary door-to-door transportation within Austin city limits (within a 2-mile radius from the LIFE building, as indicated in the photo below) for members attending activities at Our Place Recreation Center. Our transportation service extends to Special Olympics practices and competitions, day trips, Weekend Ventures, as well as our Spring and Fall Vacations.
To request a ride for an activity, kindly call LIFE Mower County on the same day as the activity, before 12:00 pm. It's important to note that participants are required to assemble either at LIFE Mower County or the designated activity location. Following the activity, you will always be dropped off at your home.
Exceptions apply for certain activities, such as Vacations, Special Olympics tournaments, Minnesota Twins Game trips, etc., where post-activity pickup from LIFE Mower County is necessary. These specific instances will be clearly indicated in the newsletter.
For individuals who request a ride and subsequently find an alternate means of transportation, ride a bike, walk, etc., without canceling their reserved ride, a fee of $10.00 will be incurred. These charges will be automatically added to your account, and an invoice will be generated at the end of the month.
Please remember that the LIFE bus can accommodate up to 13 members. Should you wish to participate in an activity while providing your own transportation, kindly get in touch with LIFE for information on attending those events with your personal staff. Bus rules are displayed within the bus for the guidance of all members.
We appreciate your adherence to these transportation guidelines as we strive to facilitate safe and reliable transportation services for all our members.
To request a ride for an activity, kindly call LIFE Mower County on the same day as the activity, before 12:00 pm. It's important to note that participants are required to assemble either at LIFE Mower County or the designated activity location. Following the activity, you will always be dropped off at your home.
Exceptions apply for certain activities, such as Vacations, Special Olympics tournaments, Minnesota Twins Game trips, etc., where post-activity pickup from LIFE Mower County is necessary. These specific instances will be clearly indicated in the newsletter.
For individuals who request a ride and subsequently find an alternate means of transportation, ride a bike, walk, etc., without canceling their reserved ride, a fee of $10.00 will be incurred. These charges will be automatically added to your account, and an invoice will be generated at the end of the month.
Please remember that the LIFE bus can accommodate up to 13 members. Should you wish to participate in an activity while providing your own transportation, kindly get in touch with LIFE for information on attending those events with your personal staff. Bus rules are displayed within the bus for the guidance of all members.
We appreciate your adherence to these transportation guidelines as we strive to facilitate safe and reliable transportation services for all our members.
Wellness
To ensure the well-being of all members, staff, and visitors and to prevent the potential spread of contagious illnesses, we kindly request that members abstain from attending LIFE programs if any of the following conditions are present:
In case a member contracts a contagious illness that impacts their attendance at the program, please promptly inform the LIFE office. Members should return to programs following a doctor's recommendation or, if not receiving medical care, once symptoms have completely subsided. Our collective commitment to maintaining a healthy environment is greatly appreciated.
- Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Vomiting within the last 24 hours
- Persistent diarrhea, especially when accompanied by 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 associated with mumps, measles, chicken pox, strep throat, flu, impetigo, head lice, mites, and ringworm
- Runny nose with yellow or green discharge, indicating infection
- Fatigue caused by illness that would impede program participation and enjoyment
In case a member contracts a contagious illness that impacts their attendance at the program, please promptly inform the LIFE office. Members should return to programs following a doctor's recommendation or, if not receiving medical care, once symptoms have completely subsided. Our collective commitment to maintaining a healthy environment is greatly appreciated.
