DSNMC Program Participation Policies
I. Participation: DSNMC middle school programs are open to youth (ages 11-14) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) - including autism - and other social and behavioral needs. Participants should be able to function in groups of up to 30 people with 1:4 staffing; independently meet self-care needs; follow directions; and demonstrate respectful, safe behavior at all times.
II. Behavior and Safety: DSNMC reserves the right to determine any individual’s participation in a DSNMC program. In the event of a behavior incident or an accident, DSNMC will prepare an incident report and contact the participant’s parent or guardian. For ongoing unsafe, defiant or other problematic/inappropriate behavior, a participant may be placed on a behavior contract or dismissed from the program.
DSNMC has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs, alcohol or weapons on site; self-harm; and threats, violence or harassment of any kind. A participant exhibiting or engaging in any of these behaviors or activities may be dismissed from the program. Any participant threatening to harm oneself or others may be required to have a mental health assessment before further participation in a DSNMC program.
III. Registration: Registrations are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Registration may be submitted by mail or email. Registration should be submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance; if registering late, call the DSNMC office to confirm availability. Individuals may be added to the wait list if the program is full. A confirmation email will be sent when a spot in the program is reserved for the participant. Once registration is confirmed, the participant is responsible for the cost of tuition. Tuition will not be prorated for planned or unplanned absences. Tuition Assistance: Participants in need may request tuition assistance. Funding availability is not guaranteed.
IV. Cancellations: DSNMC and its partners reserve the right to cancel programs due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled in its entirety, participants will be fully refunded for all sessions not held. In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, DSNMC will notify participants via email, phone, and the DSNMC website and Facebook. DSNMC will make every effort to notify participants at least three (3) hours before a session, but sessions may be canceled with little or no notice. Participants will not be refunded for emergency cancellations. Participant safety is DSNMC's first priority; if a participant feels unsafe to travel due to weather conditions, they should contact their director.
V. Waiver: DSNMC aims to provide a safe environment, but there is always a risk of accident or injury. Each participant, parent or legal guardian is responsible for all medical bills or other costs for illness or injury related to participation in a DSNMC program. Participants must be covered by their own accident and medical insurance. By signing a DSNMC registration form, participant releases and indemnifies DSNMC from all liability for any claims or damages arising out of participation.
VI. Photo Release: DSNMC has permission to use photographs, audio and video of classes and performances for any purpose, including promotional, educational and commercial uses.
VII. Research Consent: DSNMC may conduct group evaluations in order to assess the quality of DSNMC programming. Any group evaluation is completed anonymously and reviewed in aggregate with no personal identifiers. The purpose of these evaluations is to improve DSNMC classes and results. Participation in this evaluation is voluntary. DSNMC participants or their legal guardian may choose not to participate or to withdraw from the evaluation process at any time, without affecting registration, class participation or future participation. Your signature on the registration form gives DSNMC permission to conduct group evaluations and use the aggregate, anonymous information for promotional, educational, course improvement, or fundraising uses.