OPRYD Inclusive Services

At Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD), Inclusive Services works to ensure that people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to play, connect, learn, and belong.

We provide inclusive recreation opportunities for teens and young adults with disabilities, including after-school programs, social events, and seasonal camps. We also partner with recreation centers across Oakland to support ADA accommodations and inclusive participation in OPRYD programs and events.

Explore our programs, learn about accommodations, and find helpful resources below.


Programs & Services

Camp L.E.A.P. (Lead. Empower. Adapt. Play.)

Camp L.E.A.P. is an inclusive recreation and life-skills program for Oakland youth ages 14–21 with developmental and intellectual disabilities, proudly funded through the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY).

Camp L.E.A.P. creates opportunities for young people to build independence, confidence, friendships, leadership skills, and community connections through fun, supportive recreation experiences.

Through after-school programming, seasonal camps, and social events, participants can explore their interests, develop new skills, connect with peers, and experience their community.

Camp L.E.A.P. activities may include:
  • Recreation and sports

  • Arts and crafts

  • Cooking and life skills

  • Community service

  • Travel training

  • Nature-based activities

  • Wellness and movement

  • Leadership opportunities

  • Social and community-building activities

Whether you're looking to join us after school, attend an upcoming social, or take part in a seasonal camp, there are many ways to Take the L.E.A.P. toward adulthood with confidence, community, and joy!

Register for Camp L.E.A.P.

Current Camp L.E.A.P. programs—including after-school programs, social events, and seasonal camps—are available through the City of Oakland's registration system.

Register online:
https://cityofoakland.perfectmind.com/


ADA Accommodations & Inclusion

OPRYD is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If a disability impacts your ability to participate in an OPRYD program or event, you may request an accommodation.

Need an accommodation?

For special events, please submit your request at least 10 calendar days before the event whenever possible.

For recreation programs, please submit your request as early as possible and ideally at least 14 calendar days before the program begins. Early requests give staff more time to review your request and coordinate supports when needed.

Contact Inclusive Services

Bianca Posada
Recreation Program Director of Inclusive Services
(510) 597-5064
bposada@oaklandca.gov
☎ 711 California Relay Service


How to Request an Accommodation

For Recreation Programs

1. Register
Register for the OPRYD program you are interested in.

2. Request an Accommodation Request Form
Ask the Center Director for an Accommodation Request Form, contact Inclusive Services at bposada@oaklandca.gov, or download a copy here: 

3. Submit your request
Return the completed form to bposada@oaklandca.gov.

4. Connect with staff
Inclusive Services will review your request and contact you regarding next steps.

Please submit requests as early as possible so staff have adequate time to review your needs and coordinate supports.

For Special Events

Contact Inclusive Services at least 10 calendar days before the event whenever possible via email at bposada@oaklandca.gov and complete an Accommodation Request Form. You may download a copy here: 

Early requests allow time to coordinate accommodations such as ASL interpretation, captioning, accessible seating, assistive listening devices, or other supports.


Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

Depending on the program, event, and individual needs, reasonable accommodations may include:

Communication Supports
  • Auxiliary aides

  • Visual schedules or written instructions

  • Materials in large print or simplified formats

  • ASL interpretation or captioning

Environmental Supports
  • Additional transition or wait time

  • Alternative seating arrangements

  • Access to fidget tools or noise-canceling headphones when appropriate

  • Access to a quiet or low-stimulus space

  • Reserved accessible seating or viewing areas

Activity Modifications
  • Reasonable modifications to game or activity rules

  • Breaks during activities

  • Modified instructions or activity formats

  • Additional opportunities to process information or transition between activities

Other Supports
  • Assistive listening devices

  • On-site way-finding or accessibility support

  • Collaboration with outside agencies regarding additional support when appropriate


ADA & Inclusion FAQs

Who is eligible to request an accommodation?

Any individual with a disability that impacts their participation in an OPRYD program or event may request a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

Is there a fee for accommodations?

No. Reasonable accommodations are provided at no additional cost.

Can I still participate if I didn't request an accommodation in advance?

We encourage families and participants to submit accommodation requests at least 10–14 calendar days before an event or program whenever possible.

If you miss the recommended deadline, please still contact us. We will do our best to support your participation; however, some accommodations—such as those requiring outside vendors—may not be available on short notice.

Do accommodations guarantee priority registration or exceptions to program rules?

No.

Program registration remains first-come, first-served, and all participants must meet applicable program eligibility requirements, such as age or residency requirements.

Reasonable accommodations are intended to provide meaningful access to a program or event and do not automatically waive program requirements or safety rules.

What types of accommodations can be provided for events?

Depending on the event and individual needs, accommodations may include:

  • ASL interpretation or captioning

  • Assistive listening devices

  • Reserved accessible seating or viewing areas

  • Access to a quiet or low-stimulus space

  • Materials in alternative formats, such as large print, digital, or plain language

  • On-site way-finding or accessibility support

How do I request accommodations for a recreation program?
  1. Register for the program of your choice.

  2. Request an Accommodation Request Form from the Center Director or Inclusive Services.

  3. Submit the completed form to bposada@oaklandca.gov.

  4. Staff will confirm that your request has been received and contact you regarding next steps.

Please submit requests as early as possible, ideally at least 14 calendar days before the start of the program.

What's the difference between the Accommodation Request Form and the Inclusion Services Questionnaire?

Accommodation Request Form: Used to request specific supports or modifications needed for participation.

Inclusion Services Questionnaire: Helps staff better understand a participant's communication style, interests, strengths, support needs, and other information that may help us create a more successful recreation experience.

Are there limits to reasonable accommodations?

Reasonable accommodations are intended to provide meaningful access to OPRYD programs and services. Accommodations may not be required when they would fundamentally alter the nature of a program or activity, create an undue financial or administrative burden, or result in a direct safety threat that cannot be addressed through reasonable modifications.

Some requests may require additional discussion or coordination with the participant, family, program staff, or outside agencies. These may include requests involving continuous 1:1 staffing, personal care, medical services, significant program modifications, or supports outside the scope of OPRYD staff responsibilities.

If you're unsure whether a request can be accommodated, please contact Inclusive Services. We're happy to discuss your needs and explore possible options with you.

Is transportation provided?

Programs: Transportation to and from programs is generally not provided. Transportation during a program, such as transportation for a field trip, may be available depending on the program. Please include any accessibility needs related to transportation on your accommodation request forms.

Events: OPRYD does not generally provide transportation to or from events unless specifically noted in the event information.

Are personal care or medical services provided?

OPRYD staff do not provide personal care or medical services unless those services are specifically included as part of the program design.

If personal care or medical support is essential for participation, please contact Inclusive Services to discuss possible options for reasonable modifications.

What if my child needs to take medication during program hours?

Medication support is considered on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, a waiver and written instructions from a child's doctor may be required.

Please include any medication-related needs on the Accommodation Request Form so staff can review the request and determine an appropriate plan.

Can participants bring their own aide or support person?

Participants may bring their own 1:1 aide, behavioral therapist, or other support person as a reasonable modification, when appropriate.

A background check or other requirements may apply to individuals providing support within OPRYD programs.

Please contact Inclusive Services in advance to discuss the process.

Why might staff ask for a copy of my child's IEP or 504 Plan?

IEPs and 504 Plans may include strategies, accommodations, and goals that help staff better understand a participant's needs and identify effective supports.

Sharing an IEP or 504 Plan is optional but strongly encouraged when it may help staff plan for successful participation.


Inclusive Services Resource Hub

Looking for additional resources?

The OPRYD Inclusive Services Resource Hub provides information and resources for families, participants, and OPRYD staff, including:

  • Accommodation Request Forms

  • ADA information and statements

  • Service Animal FAQs

  • Inclusion and accessibility resources

  • Staff learning and training materials

Visit the OPRYD Inclusive Services Resource Hub:
https://sites.google.com/view/oprydresourcehub/home


Contact Inclusive Services

Bianca Posada
Recreation Program Director of Inclusive Services
Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development

Phone: (510) 597-5064
Email: bposada@oaklandca.gov
California Relay Service: 711

For questions about Camp L.E.A.P., social events, seasonal camps, or inclusion supports, please contact Inclusive Services.

For questions about specific OPRYD recreation program details—such as program schedules, registration, fees, or activity information—please contact the recreation center or staff offering the program.