4-H programs should be designed to consider the needs of participants with special needs/disabilities, and all 4-H programs will comply with current standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).

Individuals with disabilities needing special assistance should contact their local Extension office by the deadline date of the activity or program. Every effort will be made, without causing undue financial and administrative burdens, to provide reasonable accommodation for the participation of individuals with disabilities.

All 4-H event/activity/program materials should include the question:

“Do you request any accommodation for a disability in order to participate in the program? If so, please explain.”

Physical and emotional safety should always be addressed in context with the individual member’s ability to participate in said activity. The assessment of reasonable accommodations should include the child, the child’s parents, the leader of the activity, and the 4-H program representatives (county 4-H Program Advisor or Program Assistant).

Special safety accommodations may need to be made in advance of situations dealing with certain 4-H project areas, such as animals and shooting sports. Accommodations may include consideration of rules/policies, equipment modification, space needs, architectural barriers, or other unique circumstances.