Handbook for Riders and Parents

Transcription

1 Handbook for Riders and Parents One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc Foothill Avenue Morgan Hill, CA Website Facebook Effective July 30,

2 Welcome to One Step Closer! This handbook contains important information about OSC and the forms we need completed for enrollment. If you are enrolling for the first time, please complete the forms then contact the office to schedule a meeting with the Program Director at the ranch. This is an opportunity for the Program Director to meet you, to understand the goals for the rider, to determine if equestrian activities are safe and appropriate for the rider, and to determine which horse is the best match for the rider. All riders are required to complete new forms once per year. This assures we have current medical and emergency contact information for each rider. About One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was founded in September 2006 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and Christian ministry. OSC exists to help our clients achieve their goals for physical, emotional, cognitive, and social skills development. We use horsemanship to help our clients develop life skills to be as independent as possible in life. OSC staff and volunteers serve all people without bias of race, religious beliefs, or economic status. OSC is a center member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). As a PATH center member, OSC abides by strict guidelines for safety and effectiveness. All lessons are taught by a PATH Certified Therapeutic Instructor. Lessons are supported by a team of volunteers that dedicate their time and talents to help assure safe lessons. The Board of Directors, Advisors, and Instructors represent the leadership team of One Step Closer, using their diverse expertise and talents to guide the program and maintain the highest level of service to our participants. One Step Closer offers two primary programs: The adaptive riding program serves riders as young as 4 years of age. There is no upper age limit. Riders in this program have diagnoses that include autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury (TBI), paraplegia, and more. There are approx 30 riders per week in the adaptive riding program. These riders attend a one-hour lesson once per week. Sometimes new riders will begin with a 30 minute lesson until they can develop their focus and stamina for a one hour lesson. A one hour lesson typically means 45 minutes in the saddle, with time for mount and dismount. Lessons are typically with 2-3 riders of similar ability. OSC also conducts an Summer Day Camp for children during the third week of July. Applications for Summer Camp are typically sent out in May. The military program serves active soldiers and veterans to help them heal from physical and emotional wounds of war. The military program is operated in partnership with Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. One Step Closer operates Monday Saturday, year round. Contact the office for specific lesson times. 2

3 In addition to the instructor, a team of up to three volunteers may be needed for the student to ride safely. Dedicated and trained volunteers from all walks of life team up to give the special-needs individual an opportunity to experience an activity which can make a difference in their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. A professional, safety-conscious environment for the riders, volunteers and horses is of primary importance to OSC. We also have a lot of fun! Therapeutic riding, done in a professional and safetyconscious manner, brings feelings of boundless joy and accomplishment for all those involved. CONTRAINDICATIONS There is an inherent risk in any activity with horses. Our goal is to maximize effectiveness and minimize risk. A rider condition in which the risk outweighs the reward is called a contraindication and prohibits the individual from participating in programs at One Step Closer. This is in accordance with PATH regulations. Contraindications can be physical and/or behavioral. Any behavior that endangers the rider, the horse, or other humans is grounds for removal from the arena or dismissal from the program. The PATH list of contraindications is available upon request. OSC has a rider weight limit of 200 lbs. WHAT RIDERS SHOULD WEAR AND BRING ASTM-SEI approved equestrian helmets are required and must be put on before approaching horses. Riders can buy their own helmets or borrow helmets from OSC. Contact us for recommendations if you plan to buy your own helmet. For safety as well as comfort, riders should wear long pants, comfortable shirts, and riding boots or shoes with slick sole and heel. Hiking boots, tennis shoes, sandals, and shorts are not appropriate for horseback riding. Dressing in layers may be necessary. The temperature at OSC may be very different from the city, cooler or hotter, so plan accordingly. During the summer, be sure you dress cool. Sunglasses are acceptable and sun screen is recommended. Avoid dangling jewelry or scarves that can get entangled with equipment, or frighten the horse. Any valuables, including cellphones, should be left in your locked vehicle. It s a good idea to bring your own bottled water. We have a small refrigerator in the barn area where drinks can be kept cool. INCLEMENT WEATHER Lessons will be cancelled when there is, or forecast to be, extreme weather conditions including lightning, rain, extreme wind, extreme heat. This is done for the safety of all participants. When a lesson is cancelled due to weather conditions, it will be noted on our website calendar ( If you are uncertain, please check our website before making the drive to the ranch. Lessons cancelled by OSC are credited to the rider, so you are not being charged tuition for lessons cancelled by OSC. SIBLINGS Siblings at the ranch must be supervised by parents or guardians at all times. They are not allowed to be on the ramps, near the horses, or climbing on equipment. Running, throwing rocks, etc that can distract the riders or frighten horses is prohibited. 3

4 10 WEEK SESSIONS AND TUITION We have created 10-week sessions to manage the logistics of the riders schedules, the number of volunteers required, and the rotation of our horses. The schedule gives our riders families better visibility for personal planning. We hope this schedule allows you to plan your family time and vacations. We are closed on major holidays including Presidents Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, July 4, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. We also close when our Instructors must attend conferences and training clinics for their continuing education. We ask that all riders commit to the 10 lesson session. Near the end of each session we will contact each rider/family to find out if the rider will continue enrollment in the next session. Missed Lesson Due to Illness, etc If the rider is ill and cannot attend his/her lesson, please notify One Step Closer as soon as possible by calling the Program Director s cellphone This will give her time to notify volunteers. Credits We understand that students may have to miss a lesson due to illness, IEP, or family emergency. We can credit only one absence per session. Thank you for your understanding of this limitation. Any lessons cancelled by One Step Closer due to extreme weather, holiday, etc will be rescheduled or credited to the rider. Tuition Tuition revenue covers approximately one-third of the operating expenses of the program. The remaining operating expenses are covered by donations and grants. Each rider has a reserved date/time slot for the 10-week session. Tuition for each 10-week session is as follows One-hour lesson = $500 Half-hour lesson = $250 Payment Options: 1. Payment in full prior to the start of the session. 2. Two installments a. 50% paid prior to start of the session b. 50% balance paid midway (week 5) of the session. Tuition can be paid in advance or in two installments, but keep in mind payment must be made in advance of the lessons. This greatly helps us reduce our administrative time so we can focus our resources on other aspects of program operations. We accept cash and checks and credit cards. If using a credit card we will need advanced notice to prepare arrangements. Failure to make payment in a timely manner may result in removal from the program. Scholarships A scholarship fund exists to provide tuition aid for families in financial hardship. This fund for partial and full scholarships is supported solely by donations and grants. Funds are limited and each application is reviewed by the Board of Directors. Scholarships must be approved each session. 4

5 Forms for Enrollment The following pages include Barn Rules and Code of Conduct created for the safety of participants, families, volunteers, staff, and horses. The Barn Rules are primarily for staff and volunteers, but some items apply to riders and families. Please read these carefully. You will be required to sign on the application that you have read and understood and agree to comply with these rules. The final pages include the forms that need to be completed for enrollment. Please bring these completed forms with you to the meeting with the Program Director: - Application and Health History to be completed by rider, parent, or legal guardian. - Physician s Statement to be completed by rider s primary physician. It is important that the rider s physician knows and approves of equestrian activities for the rider. - Liability release - Emergency Medical Contact and Information These forms must be completed annually. This helps us assure we have current medical and emergency contact information. Participants with Down Syndrome must have an annual medical clearance from a licensed physician that includes a neurological exam that specifically denies any symptoms consistent with atlantoaxial instability (AAI). CONFIDENTIALITY and Release of Information All participant information, including but not limited to enrollment form information, equestrian skills, and instructor progress reports is considered confidential. Any requests by outside sources for access to this information must be approved in writing, with a current date of signature, from the participant or participant s parent/legal guardian. Contact the OSC office for the permission form. Cause for Dismissal from the Program The following circumstances may be cause for a rider to be dismissed from the program: - A physical or behavioral contraindication - Violation of barn rules and/or code of conduct - Excessive weight - Non-payment of tuition - Excessive absences 5

6 OSCTR Barn Rules 1. No volunteer, staff member, or any representative of OSC is allowed to be alone with a participant at any time. Alone is defined as being out of line-of-sight of other people. 2. All clients must be wearing helmets at all times when around the horses. Closed toed shoes are required for all persons (including parents and observers) near horses. 3. No running, loud outbursts, throwing rocks, or other behavior that may startle a horse. 4. Haltering, grooming, and tacking of horses is only to be done by volunteers who have been trained and certified by OSC staff. Clients may assist as allowed by the PATH instructor, and only with supervision by a trained volunteer or PATH instructor. 5. Tie horses using quick release hooks or break-away strings. Only persons directly involved in the tacking of horses may be near a horse that is tied up. All other personnel should stay clear of the tack area. 6. Keep work area clean and free of tripping obstacles. 7. Prior to cleaning a barn stall, horses should be taken out of their stalls and properly tied. No persons in Garth and Jesse s corral without Program Director s permission. 8. All spectators should be in the designated viewing areas for viewing lessons. The bleachers and Matthew s Memorial Garden are the two designated viewing areas. 9. Only essential personnel can be in the mounting area during the mount. All other persons should be clear of the area. The instructor will decide which persons need to be included in the mounting/dismounting process. 10. Only one rider at a time on the mounting ramp. Other riders should wait in the designated viewing area until called to mount their horse. 11. Never allow a student rider or other children to pass within 8 of the rear of the horse. 12. For the safety of all persons and horses, first time guests must make an appointment before entering the ranch. OSC staff reserve the right to ask anyone to leave the premises for any reason. 13. No hand feeding of horses. Feeding of horses, including treats, is done only by trained and scheduled staff. No treats are to be given to horses by participants or volunteers without the instruction / approval of the Program Director. 14. The First Aid kit is located in the tack room. Refer to the EMERGENCY PROCEDURES for any human or horse medical emergency. Refer to the CODE OF CONDUCT for our policy regarding proper conduct. 6

7 11/26/2015 One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding Code of Conduct One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding is a community-based organization dedicated to providing equestrian activities to people with special needs as part of their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development goals. Appropriate conduct is required to protect participants safety and integrity. Participation in the organization's programs is subject to the observance of the organization's rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. We expect our employees, Board members, volunteers, clients and their family members (collectively Constituents ) to share this commitment/adhere to this Code of Conduct. Any Constituent who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from the program. Conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of people and horses. Abusive language or rudeness towards a client, staff member, or volunteer. Verbal, physical or visual harassment of a client, staff member, or volunteer. Actual or threatened violence toward any individual or group. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on One Step Closer property or reporting to the program while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bringing onto One Step Closer's property dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons or other similar items. Failure to cooperate with an instructor, adult supervisor, leader, mentor. Avoid situations in which you are alone with a child. When it is necessary to speak privately with a child, find a place out of earshot, but within sight of others for your conference. Volunteers, staff members, or other official representatives of One Step Closer are not to provide transportation for student riders (clients). One Step Closer s liability insurance prohibits this. The privacy of children in situations such as toileting and changing clothes should be respected. When it is necessary to supervise children in these situations, only the child s parents or guardians can be present with the child. groin. Avoid touching areas that are normally covered by swimming suits: breasts, buttocks, and Never ask for a hug. We prefer a high-five. If a client initiates a hug at an appropriate time, hug from the side over the shoulders, not from the front. Inappropriate dress including attire that could pose a safety hazard, a distraction to clients, or is revealing of bodily areas normally covered by swimming suits. 7

8 Sexual jokes, comments of a sexual nature, kissing, sensual massages or sexual gestures are not appropriate behavior for an adult staff member or volunteer. Revealing personal information about one's sex life by an adult volunteer or staff member is never appropriate. Harrassment or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, including behavior, comments, jokes, slurs, messages, pictures, photographs, or other conduct that contributes to an intimidating or offensive environment. Harassment and discrimination includes conduct based on race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other non-job-related factor. Asking for private information from a participant is not allowed. Such private information includes, but is not limited to, personal contact information, phone number, address, name of school, home address, last name. For example, it is acceptable to ask How was school today? It is unacceptable to ask Where do you go to school? Do not use corporal punishment in any form spanking, slapping, hitting, etc. Publishing or posting photos of clients or volunteers other than yourself in public forum (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc ) is not permitted unless permission has been obtained from One Step Closer. RAISING CONCERNS The standards of conduct described in this code are critical to the ongoing success of One Step Closer s relationship with its participants, staff members and volunteers. If you encounter questionable activities, we encourage you to immediately bring them to our attention. Questions are handled confidentially to the extent permitted by law, and can be submitted anonymously without fear of retaliation. One Step Closer prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises concerns or is involved in an investigation. One Step Closer will investigate any reports of retaliation and take the appropriate action. 8

9 Participant s Application and Health History General Information Participant s Last Name: First Name: DOB: Age: Height: Weight: Gender: M F Address: Phone: ( ) or ( ) Employer / School: Address: Phone: ( ) or ( ) Parent/ Legal Guardian: Address (if different from above): Phone (if different from above: ( ) or ( ) Referral Source: Health History Diagnosis Date of Onset: Please indicate current or past special needs in the following areas: Vision Hearing Sensation Communication Heart Breathing Digestion Elimination Circulation Emotional/Mental Health Behavioral Pain Bone/Joint Muscular Thinking/Cognitive Allergies Y N Comments MEDICATIONS (include prescription, over-the-counter; name, dose, and frequency) 9

10 Describe your abilities/difficulties in the following areas (include assistance required or equipment needed): PHYSICAL FUNCTION (i.e. Mobility skills such as transfers, walking, wheelchair use, driving/bus riding) PSYCHO/SOCIAL FUNCTION (i.e. Work/school including grade completed, leisure interests, relationships-family structure, support systems, companion animals, fears/concerns, etc ) GOALS (i.e. Why are you applying for participation? What would you like to accomplish?) Signature: Date: PHOTO RELEASE I DO DO NOT consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc of any and all photographs and any other audio/visual materials taken of me for promotional material, educational activities, exhibitions or for any other use for the benefit of the program. Signature: Date: Client, Parent or Legal Guardian I have read and I understand One Step Closer's Code of Conduct and Barn Rules. I agree to abide by the rules described above and understand that I may be removed from the program if I violate any of these rules. Client, Parent or Legal Guardian Date Client, Parent or Legal Guardian Name (print) 10

11 Participant s Medical History & Physician s Statement Participant s Last Name: First Name: Address: DOB: Age: Height: Weight: Gender: M F Diagnosis: Date of Onset Past/Prospective Surgeries: Medications: Seizure Type: Controlled: Y N Date of Last Seizure: Shunt Present: Y N Date of last revision: Special Precautions/Needs: Mobility: Independent Ambulation Y N Assisted Ambulation Y N Wheelchair: Y N Braces/Assistive Devices: For those with Down Syndrome: AtlantoDens Interval X-rays, date: Result: + -- Neurologic Symptoms of AtlantoAxial Instability: Please indicate current or past special needs in the following systems/areas, including surgeries: Auditory Visual Tactile Sensation Speech Cardiac Circulatory Integumentary/Skin Immunity Pulmonary Neurologic Muscular Balance Orthopedic Allergies Learning Disability Cognitive Emotional/Psychological Pain Other Y N Comments Given the above diagnosis and medical information, this person is not medically precluded from participation in equine assisted activities. I understand that the NARHA center will weigh the medical information given against the existing precautions and contraindications. Therefore, I refer this person to the NARHA center for ongoing evaluation to determine eligibility for participation. Name/Title: MD DO NP PA Other Signature: Date: Address: Phone: ( ) License/UPIN Number: 11

12 PARTICIPANT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY NOTICE TO Participant: DO NOT SIGN this agreement BEFORE you read it, or if it contains any blank spaces to be filled in. For a Participant who is younger than18 years old, this form must be initialed and signed by a Parent or Legal Guardian in addition to the Participant s signature. One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding's Program is professionally orientated and controlled. All staff, volunteers, and horses have been carefully selected. Safety equipment is used for all riders because horseback riding is a risk exercise. No student can be accepted into the Program until a parent or guardian has completed and signed all required forms or, if the rider is of legal age he or she may sign on his or her own behalf. Therapeutic riding instruction will be under strict supervision and although every effort will be made to avoid any accident, the Participant agrees to waive and release One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc., its Board of Directors, Instructors, Therapists, Aides, Volunteers, Agents, Employees, Sponsors, and Affiliates from any liability due to negligence for the activities of the organization. I, (Participant s Name), acknowledge that I will not be permitted to participate in the One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc. s Programs (herein, the PROGRAMS) if I do not agree to the terms of this waiver. I ACKNOWLEDGE that I have had the opportunity to have the PROGRAMS explained to me by (name) on (date). I APPRECIATE THE RISK OF INJURY INVOLVED in participating in the PROGRAMS. ( ) I ACKNOWLEDGE that I have read and fully understand the Participant information and emergency procedure forms provided to me. ( ) I would like to participate in the PROGRAMS. I ACKNOWLEDGE that mounted and un-mounted EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES, including but not limited to: riding a horse, driving or riding in a cart drawn by a horse, vaulting on a horse, and other mounted and un-mounted equestrian activities, are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES which involve a risk of injury. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I MAY SUSTAIN INJURIES. I EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN RISKS involved in such activities and PARTICIPATE AT MY OWN RISK. ( ) I ACKNOWLEDGE that due to the nature of equestrian activities, accidents can and do occur. I hereby, EXPRESSLY RELEASE, AND FOREVER DISCHARGE One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc., its Board of Directors, Instructors, Therapists, Aides, Volunteers, Agents, Employees, Sponsors, and Affiliates from ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIM, LOSS, DAMAGE, COST, OR EXPENSE FOR NEGLIGENCE, including without limitation, those based on bodily injury arising 12

13 from my participation in any of the activities conducted on the premises, or my use of the equipment, and tools, vehicles, horses, or any other instruments or property involved in participating in the PROGRAMS. ( ) I ACKNOWLEDGE that I have carefully read this waiver and release and FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT I AM WAIVING ANY AND ALL RIGHTS THAT I MIGHT HAVE TO BRING A LAWSUIT in which I could assert a claim against One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and all the other persons or entities mentioned for ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PARTIES, but instead I do hold them harmless from any and all claims, causes of action, judgments, costs, or expenses including attorney fees, which in any way arise from my participating in the activities of the PROGRAMS. Date: Signature: Participant For The Parents and Guardians of Participants under 18 years old: I ACKNOWLEDGE that I have carefully read this waiver and release on behalf of my child or ward and FULLY UNDERSTAND that it is a RELEASE OF LIABILITY. I acknowledge that I AM WAIVING ANY AND ALL RIGHTS THAT I OR MY CHILD OR WARD MIGHT HAVE TO BRING A LAWSUIT against One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and all the other persons or entities mentioned above for ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PARTIES. I hereby CONSENT TO THE TERMS OF THIS WAIVER and allow my child or ward to participate as a Participant in the Programs. Date: Date: Signature: Parent or Guardian Signature: Parent 13

14 Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment Participant Staff Volunteer Last Name: First Name: Address: Phone: ( ) or ( ) DOB: Physician s Name: Preferred Medical Facility: Health Insurance Company: Policy #: Allergies to medications: Current medications: In the event of an emergency, contact: Name: Relationship: Phone: Name: Relationship: Phone: In the event emergency medical aid/treatment is required due to illness or injury during the process of receiving services, or while being on the property of the agency, I authorize ONE STEP CLOSER THERAPEUTIC RIDING to: 1. Secure and retain medical treatment and transportation if needed. 2. Release client records upon request to the authorized individual or agency involved in the medical emergency treatment. Consent Plan This authorization includes x-ray, surgery, hospitalization, medication and any treatment procedure deemed life-saving by the physician. This provision will only be involved if the person(s) above is unable to be reached. Date: Consent Signature: Client, Parent, or Legal Guardian Signed in presence of center staff Non-Consent Plan I do not give my consent for emergency medical treatment/aid in the case of illness or injury during the process of receiving services or while being on the property of the agency. Date: Consent Signature: Client, Parent, or Legal Guardian Signed in presence of center staff Parent or legal guardian will remain on site at all times during equine assisted activities. In the event emergency treatment/aid is required, I wish the following procedure to take place: 14