Hendricks County 4-H is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and accessible environment for all members, past, present, and future. The Opportunity4All Plan is designed to help Extension professionals and volunteers by providing resources to aid them in developing accommodation plans to meet the needs of Hendricks County 4-H youth with disabilities. 4-H can be greatly beneficial to children with disabilities. 4-H activities can be a valuable way to gain new skills such as responsibility, integrity, leadership, and communication. Extra curriculars can also help these children build relationships, explore their interests, and gain a sense of belonging. The learning and experiences that a member gains through 4-H are just as important, if not more important, as a “perfect” final project or a blue ribbon at the fair. With some intentional planning, 4-H can be an inclusive program for children with disabilities and their families.

Basic Procedures for Creating a Opportunity4All 4-H Plan:

1. 4-H parent/guardian submits request form to local Extension office. Request forms must be submitted in a time frame that is reasonable to consider the request and implement the approved accommodations. Some requests take longer than others to implement, and it is beneficial to turn the form in as early as possible prior to the event.

2. County 4-H Educator reviews request.

3. County 4-H Educator meets with 4-H parent/guardian (and member) to discuss the request.

4. Determine reasonable accommodations.

5. County 4-H Educator sends notification of approved accommodations to the parent/guardian.

6. Family and 4-H Educator work together to establish best ways to communicate with volunteers/leaders that need-to-know accommodation information.

HERE is the Opportunity4All Plan Request Form!