Stamford YMCA is committed to making its programs and activities available on a nondiscriminatory basis as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Stamford YMCA will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability with regard to the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, privileges, advantages and accommodations. Stamford YMCA will make reasonable modifications to its programs for children with disabilities, both new applicants and those already enrolled, to permit them to participate in its after school programs in the most integrated setting possible, unless Stamford YMCA can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of its goods and services. 

Individualized Assessment and Reasonable Modification 

When informed that a child with a disability has applied to participate in one of Stamford YMCA programs, Stamford YMCA will provide the parent/guardian of that child with a copy of this Policy. Stamford YMCA will also provide a written copy of this Policy upon request. 

When a request for a modification is made, Stamford YMCA will individually assess the needs of the child on whose behalf the request is made and will address each request for a modification on a case-by-case basis. Stamford YMCA will work with families to provide reasonable modifications in accordance with this Policy and applicable laws and may, to that end, request certain documentation concerning the child’s needs. Absent extenuating circumstances, Stamford YMCA will provide the parent/guardian with a decision on the request for a reasonable modification within five (5) business days of the request having been made. 

If an agreement cannot be reached for Stamford YMCA to provide reasonable modifications, Stamford YMCA will notify the parent/guardian, in writing, of the modifications Stamford YMCA will provide (if any) and which modifications it will not provide. Pursuant to the ADA, Stamford YMCA may choose not to provide a modification if that modification would fundamentally alter the nature of its service, program, or activity. 

Point of Contact 

If you have any questions about this Policy, please contact Shawn Patch at The Stamford YMCA; shawn@stamfordymca.org 

Children are like sponges – they watch and absorb knowledge, skills and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success.  That’s why our child care, afterschool and Child Watch programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things, and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. At the Y, babies develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world, and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and do homework.  Most importantly, children learn how to be their best selves. That makes for confident kids today, and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.