MAX HIGBEE CENTER
315 Halleck Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-1828
maxhigbee@gmail.com

As new members join our extended summer program, we'd like to provide a clear statement of our policies. This may be a review for some, but please take the time to read all of the information carefully. Call us at (360)733-1828 if you have any questions or concerns. Be sure to sign the second page and return a copy to us as soon as possible.

Community Access Program (CAP) POLICY OVERVIEW

CAP provides supervised, community-based recreation programs for people 14 years of age and older who have developmental disabilities, at a cost of $8.00 per day. Anyone who participates in CAP activities is considered a Max Higbee Center member or participant. CAP is a unique, facility-free program and therefore does not operate from a building. Everyone meets at the Downtown Bellingham Bus Depot. Our staff ensures members have opportunities to participate in a positive, supportive environment that facilitates personal growth and fun experiences in the community. The activities calendars are created collectively, with input from both members and staff. Calendars are made in advance to allow members to participate in activities they choose. Monthly participation forms are filled out and returned to the CAP Coordinator for advanced attendance notice. The program follows the scheduled activities with exceptions for inclement weather and other unforeseen events. As changes may arise, this program often goes with a "majority rules" policy when faced with group decisions.

Please understand that CAP does not provide the following:

  • CAP does not buy bus passes for participants; however we can assist a member in the process of the purchase.
  • CAP does not provide transportation to/from the main meeting point, the Downtown Bus Depot.
  • CAP does not provide one-on-one personal care support for individuals (unless contracted to do so by an outside agency). This includes personal care assistance such as bathroom needs, eating assistance and mobility support.
  • CAP does not provide mobility equipment or augmentative communication devices.
  • CAP does not pay for additional costs such as admission or snacks (unless contracted to do so).
  • CAP does not allow unsafe behavior. Staff retains the right to suspend members from the program for inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to, the following:
  • 1. Becoming isolated from the group due to extreme resistance or refusal to transition from one activity to another
  • 2. Verbal or physical aggressiveness toward other participants, staff or community members
  • 3. Endangering oneself by bolting or wandering from the group

    • CONSEQUENCES FOR UNSAFE AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

    The following is a consequence guideline. Community Access Program staff will use this step process on a case by case basis. Depending on the severity or escalation of a situation, CAP retains the right to bypass steps as needed.

  • 1. A verbal warning will be given to the participant.
  • 2. A family member or caregiver will be given notification of the behavior.
  • 3. If unacceptable behavior continues, the participant will be given a one day suspension from the program.
  • 4. Extended suspensions will be placed on the participant when behavior becomes an on-going safety concern.

    • ISOLATION SITUATIONS

    When a participant becomes isolated in the community with a staff person due to resistance of activity transitions, a family member or caregiver will be CONTACTED AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMMEDIATE PICK-UP OF THE PARTICIPANT.

    DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR

    If a participant's behavior endangers people around her/him and continues to escalate, a family member or caregiver will be CONTACTED AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMMEDIATE PICK-UP OF THE PARTICIPANT.

    I, (print name of parent/caregiver)_________________________________________, have read and understand the Community Access Program (CAP) policy overview and behavior consequence guidelines.
    Name of Member/Participant______________________________________________________
    The following people are responsible for immediate pick-up of participant in necessary situations:

    contact info: Name/ phone number/ additional phone number
    Contact 1
    Contact 2

    Max Higbee Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides recreation opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, focusing on assisting our members in creating more independence, exploration and enrichment in their lives.
    We are a partner agency of United Way of Whatcom County.