W4HP

What is the Winning 4-H Plan?

The Winning 4-H Plan (W4HP) assists Extension professionals and volunteers by providing resources to aid them in developing accommodation plans to meet the needs of Ohio 4-H youth with disabilities. As a part of The Ohio State University, Ohio 4-H must make all aspects of 4-H, including programming, projects, facilities, and activities, accessible to people with disabilities. Access and inclusion are created with a combination of accessible programming, events, interactions, and spaces, with the goal of allowing the individual maximum independence and minimal intervention from others (such as advisors and educators). 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. Creating access is more than ensuring the member can attend 4-H events and fairs, it includes choosing an appropriate project, holding meetings and activities in accessible spaces, and including all members in all activities.

How School vs. 4-H accommodations may differ.

There may be differences between 4-H accommodations and the accommodations received in secondary schools. Secondary school follows the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), which is the nation’s special education law. Schools may need to alter requirements and provide accommodations, commonly with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), to ensure that students can be successful. Schools provide evaluation services to diagnose disabilities and identify accommodations.  Ohio 4-H and OSU Extension, as part of The Ohio State University, are required to provide reasonable accommodations and access through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This civil rights law prevents discrimination on the basis of having a disability. Any organization receiving federal funding must comply with Section 504. Unlike secondary schools, the family is responsible for seeking services, and an IEP does not directly transfer to 4-H. Although 4-H participants are typically secondary school students, the accommodations process is similar to that of college students. Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education may help families set expectations for accommodations within 4-H.

What is the Process for Creating a Winning 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 professional reviews request and has a 5–10-minute meeting with the parents at time of receiving the plan. 
  3. Determine reasonable accommodations.
  4. County 4-H professionals sends notification of approved accommodations to the parent/guardian.
  5. Parent/Guardian communicates approved accommodations with those who need to know (additional details below).
  6. The Winning 4-H Plan should be reviewed annually to discuss any changes that may be needed to the accommodation plan.           

Winning 4-H Plan Request Form

Winning 4-H Plan Project Exhibition Accommodations