Eligibility Criteria

The National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. (“NIHF”) has developed these Eligibility Criteria to educate all prospective and registering families on the minimum requirements, based on safety and risk-management, that parents and guardians should be familiar with and consider before registration for an individual to participate in a NIHF program. Additionally, parents or guardians should review these terms and conditions with their child. NIHF strives to provide program experiences for children regardless of ability, where we believe every child can invent. All participants must, with or without a reasonable accommodation, be able to do the following:

A. Be able to function in high-stimulation environments that may include loud noises, bright or flashing lights, sudden and/or repetitive movements, and interactive activities with facilitators and peers.

B. Be able to understand and follow rules and instructions individually or as part of a group without frequent one-on-one instruction or direction, work on projects independently and in peer groups, be able to handle changes to typical daily routines and environments, and self-regulate behavior to support group learning.

C. Communicate effectively with, and respond to, others including regarding any injury or the need for assistance.

D. Be able to refrain from physically or verbally aggressive behavior directed toward others, property, materials, or the participant themselves (i.e., self-harm). This includes, but is not limited to, using appropriate language, refraining from outbursts, yelling, or taking things that do not belong to them, and being able to stay near the group and not run or wander away.

E. Perform necessary self-care tasks independently including personal hygiene/hand washing, toileting, drinking, eating, moving from room to room throughout the day, and dressing appropriately for activities.

Acknowledgment of Personnel Limitations: You acknowledge that locations hosting summer/after-hours programs do not have the same personnel/tools available as they might during a typical school day. *Nurses, special education assistance, aides, etc., are not on site.

Accommodation Policy: Due to the complexities of administering NIHF programs, the parent or guardian of a prospective participant who has an aide or special support at school, or may have a physical, emotional, or other limitation, or restriction, that might require a physical, medical, educational or other type of adjustment or accommodation during the NIHF program must contact NIHF at 800-968-4332 or [email protected] a minimum of 12 weeks prior to the start date of the program to initiate the interactive process. When applicable, we will provide you with a health information form via email after this initial conversation. While we cannot guarantee that we can grant the adjustment or accommodation request, we will individually review and discuss all such inquiries. The parent or guardian may be responsible to cover certain costs related to the requested adjustments or accommodations.

Parents or guardians of participants with severe allergies requiring an epinephrine injector should select YES in the epinephrine injector section when registering their child. The program Director will reach out to the parent or guardian prior to the start date to be trained in the administration of epinephrine and discuss arrangements.

If your child needs to take medication while at camp, please bring it in its original container with a signed physician’s note (if prescription), the preapproved administrator and instructions. Program Team Members (“PTMs”) who include, but are not limited to, Directors, Assistant Directors, and Instructors, are not permitted to dispense medication except in the case of the administration of an epinephrine injector. They are, however, able to remind children when it is time to take their medication and supervise them as they take it, so long as you have authorized self-administration. If you are not comfortable with your child self-administering medication, you or a preauthorized individual, who may be a PTM once an accommodation request is approved, are welcome to come to the site to dispense the medication when necessary, pending any local guidelines or restrictions.

Program Code of Conduct: The Code of Conduct is applicable to all NIHF program participants, friends/family members, personnel, and visitors. Families should discuss having an open mind and positive attitude, be motivated to try new things, learn new skills, and actively participate in activities. All children and adults are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible, respectful, and safe manner and adhere to the following guidelines:

A. Cooperate with NIHF and PTMs and do not disrupt, distract, or interfere with the standard operations or integrity of the program.

B. Refrain from cell phone use during program unless expressly permitted otherwise. Do not share or discuss inappropriate or vulgar content of any kind with others.

C. No teasing, bullying (repeated, intentionally hurtful behavior), foul or obscene language, outbursts, verbal or physical aggression (such as biting, spitting, scratching, hitting, kicking, yelling, etc.), fighting, stealing, damaging property, or any other form of unlawful harassment, intimidation, or endangerment to the safety of self or others is allowed.

Incident Protocols: When behavior concerns arise, PTMs will address the negative actions and work to resolve any conflicts at that time. Each situation is unique and will be assessed, depending on the level of severity, if a warning or program removal is necessary:

A. When needed, information will be gathered from others involved in the incident or conduct, or from others who witnessed the incident or conduct. 

B. Incident Reports may also be completed for health, accidental, and/or informational purposes. 

C. Physical holding of a child may be necessary in a crisis situation or for the child’s safety to prevent harm to self, others, or property. 

D. A PTM will discuss concerns and/or provide the parent or guardian a copy of the Incident Report. (If other children are involved the children’s names will be redacted for privacy.) 

E. Parents or guardians should not confront or approach other children or families about an incident at any time. All relevant parties will be addressed on an individual basis by the PTM. Children should immediately make a PTM aware if they are involved in or witness an incident concerning any harmful behaviors or actions, and, if needed, local authorities may be contacted. 

If it becomes apparent after the program begins that the participant cannot meet the Eligibility Criteria or requirements of the Code of Conduct, NIHF or PTMs may dismiss the participant from the program in their sole discretion. No refunds will be given if a participant is dismissed due to their failure to meet these terms and conditions.