- Offer to establish an Advisory Board or Inclusion Task Force at your Parks & Recreation Department to represent the needs of participants with disabilities.
- Develop professional relationships with other agencies within your community to establish linkages to provide supports & accommodations to public recreation programs.
- Become an ADA advocate and pass on your knowledge about this law at your workplace.
- Utilize resources about the ADA such as the ADA hotline (800) 949-4232 through the regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers and the National Center on Accessibility (812) 856-4422.
- Attend a NIRI Conference (National Institute for Recreation Inclusion) and network with departments who have for inclusion programs.
- Initiate staff training opportunities for working with people with disabilities and developing a " Yes First " attitude.
- Evaluate present facilities for accessibility and promote ADA compliance for all new construction.
- Develop marketing strategies to communicate and inform potential participants with and without disabilities about services, programs and activities in your Department.
- Establish registration procedures that make it easy for people with disabilities to register and request an accommodation.
For many individuals with disabilities, a feeling of acceptance is the most important accommodation. If staff members demonstrate an attitude of acceptance and welcoming, the experience can be positive for everyone!