Most park visitors with disabilities and their companions want to know the accessibility of a recreation facility or program before they venture out on an excursion or get started in any recreational activity. This will require the visitors to identify their recreation interests and then contact the recreation provider directly to ask about accessibility, via telephone/TTY or e-mail.

When calling the recreation provider, visitors should ask to speak with the person responsible for the accessibility or inclusion of the program or facility, and indicate that they or their companion have a disability. The person responsible for the accessibility program should know accessibility features of the facility and programs and be eager to answer questions. The accessibility coordinator can also work with the visitor and program staff to ensure any necessary program modifications or accommodations occur before the visitor's arrival.

Often, it is not as simple as calling the facility or program and asking the first person one speaks with, "Are the swimming pool and swim lesson program accessible?" because that person may not be knowledgeable about accessibility. The person who answers the phone may respond, "Yes, it is accessible," to all questions regarding accessibility, but he or she may not be trained to identify accessibility features according to federal guidelines. The process of getting the right person on the phone may take longer than anticipated, but it is well worth the effort.