Creative ADA solutions.

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. In order to meet the requirements of the act, camps must make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities will be able to participate in their programs.

There are many inexpensive solutions camps can use to fulfill the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With planning, you may find that your camp's needs can be met, at least in part, with ideas like these:

* When taking campers with disabilities out of the camp, be knowledgeable about where you are going. Ask very specific questions regarding your access needs. Many sites may state that there is "only one step" to gain access. Ask whether they have wooden ramps or other temporary measures available to gain access to that one step. You may also be interested in portable, roll-up metal ramping. These ramping systems come in easy-to-carry cases, for approximately $325. For more information about these systems, contact Access Products at 612-829-1041.

* If your staff or campers have difficulty using door knobs, consider purchasing door lever adapters. These adapters can quickly be clamped on to existing knob hardware, making them more accessible for everyone. For information on obtaining these adapters, call Extend, Inc. at 218-236-9686.

* Assistive listening devices for people with hearing disabilities may be available for as little as $825 through William Sound System, 800-328-6190, or may be available through various agencies. Several organizations also lease equipment or make it available for short-term use. Please check your local organizations for more information.

* You can easily enlarge the text size of written material for people with vision impairments with most word processing programs. Most organizations use 17-point type for large-print material.

* If zippers or buttons make it difficult to gain access to sleeping bags, tents, or clothing, replace them with Velcro.

* Use wooden, non-electric communication boards instead of electronic communication boards in areas without electricity. Inexpensive used wooden boards can often be obtained from rehabilitation centers or schools.

* Use string or rope to mark off dangerous areas such as cliffs and river beds. This precaution helps keep all campers safe, including those with visual impairments. Also consider hanging reflective tape strips from the string or rope.

* Adaptive seating can be used in canoes for individuals who have physical disabilities and who need back support. Use slings made of netting or canvas, or pre-manufactured canoe seats that can be folded into place.

* Individuals who have the use of one limb and who want to assist in food preparation can use a modified cutting board. Different-sized holes cut in the board, alligator clips, and spikes will hold food for chopping or peeling.

* Instead of using a wooden board to help people in and out of wheelchairs, try using a sheep-skin like fabric with straps on either side.

* To help people with disabilities get from one area to another, consider purchasing wheelchairs that are made for rough terrains. Call Natural Access at 800-411-7789 or 808-926-1176 for more information. You can also use large garden carts. Use lots of pillows to make the ride more comfortable.

There are many other creative ideas you can use in making your camp more accessible, if you carefully think through your needs and their possible solutions.

RELATED ARTICLE: The Americans with Disabilities Act: Camp Compliance

by Glenn Roswal, Ph.D., Martin E. Block, Ph.D., and Shannon Cooper

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990) provides basic civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. It is designed to facilitate the integration of individuals with disabilities into every aspect of society by providing a clear and comprehensive national mandate eliminating discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

ADA is divided into five major areas: employment, public services and transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and other provisions. Examples of how ADA impacts camp programs:

* Camp directors cannot discriminate against an individual with a disability with regard to job application procedures, hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees.

* Camp directors may not ask an applicant about the nature of his/her disability. They can ask about the applicant's ability to perform job-related functions or ask for a demonstration of job-related skills.

* Camps cannot deny individuals with disabilities enrollment in camp solely by reason of disability.

* Camps must make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodations might include: ramps for individuals who use wheelchairs, signs in braille on cabins and trail heads for those who are blind, and nonvocal telephone terminals for those who are deaf.

Accommodations need to be made unless they pose undue hardship on the camp. Undue hardship refers to an action requiring significant difficulty or expense; one that is unduly costly, extensive, substantial, disruptive, or that will fundamentally alter the nature of the program. For example, a residential camp in a rural, hilly setting might find it an undue hardship to make all cabins accessible. However, it may be reasonable for the camp to make at least one cabin accessible as well as any general recreation buildings.

Practical steps to comply

* Establish a camp advisory committee that includes individuals with disabilities. Include families and professionals with and without disabilities.

* Review current programs and policies of the camp and determine if they meet the mandate of ADA.

* Train camp staff to eliminate discriminatory remarks and practices regarding campers with disabilities. If a camper with a specific disability is definitely coming to camp, train staff to meet the unique needs of the camper.

* Seek advice if you are not sure of the accessibility of your camp site.

* Review safety considerations and emergency procedures to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate safely and are aware of the inherent risks of activities.

The National Easter Seal Society Camping Institute, based at Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals in Alabama has trained camp professionals who can assist you in making provisions to include campers and staff with disabilities in your camp program. Call 205-825-9226.

Glenn Roswal, Ph.D., is a professor in the College of Education at Jacksonville State University, Ala. He is also chair of the board of directors at Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals.

Martin E. Block, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia.

Shannon Cooper is the director of development at Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals in Alabama, the world's largest camp for people with disabilities.

Julee Quarve-Peterson is an accessibility specialist at RSP Architects in Minneapolis, Minn. She is a nationally recognized authority who has presented at several National Park Service conferences and workshops. Julee is active in outdoor recreation issues and has conducted accessibility surveys of over 70 million square feet of public and private facilities. She has developed survey instruments, taught accessibility courses, and has served as an expert witness in numerous legal cases. Currently she leads the Accessibility Work Group for RSP Architects, a 100-plus member architectural and interiors firm.

Kathy Sharp, of Wilderness Inquiry in Minneapolis, Minn., also contributed to this article.