NIRI conference motivates members.

The National Institute on Recreation Inclusion (NIRI) concluded in September with attendees learning from dynamic speakers, receiving awards and networking with other professionals in the field. The conference is a collaborative effort between two NRPA branches, APRS and NTRS, dedicated to sharing the latest information on including people of all abilities into park and recreation programs and facilities.

The 2006 conference was held in Groton, Conn., which was honored with last year's NIRI Excellence in Inclusion Award and has served as a model community for the Real Choices program that promotes full inclusion into all aspects of community.

Paralympian Karin Korb, a world-ranked wheelchair tennis player and bodybuilder, delivered a very personal and inspiring keynote, speaking candidly about her injury, her adjustment to life using a wheelchair for mobility, and ultimately the positive impact that accessibility and inclusion has had on her acceptance and perseverance of an acquired injury.

She thanked the attendees for their dedication to improving access for all participants in recreation programs, and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

In addition, Peggy Greenwell from the United States Access Board updated attendees on the most current accessibility guidelines for recreation areas as well as announced their new partnership with NRPA establishing a new course called Accessibility Guidelines for Playground Areas, modeled off the current National Playground Safety Institute course.

New to this year's schedule was a roundtable discussion, where participants could discuss different topics varying from ADA issues, how to "sell" the inclusion process, what is the true cost of inclusion and the legal aspects of providing personal care to program participants. Each table became an exciting exchange of information and ideas, with the room overflowing with people. Plans are already in process to expand this session for next year's NIRI conference to be held in Reston, Va.

Attendees were also wowed by the hospitality of the town of Groton and their staff, going out of their way to welcome attendees by personally providing transportation to the airport, treating attendees to a food festival called "A Taste of Mystic" and providing on-site support to NRPA staff.

For more information on the 2007 NIRI conference to be held Oct. 25-28 in Reston, Va., visit www.nrpa.org, and go to the Education and Conferences section. Registration will open in April 2007.