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Access Issues

Outdoor and adventure recreation programs often are located in areas that are not very accessible to people with disabilities. This may be a barrier to inclusive programs and a constraint to certain people with disabilities. But, program providers also have to balance this issue of access with the issue of preserving the natural atmosphere of places where people come to participate in outdoor activities. Developed facilities must meet the standards that are relevant for particular facility types. Indoor facilities and the built environment are governed by standards that were published as part of the ADA. Standards are currently being developed and codified for outdoor recreation areas and facilities such as trails, beaches, campsites, picnic sites, and a number of other types of areas. Updated status on these standards can be found online at the Access Board at www.access-board.gov/. Another responsibility a program provider has is to inform participants with disabilities of the accessibility level of areas that a program plans to use. Information on trail conditions, slopes, surface types, access to restrooms, access to water areas, and level of strength to navigate an area independently all help people with disabilities make choices before and during an outdoor recreation and adventure experience.

Inclusive outdoor recreation and adventure programs and opportunities are possible and appropriate for everyone, including people with disabilities. Even though a number of myths exist regarding the outdoors and disability, the myths presented here are only that; myths that can be overcome by increasing awareness on the behalf of all the people.

References

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C.A. (ADA). Pub L. No. 101-336, 104 stat. 328 (1991).

Anderson, L., Schleien, S., McAvoy, L., Lais, G. & Seligman, D. (1997). Creating positive change through an integrated outdoor adventure program. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 31 4), 214-229.

Brown, T., Kaplan, R. & Quaderer, G. (1999). Beyond accessibility: Preference for natural areas. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 33(3), 209-221.

Cordell, K. (Ed.) (1999). Outdoor recreation in American life: A national assessment of demand and supply trends. Champaign, IL: Sagamore.

Dattilo, J. (1994). Inclusive leisure services: Responding to the rights of people with disabilities. State College, PA: Venture.

Fullerton, A., Brandon, S. & Arick, J. (2000). The impact of camp programs on children with disabilities: Opportunities for independence. In, L.A. Stringer, L. McAvoy and A. Young (Eds.) Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Fifth Biennial Research Symposium Proceedings (pp. 89-99). Cortland, NY: Coalition for Education in the Outdoors, State University of New York at Cortland.

McAvoy. L. & Lais, G. (1996). Nature based human values and persons with disabilities. In Driver, B., Dustin, D., Baltic, T., & Peterson, G.(Eds.) Nature and the Human Spirit: Toward an Expanded Land Management Ethic (pp. 351-365). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

McAvoy, L., Schatz, E., Stutz, M., Schleien, S., & Lais, G. (1989). Integrated wilderness adventure: Effects on personal and lifestyle traits of persons with and without disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 23(3), 51-64.

McCormick, B. (2001). People with disabilities: National survey of recreation and the environment. Unpublished research report. Available from National Center on Accessibility. Bloomington, IN. Summary available on-line at: www.ncaonline.org/research/nsre.htm

Moore, R., Dattilo, J. & Devine, M. (1996). A comparison of rail-trail preferences between adults with and without disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 13, 27-37.

Robb, G. & Ewert, A. (1987). Risk recreation and persons with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 21(1), 58-69.

Schleien, S., Germ, P. & McAvoy, L. (1997). Inclusive community leisure services: Promising professional practices and barriers encountered. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 31(1), 214-229.

Schleien, S., Ray, M. & Green, R. (1997). Community recreation and persons with disabilities: Strategies for inclusion (2nd ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

Stringer, L.A. and McAvoy, L. (1992). The need for something different: Spirituality and wilderness adventure. Journal of Experiential Education, 15(1), 13-20.

Scholl, K., McAvoy, L & Smith, J. (2000). Benefits and components of an inclusive adventure program for families with children that have a disability. In, L.A. Stringer, L McAvoy and A. Young (Eds.) Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Fifth Biennial Research Symposium Proceedings (pp. 7381). Cortland, NY: Coalition for Education in the Outdoors, State University of New York at Cortland.