|
|
|
Wodatch and Bloomer Set the Stage on Program Access in Arts, Recreation, Tourism
Arts and Recreation Webinar Series Kicks Off on Program Access
What does Half Dome have to do with "program access?" Two of the nation's leading experts on program access were brought together for a monumental discussion last week that included Half Dome. John Wodatch, former Disability Section Chief at the Department of Justice, and Ray Bloomer, Accessibility Specialist with the National Park Service, and Director of Education at the National Center on Accessibility, were the featured speakers for the free webinar Program Access in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The session was the first in a six-part webinar series produced by the Great Lakes ADA Center, the National Center on Accessibility, the ADA National Network, the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center on Performing Arts.
"When we hear 'program access' we too often presume this means structured programs, with registration and staff. John and Ray did a fantastic job explaining how the program access standard under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act really applies to all of the experiences, opportunities and benefits we want visitors to get from our parks, museums, and recreation venues." said Jennifer Skulski, moderator for the event. Session archive >
The next session, Transition Planning: The Dynamic Process for Parks, Recreation and Tourism is scheduled for July 10. Register >
|
|
New NCA Resources Available for Seasonals
NEW Resources Person First Approach; Accessible Picnic Tables
Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day to cover all the essential topics for seasonal staff training. The National Center on Accessibility has two new resource documents available that can be particularly helpful to seasonal front-line staff and maintenance crews.
A Person First Approach to Recreation is a short new resource for customer service training for interacting with people with disabilities. The resource gives communication examples and etiquette tips specific to parks and recreation.
Accessible Picnic Tables: Requirements and Recommendations is an updated NCA monograph covering the proposed technical provisions for accessible picnic tables. The resource also provides recommendations for more inclusive practices based on findings from NCA research. Be sure to check out the creative way maintenance personnel from Lava Beds National Monument were able to make 1940's style CCC picnic tables accessible.
|
Group Gives ISA New Active Look
New York City Adopts Updated Accessibility Icon In 2009, designer Sara Hendren and collaborator Brian Glenney thought it was time to give the International Symbol for Accessibility, that famous blue wheelchair guy, a more updated look. Their new design, the Accessible Icon Project, is soon to be seen throughout New York City. The new graphic gives a makeover to one of the most famous icons in the world. The head is forward to indicate the forward motion of the person through space. Here the person is the "driver" or decision maker about her mobility. The arm is pointing backward to suggest the dynamic mobility of a chair user. The leg position and wheel have also been changed. Hendren and Glenney are making the new image available through the Accessible Icon Project for other facilities and communities. Their efforts continue to gain momentum. The project was featured on Good Morning America last week.
 | | New York City Re Imagines International Symbol on Accessibility |
|
FJC Releases Findings on Overnight Camp
First Research Look at Inclusion for Jewish Overnight Camps
The field of Jewish camp has become increasingly aware of and responsive to the numbers of children with special needs and physical disabilities in recent years. As a first step towards initiating field-wide changes in this arena, Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) is engaged in a research project mapping current, potential, and desired services available to children with emotional, intellectual, and physical disabilities at nonprofit Jewish overnight camps across North America. Laszlo Strategies delivered the results of the research (conducted in early 2013), the first of its kind in the Jewish community. The survey garnered results from 170 camp staff members (from 124 camps), 262 parents, and 141 campers. While the field is making progress in the types and amounts of services offered, there is still more to be done.
Some of the key findings from the survey include: The field of Jewish camp is serving 2340 - 2590 children with special needs - more than originally estimated. The majority of the special needs population in Jewish camp have neurological disabilities. Few camps are equipped at this time to properly serve children with more significant/complicated disabilities. Inclusion camp staffs appear to want the non-inclusion staff and campers to have a better understanding of their population. The biggest barriers to serving more children with specials needs are not attitudes or wheelchair ramps- rather lack of training and knowledge followed by funding. Read more> |
DOJ Launches Improved ADA.gov
New Web Site Provides Valuable ADA Resources
The U.S. Department of Justice has given its www.ada.gov web site a much needed makeover that is sure to prove popular with users. The newly improved site features technical assistance documents, links to the regulations and the 2010 ADA Standards. New settlement agreements posted this month include Super Shuttle International and Big Bear Marina. Read more > |
|
NCA Product Files: Pilot Rock Grill
RJ Thomas Manufacturing Introduces New Accessible Pedestal Grill
RJ Thomas Manufacturing has introduced a new accessible charcoal pedestal grill as part of its Pilot Rock product line. The Model ASW-20 charcoal grill offers 300 sq. inches of cooking area on the single level swivel grate. The cooking grate swivels 180 degrees - over the charcoals or completely out of the firebox - but the grate handle is never over the heat. The cooking grate on this grill requires less than 5 lbs. of force to move, and requires only one hand to operate (ADA-ABA 309.4; Draft Final-Outdoor 1011.3). The cooking surface is less than 34" high (ADA-ABA 902.3; Draft Final-Outdoor 1011.5). The grill firebox can also rotate 360 degrees in either direction on a theft proof swivel attachment. For more information on the Pilot Rock accessible grill, visit the NCA Product Directory >
NCA does not sell, promote, or endorse this product or any product, service, or vendor listed in the Products Directory. Nor does NCA assume any responsibility or liability related to the accessibility, usability, or application of the products, services, and vendors listed. Consumers are encouraged to do comparison shopping before making any purchase. Read ADA Approved and Other Accessible Product Myths Choosing Products to Improve Access at Your Parks & Facilities.
|
|
The National Center on Accessibility is a center of Indiana University's Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies within the School of Public Health. Since 1992, NCA has played a critical role in increasing awareness of inclusion of people with disabilities in parks, recreation and tourism while advancing the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act and other disability legislation. Through research, technical assistance and training, NCA builds a continuum of comprehensive services for park and recreation practitioners, focusing on universal design and practical solutions that create inclusive recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. NCA is funded in part by the National Park Service.
National Center on Accessibility | 501 North Morton Street, Suite 109, Bloomington, IN 47404-3732 | Voice: (812) 856-4422 | TTY: (812) 856-4421 | Fax: (812) 856-4480 | Copyright © 2012 The Trustees of Indiana University |
|
|
