Access to Recreation
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped make recreation more accessible to people with disabilities, but not always in the most inclusive way. Launched in 2006, Access to Recreation is a four-state initiative that supports community foundations, parks and recreation providers, advocacy groups, and individuals as they work to provide greater access to a wide variety of inclusive recreation opportunities. More than 36 major recreation projects that incorporate the Principles of Universal Design will be completed by Spring 2010.
Access to Recreation is made possible through a W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant to Midwest Community Foundation's Ventures. Twenty-two community foundations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan have received matching grants to convene and lead local community partnerships. In addition to building inclusive recreation facilities, the community partnerships are building endowments to provide ongoing support and maintenance for the grant projects and to potentially fund future projects.
Six Indiana community foundations were among the grantees to convene and lead local partnerships.
Materials
- Access to Recreation Brochure
Learn more about this initiative in this 15-page brochure, which highlights case studies and lessons learned.