Exploring solutions to curb violent behavior at sporting events

By John Engh

On a recent drive to work, I decided to write a column about the importance of coaches and administrators knowing about heat illness and how to help prevent it in youth sports. Living in South Florida, I always found the subject intriguing. 

Sensory bags bridge communication gap between officers and community

By Marika Carley

On an overcast, late April day, a young boy runs along Georgia Avenue—a busy thoroughfare in Montgomery County, Md.,—barely avoiding being hit by passing vehicles. The child is spotted by Sgt. Trevin Sherard, a Montgomery Parks Police officer, who happens to be driving past the scene. Sherard immediately springs into action to help the child. After interacting with the boy, the officer recognizes that the child is nonverbal and likely autistic, so he brings out his sensory bag.

ADA is just the stepping stone

By Mary Helen Sprecher

More than three decades ago the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. At the time, it was groundbreaking, ushering in an era in which accessible restrooms, wheelchair ramps for public facilities, curb cuts, and other means of accommodation were mandated.

Creating an adaptive tennis program that encourages players of differing abilities to play together

By Cameron Levis

The daily mission of park and recreation professionals is to enhance the quality of life for residents through a variety of programs, services, and facilities. However, some professionals may not fully recognize their power to create true social change for a population that is often forgotten about. Individuals with disabilities are sometimes viewed in a negative light, which prevents them from being fully included in the everyday happenings of a community. Whether the issue is employment, housing, transportation, or even recreation and sports, community leaders too frequently fail to make accessibility and inclusivity a priority.

To build the best inclusive playground for your community

By Tim Roetman

An accessible playspace has never been easier to build. With options from several playground manufacturers, the sky is the limit. But how does one get it right the first time as far as what a community wants and needs? Below is a look at how to identify a community’s needs, how to design a play space with the whole family in mind, and how to build an inclusive playground that will keep families coming back.

Holly Springs, N.C. gives four-legged residents room to roam

By LeeAnn Plumer

For years many communities have offered places for people to run, play, and have fun, but now many agencies are hearing the call to provide safe, accessible dog parks, too. This shift is not a new trend, but continues to build. According to the American Pet Products Association, new pet ownership grew to 70 percent in 2020; many people believe this was a result of the pandemic lifestyle change. Holly Springs, N.C., is like any growing community committed to serving its two-legged citizens as well as furry, four-legged residents. Just as families expect places to play for their children, dogs and their owners are seeking opportunities for socialization and exercise.

Communication boards give children a voice at playgrounds

By Carolyn Mondlock

Water, food, air, and shelter are essential for survival. But to thrive instead of just surviving, a person needs more, such as sleep, clothing, and education. Perhaps beyond anything, the most significant need is to feel love and acceptance; this feeling is based on human touch and communication. But what if an individual has trouble communicating? 

There are many children who cannot communicate as easily as others because of learning disabilities, or vision or hearing loss. So, both verbal and nonverbal communication factors influence a person’s acceptance and socialization with others. These influences may not be realized by a child until adulthood, but parents and concerned community members do. Adults who have had a stroke experience the same. Speech can be difficult for them, too. 

Wheelchair courses make fitness more attainable

By Tammy Martinez

In 1983, members of a local disability community helped bring a Wheelchair Accessible Heart Trail to John Prince Park, located in Lake Worth, Fla. In 2018—35 years after the original course was constructed—the community made renovations and additions to the now-called Wheel Course. Improvements included installing new equipment, widening pathways, making additions for children, improving parking and signage, and making repairs to paving and painting.

Tips and best practices for adaptive programming

By Troy Houtman

On a Saturday morning at Miracle Field in Wichita, Kan., one will find a group of special athletes participating in America’s pastime—baseball. While some use wheelchairs or walkers, others are blind or have intellectual disabilities—all are ready to have a swing of the bat, round the bases, and catch a ball. 

Every child has the right to enjoy the thrill of playing sports, whether as part of a team or as an individual. Historically, limitations and exclusions were regularly imposed on those with intellectual and physical disabilities, predominantly due to the illusion that sports require superior physical ability. Today, there is a movement toward more progressive inclusion and acceptance, with opportunities for sports participation at many levels. 

Disability Dirt Days show participants what’s possible—regardless of physical ability

By Kate Layton

Hosted by Oakland County Parks (OCP) in Michigan, Disability Dirt Days pair volunteer, off-road vehicle (ORV) drivers with participants with disabilities for thrilling rides around Holly Oaks ORV Park. The park is situated on former and active gravel mines and offers a wide variety of extreme terrain for ORVs. Participants can explore the different park areas and features, while bumping along trails, splashing through water, and rolling up and over hills. Some volunteer drivers use hand controls to operate their vehicles, demonstrating to riders that—with the right accommodations—people of different abilities can participate in recreation activities they find interesting and exciting, including more extreme ones like off-roading.