Making the Grade is a new feature of the NCA web site. The forum showcases best practices and accessibility projects that exceed the minimum standards and facilitate optimum access for visitors with disabilities.

• Detroit Playground Surfaces (January, 2006)



• Mission San Luis (October, 2004)



• The Susquehannock Case (August, 2003)



• Disney Introduces Handheld Captioning (May 8, 2003)



• Renovations "Make the Grade" at Lake Sylvia State Park (July 29, 2002)



• Barre Falls Dam Picnic Area: An Outdoor Developed Area Making the Grade in Hubbarston, MA (June 27, 2002)



• Inclusive Park and Recreation Design: Versluis Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan (April 19, 2002)



• The Star Spangled Banner: An Exhibit "Making the Grade" at the American History Museum (November 7, 2001)



• New Lift on Trolley Gives Visitors Opportunity to See Park & Gardens (October 12, 2001)



• Florida State Parks Address Railing Treatment Issue (June 12, 2001)

Submit a Project for Making the Grade

Professionals are encouraged to submit accessibility projects and innovations in universal design for recreation environments. Topics for Making the Grade articles may include, but are not limited to: entire sites and programs that are accessible and promote universal design; exemplary policies; products and materials that are accessible or that enhance accessibility; exhibits, programs, communications, delivery methods, activities, etc., that are accessible and/or universally designed.

The project descriptions will be formatted for the NCA web site to share with park and recreation professionals throughout the United States and internationally.

Criteria for Making the Grade:

• The site and/or components for consideration are directly related to parks, recreation, or tourism.
• The site and/or components exemplify the principle(s) of universal design.
• The site and/or components may be new construction or alteration.
• All supporting components identified are, at minimum, compliant with ADAAG, the recommendations from the Final Report for Outdoor Developed Areas (1999) , the Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (2002), the Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas (2000), Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibits, etc.
• There is accessible parking, route, entrance and restroom (if applicable).
• Photos depicting the accessibility and universal design aspects must be available for use in the article.
• A representative of the site and/or project must be knowledgeable and available for interview. In new or altered sites, the representative must be knowledgeable about the site and the decisions made during the construction or alteration process.
• If people with disabilities were involved in the project, a list of contacts should be submitted to NCA, if available.
• The article and photos will be reviewed to ensure glaring barriers to accessibility are avoided.

NCA disclaimer: The primary goal of Making the Grade is to highlight areas that go beyond minimum guidelines. This information does not represent a complete accessibility assessment of the site.

To submit a project for Making the Grade include the following:

• Brief description of the project including the barrier and solution to achieve access


• Photos (either digital photo, prints or slides)


• Contact (name, address, phone, e-mail)

Projects can be submitted by e-mail to NCA at nca@indiana.edu, or mail to:

Jennifer Skulski
Director of Marketing & Special Projects
National Center on Accessibility
2805 East 10th St, Suite 190
Bloomington, IN 47408-2698