In 1999, the National Center on Accessibility partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to establish a National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. NCPAD is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote the substantial health benefits that can be gained from participating in regular physical activity. NCPAD provides a comprehensive database and resources for all aspects of physical activity and disability. The project collaborates with disability organizations throughout the country to collect and disseminate information to researchers, practitioners, consumers, family members, and the public. NCA staff contribute expertise in the areas of recreation and parks, while the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago provides a similar role in the areas of sports and physical activity related to disability.

NCA has a long history of partnering with organizations to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of parks, recreation and tourism. This partnership with UIC further illustrates NCA's commitment to inclusion of youth and adults in all facets of parks, recreation and leisure activities.

The National Center on Accessibility has developed distance learning programs, several fact sheets and white papers to serve as resources on recreation and physical activity. The papers are written by professionals with national expertise in each of the represented fields and will be available through NCA's collaborative partnership with NCPAD.

Distance Learning Programs

Introduction to the 2002 Recreation Rule
Streaming Video Program via the Web

In September 2002, the U.S. Access Board issued the final rule for accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities for inclusion in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. The new recreation rule covers amusement rides, boating, fishing, golf, miniature golf, sports facilities and swimming pools. During this streaming video program Peggy Greenwell and Bill Botten, of the U.S. Access Board, highlight the major provisions of the newly released Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities. The web-based program is divided into 10 topical segments from 4 to 20 minutes in length. This distance learning program was designed to give professionals and consumers the opportunity to learn about the new rule directly from the Access Board staff through a widely available medium. The program is free and available for viewing at your leisure through the use of Real Player.

Recreation Access: Research to Practice
Streaming Video Program via the Web

Another NCA web-based streaming video program, this program highlights NCA research findings in golf, beach access, trail surfaces, swimming pools and visitor expectations. The program originally broadcast as a live webcast in June 2001. The webcast has been archived and is also available for viewing using Real Player.

Resource Guide

Discover Camp: Considerations for Sending Your Child with a Disability to Camp for the First Time

A new booklet for parents of children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses selecting a camp for their child for the first time. The 26-page booklet includes considerations and questions for parents to use during the camp selection process. Throughout the summer of 2002, Bradford Woods camp staff interviewed parents of children with disabilities sending their children to camp for the first time as well as parents of children with disabilities returning to camp for a second, third, fourth, or even tenth season. The information presented in the guide is based on interviews with parents and the camp staff's experiences with planning camp programs for children with and without disabilities, working with parents sending their children to camp for the first time, answering their questions, addressing their concerns, and calming their fears. Discover Camp is available through the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability to parents, hospitals, and resource organizations.

Monographs

• Principles for Adapting Activities in Recreation Programs and Settings by Tip Ray, M.Ed., CTRS
  
  
• Exploring Family Adventure in the Outdoors, authored by Kathy Scholl of Wilderness Inquiry and University of Minnesota
  
  
• Taking a trip to the Outdoors? What to ask before you go.
  
  
• Playgrounds for ALL Kids! by Cindy Burkhour, MA, CTRS, CLP
  
  
• Therapeutic Horseback Riding, authored by Jennifer Rekers, Arabian horse breeder and former therapeutic riding program volunteer
  
  
• Architectural and Program Access to Educational Settings and Field Trips, authored by consultant Julee Quarve-Peterson
  
  
• Recreation Access Rights Under the ADA by John McGovern, JD



• Providing Inclusive Recreation Opportunities: The Cincinnati Model by Stephanie Montgomery, M.S.,CTRS and Alayne Kazin,M.A., CTRS
  
  
• Preferred Natural Environments and People with Disabilities by Terry J. Brown, Rachel Kaplan & Gail Quaderer
  
  
• A Zoo Visit and the Benefits of Zoos, authored by consultant and former accessibility coordinator for the Brookfield Zoo, Mark Trieglaff
  
  
• A Day at the Zoo by Mark A. Trieglaff
  
  
• Golf: You can play too! authored by Gary Robb, Executive Director of the NCA
  
  
• Instructional Tips for Golfers with Disabilities, authored by PGA/LPGA Golf Instructor, Judy Alvarez
  
  
• Big Game Hunting with Long Arms authored by Cameron Brown
  
  
• "Senior Olympics and the Eden Alternative" authored by Project LIFE, University of Missouri Leisure for children with ADHD by Project LIFE, University of Missouri
  
  
• Challenge Programs: A Universal Approach to Including People of All Abilities by Gary Eavey, Adventure Based Counselor, Bradford Woods
  
  
• Gearing Up for Camp: A Primer for Parents of Children with Disabilities by Margarita Solis, MSSA, Assistant Director, Bradford Woods
  
  
• Outdoor Programs: Using Service Learning as an Educational Tool by Ricardo Moraes, MS, Coordinator, Challenge-Based Therapeutic Programs
  
  
• Pursuing Excellence: How Teenage Campers Gain Independence Through Service and Travel by Carol A. Stone, MS, CTRS, Director, Camping Programs at Bradford Woods
  
  
• Effective Communication in Parks and Recreation
  
  
• The Eden Alternative: Renewing Life in Nursing Homes
  
  
• Therapeutic Recreation Services by Kristin Ruprecht, MS, CTRS
  
  
• A Community Inclusion Model: City of Reno by Andy Fernandez
  
  
• Golf: An Update on the Movement Toward Full Inclusion of People with Disabilities by Jennifer K. Skulski, with contributions from the National Alliance for Accessible Golf
  
  
• Making A Splash: Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Aquatic Venues by Susan Ostby and Jennifer Skulski
  
  
• Best Practice of Inclusive Services: The Value of Inclusion by Catherine Veronica Nolan

National Center on Accessibility
Phone (812) 856-4422 (voice)
(812) 856-4421 (TTY).

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
Phone (800) 900-8086 (voice/TTY)