The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68181

Karen J Luken, MSRA, CTRS and Chris S. Mackey, BS. North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, UNC-CH, Campus Box 8185, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8185, 919-966-0881, kluken@email.unc.edu

The 1999 North Carolina BRFSS revealed that 86% of persons with disability reported inadequate physical activity and 38% reported no leisure time physical activity. Research indictes that persons with disability have a moderate to high interest in using fitness and recreation facilities, but the participation in such community enviornments is actually lower (Rimmer, 2002). Objective 6.10 of Healthy People 2010 targets an increase in the proportion of health and wellness facilities and programs that provide full access for people with disabilities. Fitness and recreation professionals have stated that education is a critical means of improving their ability to serve persons with disability and increase accessibility (Rimmer, 2002). This presentation will describe a community-centered training model designed to improve the accessibility of fitness facilities, with the goal of creating environments that are accessible, accommodating, safe, and supportive of all abilities. The NC Office on Disability and Health has partnered with community advocacy groups to provide on-site training, accessibility surveys, and assistance in developing a plan of action. This environmental emphasis is consistent with the NC Blueprint for Changing Policies and Environments in Support of Increased Physical Activity. Training outcomes include increased knowldege of ADA and unviersal design, and adpated equipment, improved facility accessibility, and increased outreach and marketing to persons with disabilities. The presentation will include results from community training sites and distribution of "Removing Barriers to Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities: A guide for accommodating all members, inlcuding people with disabilities and older adults".

Learning Objectives:

• Identify a minimum of 2 ADA requirements and 2 Universal Design features relevant to fitness environments.
• Identify a minimum of 3 modifications made by community fitness facilities to improve environmental, communication, and attitudinal access.
• Identify resources for community training.

Keywords: Disability, Physical Activity

Related Web page: www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncodh

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.