Recreation
Resource Guide
Recreation opportunities for persons
with disabilities
Compiled by
Recreation Opportunities for Persons with
Disabilities
September 2004
The North Carolina
Office on Disability and Health is a partnership between the
NC Division of
Public Health and the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the
University of
For additional information, copies, or
alternative formats, contact:
NC Office on
Disability and Health
UNC-CH, CB# 8185
Voice / TTY: 919-843-3531
Fax: 919-966-0862
Email: odhpubs@mail.fpg.unc.edu
Whenever possible,
NCODH will make information available in alternate formats, such as large
print, Braille, audio, diskette, upon request.
Please note that this may not be possible for all publications. "The
information provided in this material was supported by Grant/Cooperative
Agreement Number
U59/CCU419404-04 from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of
the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
Copies of this
publication were printed at a cost of $ .
per copy. These statements can go on back or up front
1 About The
Recreation Resource Guide
This
guide was developed to increase awareness of recreation opportunities
for individuals
with disabilities in
increase in
awareness is often the first step to an increase in
recreation
participation. We hope this guide will encourage consumers
and recreation
providers to seek each other out and participate in
recreation
activities that are inclusive and promote physical activity.
The resources
included in this guide should serve as a starting point to
accessing
recreation opportunities. This is not intended to be an
exhaustive list and
all information listed was accurate at the time of publication.
It is our hope that
individuals with disabilities, families,
and professionals
will begin to look beyond "special" recreation opportunities
for persons with
disabilities to the vast recreation resources that
exist in local
communities. The possibilities are endless.
Table of contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .3
Community Recreation Resources . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .9
State and Regional Recreation Resources . . . . . .
. . . . .77
National Adapted Sports &
Recreation Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .91
General Disability Resources . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .101
Printed Recreation Resources . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .111
3
Introduction
Benefits of Recreation…
The need and desire
for recreation is a natural part of life. Individuals
with disabilities
have the same need and desire for recreation as any
other child or
adult and can experience the same physical, mental,
social, and
emotional benefits. In many cases individuals with disabilities
experience even
greater benefits from recreation activity.
Additional benefits
Recreation is also one of the best ways for individuals to
increase levels of physical activity. Physical activity is
very important for everyone and does not have to be
strenuous. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity
accumulated over a day can achieve health benefits.
The health benefits of increased physical activity
blood pressure
can occur with disability
4
Choosing Recreation…
Inclusive and Specialized Opportunities
Recent laws have
affirmed the right for individuals with disabilities to be
given the same
options as other members of the community. This
includes the
opportunity to choose from all recreation activities in a
community. An
individual or family should not be limited to segregated
or specialized
activities unless that is their choice.
Where to Look For Recreation Opportunities…
This guide includes
listings of both inclusive and specialized recreation
opportunities, yet
each community has many opportunities for inclusive
recreation that
could not be listed in this manual. Here are some other
places in your
community to look for inclusive recreation:
_ Community
centers
_ Churches,
Synagogues, and
_ Private
health and fitness clubs
_ Businesses
(such as dance studios, karate schools, bowling alleys,
etc.)
_ Museums
and Zoos
_ Libraries
_ Senior
Centers
Keep in mind
that the possibilities for
inclusiverecreation are
endless.
5
What to Look for in Community Programs…
Once potential
recreation providers have been identified, keep in mind
a number of things
when making your decision. Some things to
consider:
transition
into an inclusive program?
needed?
individual’s
skill level and preferences?
6
Helpful Hints…
Look
beyond specialized programs
Be sure to explore
a variety of resources and programs in your community. You
don’t need to limit
options to specialized or segregated programs just for
individuals with
disabilities. While participation in special programs is at times
beneficial, regular
programs offer a wider range of opportunities and are offered at more
locations.
Move
toward inclusion
If special programs
are chosen, consider when the individual can move into a regular program of a
similar nature where the skills can be carried over. For example, participation
in Special Olympics swim training can lead to swimming at open times at the
YMCA or to taking a swim class with non-disabled persons.
Schedule
a visit
When a program
choice is identified, schedule a visit to the class or facility.
Introduce yourself and/or
the person with a disability to the staff person or
instructor and
discuss any adaptations that may be required for participation.
Always discuss the
abilities and interests of yourself or the individual to emphasize personal
strengths and not just focus on the "disability" label.
Bring
a friend or family member along
If the individual
initially needs extra assistance in a program, consider finding a
family member,
friend, or neighbor to take the class or attend the program with
them. Or ask if the
agency provides activity companions and how they are trained and supervised.
7
Importance of Advocacy…
The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA)
of 1990 is a landmark piece of
legislation that
guarantees
Although it has
been many years since the passage of the ADA,
people often find
that they must still "fight the system" in order to
secure
opportunities for inclusive recreation, especially for individuals
with severe or
multiple disabilities.
.
The ADA affects
both the public and private sector and it requires both physical and
programmatic access for individuals
with disabilities
in recreation settings. This impacts recreation settings in
the following ways:
the activity to a more accessible location.
services to an individual with a disability
such as a sign language
interpreter or additional staff.
cannot be a substitute for regular programs
if inclusive opportunities are
desired.
It is very important to know and understand your
rights under the ADA. For more information contact:
Southeast
Disability Business Technical Assistance Center
Address: Suite 208 N
1776 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 800-949-4232
Website: http://www.ucpa.org/html/innovative/sedbtac_index.html
8
For more information on the ADA…
There are some
places to turn if you find yourself needing more
information or
assistance with this process. The listings in the section of
this guide entitled
"General Disability Resources" are a good place to
start. Disability
organizations, advocacy groups and independent living
centers can often
provide helpful support and information. It never
hurts to call and
ask.
For additional information about this guide,
contact:
North Carolina
Office on Disability and Health
Frank Porter Graham
Child Development Institute
UNC-CH, CB# 8185
Chapel Hill, NC
27599-8185
Phone / TTY:
919-843-3531
Fax: 919-966-0862
Email: odhpubs@mail.fpg.unc.edu
Website: http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncodh
9
Community Recreation
Resources
What You Will Find in this Section
This section
contains a listing of recreation facilities and opportunities in
North Carolina
arranged alphabetically by county. The listing includes
the following
facilities and organizations:
Parks and Recreation Departments can be run by a city or county
and usually include
parks and other recreation facilities as well as
recreation
programming. The programs and facilities available vary
widely. Some of the
larger departments offer specialized programs for
individuals with
disabilities called "special populations programs" in
addition to
inclusive recreational activities.
YMCAs and YWCAs also offer a wide range of programs depending
on the facility.
Membership and monthly fees are often required, but
scholarships are
available in many cases. Some facilities have made efforts to improve
accessibility and
offer adaptive equipment and programs.
Cooperative Extension Centers are located in each county
and are often a
good source of recreation opportunities in small or rural
counties. These
offices coordinate the state 4-H programs that offer
inclusive
opportunities for youth with disabilities.
About the Information in this Section
about their programs.
they are located.
facilities listed. Remember to ask about
individual accessibility
needs.
For more information on parks and recreation
departments and services, contact:
Address: P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC
27611-7687
Phone: 919-733-4181
Fax: 919-715-3085
Website: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/ncparks.html
North Carolina Recreation and Parks Society,
Inc.
Address: 833 Washington Street
Raleigh, NC 27605
Phone: 919-832-5868
Fax: 919-832-3323
Website: http://www.ncrps.org/
Listings by
County
Alamance
Alamance County Parks and Recreation
Address: 217
College St., Suite B
Graham, NC 27253
Phone: 336-570-6760
Fax: 336-570-6358
Website: http://www.alamance-nc.com/rec/
Address: 1333
Overbrook Rd.
P. O. Box 1358
Burlington, NC
27216
Phone: 336-229-3148
Fax: 336-229-3106
Website: http://www.ci.burlington.nc.us
Address: P.O.
Drawer 357
311 College Street
Graham, NC 27253
Phone: 336-570-6700
Fax: 336-570-6703
Website: http://www.cityofgraham.com/parksandrec.htm
Address: P.O. Box
103
Haw River Municipal
Park, 1130 Pine Street
Haw River, NC 27258
Phone: 336-578-5600
Fax: 336-578-6143
Address: 106 East
Washington St.
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-563-3629
Fax: 919-304-3388
Website: http://www.cityofmebane.com/parks/parks.htm
Alamance County
Community YMCA
Address: 1346 South
Main St.
Burlington, NC
27215-5604
Phone: 336-227-2061
Fax: 336-229-4507
Website: http://www.alamancecounty-ymca.org
Alamance County
Cooperative Extension Center
Northwest District
Address: 209-C N.
Graham-Hopedale Rd.
Burlington, NC
27217
Phone: 336-570-6740
Fax: 336-372-2279
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/alamance/
Alexander
Address:
Phone: 828-632-1104
Fax: 828-632-1154
Website: http://www.co.alexander.nc.us
Address:
Phone: 828-632-4451
Fax: 828-632-7533
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/alexander/
Address:
Phone: 828-632-2232
Fax: 828-632-6608
Website: none
Address:
Phone: 336-372-5597
Fax: 336-372-2279
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/alleghany/
Anson
Anson County
Parks and Recreation
Address: Rt. 2, Box
406
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: 704-694-5868
Fax: 704-694-5078
Website: http://www.co.anson.nc.us
Anson Cooperative
Extension Center
Address: 605
McLaurin St.
Box 633
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: 704-694-2915
Fax: 704-694-2248
Website: : http://www.co.anson.nc.us
13
Ashe
Ashe County Parks
and Recreation
Address: P. O. Box
306
Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone: 336-982-9828
Fax: 336-982-8860
Website: none
Ashe County
Cooperative Extension Center
134 Government
Circle
Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone: 336-219-2650
Fax: 336-219-2682
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ashe/
Avery
Avery County
Parks and Recreation
Address: P.O. Box
883
Newland, NC 28657
Phone: 828-733-8266
Fax: 828-733-7014
Website: none
Ayden Parks and
Recreation
Address: P.O. Box
219
Ayden, NC 28513
Phone: 252-746-7002
Fax: 252-746-7009
Website: none
Avery County Cooperative
Extension Center
Address: 805
Cranberry St.
Newland, NC 28657
Phone: 828-733-8270
Fax: 828-733-8295
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/avery/
Beaufort
Belhaven
Recreation
Address: P.O. Box
220
Belhaven, NC 27810
Phone: 252-943-3055
Fax: 252-943-2357
Website: http://www.belhavennc.us/recreation.htm
Washington Parks,
Recreation & Civic Center
Address: 310 West
Main St.
Peterson Bldg.,
Suite 200
Washington, NC
27889
Phone: 252-975-9367
Fax: 252-946-8433
Website: http://www.ci.washington.nc.us/recreation.aspx
Beaufort County
Cooperative Extension Center
Address: 155-A
Airport Road
Washington, NC
27889
Phone: 252-946-0111
Fax: 252-975-5887
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/beaufort/
BERTIE
Bertie County
YMCA
Address: P.O. Box
834
Windsor, NC 27983-0834
Phone: 252-794-9622
Fax:
252-794-3450
Website: http://www.chowan.edu/acadp/ethics/ehub/organizations/bertie_county_ymca.htm
Bertie County
Cooperative Extension Center
Address: 106 Dundee
Street, P.O. Box 280
Windsor, NC 27983
Phone: 252-794-6317
Fax: 252-794-5327
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/bertie/
BLADEN
Bladen
County Parks and Recreation
Address: P.O. Box
965, 803 King St.
Elizabethtown, NC
28337
Phone: 910-862-6770
Fax: 910-862-6771
Website: http://www.bladeninfo.org/departments/recreation/programs.html
Bladen
County Cooperative Extension Center
Address: 405 Smith
Circle Drive
Elizabethtown, NC
28337
Phone: 910-862-4591
Fax: 910-862-6939
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/bladen/
BRUNSWICK
Brunswick
County Parks and Recreation
Address: P. O. Box
249
69 Stamp Act Road
Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone: 910-253-2670
Fax: 910-253-2684
Website: http://www.brunsco.net/modules.php?name=Departments
Carolina
Beach Parks and Recreation
Address: 1121 North
Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC
28428
Phone: 910-458-7416
Fax: 910-458-2997
Website: http:// www.carolinabeach.org
Oak
Island Parks and Recreation
Address: 4601 East
Oak Island Drive
Oak Island, NC
28465
Phone: 910-278-5518
Fax: 910-278-5350
Website: http://www.oakislandnc.com
Southport
Parks and Recreation
Address: 201 East
Moore St.
Southport, NC 28461
Phone: 910-457-7945
Fax: 910-457-7905
Website: http://www.cityofsouthport.com/recreation.htm
Brunswick
County Cooperative Extension Center
Address: Brunswick
County Government Complex
25 Referendum
Drive, Building N, Box 109
Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone: 910-253-2610
Fax: 910-253-2612
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick/
BUNCOMBE
Address: P.O. Box
7148
70 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28802
Phone: 828-259-5800
Fax: 828-259-5606
Website: http://www.ashevilleparks.org/
Address: 106 Carver
Ave.
Black Mountain, NC
28711
Phone: 828-669-2052
Fax: 828-669-0731
Website: http://www.townofblackmountain.org/departments/recreation/