An Inventory of Recreation Accessibility in Nova Scotia Dan Nordqvist and Laurene Rehman School of Health & Human Performance Dalhousie University

Project Objectives  To administer a survey to assess the level of recreation accessibility within the Province of Nova Scotia  To develop a report on the level of recreation accessibility within the Province

Definition of Inclusion  “Opportunities for all”  “Advocate & facilitate independent choice and enabling opportunities that assist individuals in reaching optimal potential”  “All individuals are given equal opportunity to participate in our programs”  Recreation Nova Scotia works to ensure that all Nova Scotians have the right to enjoy accessible, high quality recreational activities.

Services & Facilities

Services and Facilities

Inclusion Programs  More Programs offered in the summer  Who are they offered to? –60% have programs for children & Youth –22% offers programs for adults –6% of programs are designed for seniors –14% of programs are family oriented  What is provided? –Sports: 16% –Camp: 10% (Day or week long) –Outdoor activities (not sport): 8% –Day Care: 6%

What facilities have been designed/modified with accessibility in mind?  Whole Facility (24%)  Washrooms (18%)  Parking Spots (12%)  Pools (8%)  Ramps (8%)  Trails/Parks (6%)  Day/Week Camps (4%)

Current Access Features of Playgrounds  Ramps  Soft/Flat surfaces  Walkways  Play equipment including swings

Resources currently used to design playgrounds  ADA/CSA guidelines  CHMC information Kit  Books  Resources from RCDNS  Additional resources people would like: –Where to purchase equipment –Canadian standards for disabilities –Designs/Building code –Accessible surfaces

Equipment Purchased to improve accessibility  Pool equipment  Adaptive equipment  TTY  Large print material  Toys  Sports equipment  Playground equipment –Swings –Slides –Sand boxes  Colourful balls  Ski equipment  Van

Inclusive Leisure Training  45% summer staff  31% of fulltime Staff  31% of Volunteers  53% received financial assistance to attend workshops, courses or clinics  47% provided resource material for Staff

Assistance Provided to Participants 52% offer assistance to participate in recreation.  Financial (88%)  Coaching (4%)  Transportation (4%)  Equipment (4%) 78% Interested in Provincial Fund!

Training/Workshops  29% Interested in being trainers for RNS  62% interested in obtaining training or workshops –64% favoured a 1-2 hour format –64% preferred day time and weekday, 32% evening weekday

Summary and Conclusions  Good sense of what inclusion entailed  However, facilities, equipment, playgrounds, programs, and staff training indicate low levels of inclusion  Participants indicate need for more training in inclusion and provincially supported financial assistance for program participants

Questions???