GRAID 8: COMMUNITIES SHOULD IMPROVE ACCESS TO OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT DOMAIN / Inclusion Recommendation
Outdoor recreation areas and facilities need to be accessible for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Adaptations
1. Ensure access for all ages and abilities (e.g., playground equipment, sports fields and courts, exercise equipment, splash pads).
2. Playground equipment and play sets should have accessible features and be universally designed for all youth and young adults with disabilities to utilize (e.g., at least one accessible route that connects the physical spaces and is wide enough to accommodate mobility devices, stable, slip resistant surfaces).
3. Ensure there are accessible bike paths, trails, trail heads, and viewing platforms in all park facilities for youth and young adults with disabilities.
SERVICES DOMAIN / Inclusion Recommendation
Promote accessible outdoor recreation services for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Adaptations
1. Outdoor adventure programs should implement and advertise accessible services for youth and young adults with disabilities.
2. Outdoor recreation programs should offer free/low cost “come and try” days to promote opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities and families to explore outdoor activities (e.g., canoeing, swimming, fishing, archery, golf).
3. Outdoor recreation programs should implement inclusive employment and volunteer opportunities for youth and young adults to work (e.g., recreation counselor, peer mentor at summer camps).
INSTRUCTION DOMAIN / Inclusion Recommendation
Educate community leaders on disparities in outdoor recreation access for youth and young adults with disabilities and strategies to reduce disparities.
Adaptations
1. Include disability stakeholders and cultural brokers on advisory and planning boards when designing or renovating community parks and outdoor recreation facilities.
2. Community leaders should utilize Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guideline resources (e.g., checklists, reference materials) when developing and approving plans and renovations for outdoor recreation areas and facilities.
3. Utilize subject matter experts (e.g., accessibility specialist) to inform community leaders about accessibility needs in outdoor recreation programs and recreation spaces.
EQUIPMENT DOMAIN / Inclusion Recommendation
Provide adapted outdoor recreation equipment for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Adaptations
1. Provide adapted equipment or modify existing equipment to support participation in outdoor recreation activities (e.g., swim floats, lower basketball hoops, lighter balls/rackets/bats) that is appropriate for all ages and ability levels.
2. Establish a co-op for adaptive outdoor recreation/adventure equipment (e.g., camping and hiking, baseball, all-terrain wheelchairs) so resources and costs can be shared by schools, parks and recreation centers, assistive technology companies and sports organizations.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS / 1. All playgrounds, campgrounds, park and recreation areas must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
2. To enhance compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, state and local governments need to designate funding to increase safety of streets and sidewalks (e.g., lighting, regular repair, cleaning).
3. State and local governments should designate funding and resources to adopt the Complete Street Policy: whenever a road is touched for repairs or newly constructed, every user must be considered, including youth and young adults with disabilities to ensure access to outdoor recreation.

[CDC Strategy 16:] Communities should improve access to outdoor recreational facilities.