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