Description

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and ensures equal access to state and local government programs, services, and activities.   The ADA has been the law of the land for more than three decades; nonetheless, this civil rights law is also ever-changing, with new regulations, settlements, case law, and technology that continuously alters the landscape of compliance.

The NRPA is committed to ADA compliance, and the MRPA strives to be a leader in diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.  By offering welcoming and adaptable recreation and sports programs, and building accessible buildings, parks, playgrounds, and amenities, we ensure that all people in our communities have an equal opportunity to benefit.

SUMMIT EDUCATION - Earn up to .4 CEU (pending)
This ADA and Inclusion Summit will concentrate on education and information relevant to Title II of the ADA, which covers state and local government agencies.

Administrative Track – Sessions are geared towards leaders, supervisors, and managers who can use their positions to champion change. Sessions will cover federal compliance mandates, ADA transition plans, and accessibility best practices from other municipalities.

Session Topics:

• Mandates and Myths of the ADA for Parks & Recreation Managers
• Moving Forward, Looking Back: Making the Case for ADA Compliance
• A Call to Action: Update or Create your ADA Transition Plan
• Beyond Minimum Requirements: Usability above Compliance

Programmer Track – Sessions are geared towards recreation programmers who are developing, facilitating, and modifying programs, classes, and events. Sessions will cover universal design strategies, best practices for special event accessibility, reasonable modifications, and positive behavioral support.

Session Topics:

• Universal Design: Approaches & Strategies for Today's Programmer
• Best Practice Guidelines for Ensuring Access at your Special Events
• Adjusting for Access: Reasonable Modifications & Accommodations
• When *it hits the Fan: Strategies to Overcome Behavioral Hurdles

SUMMIT OUTCOMES
This Summit serves as an educational experience for professionals in all levels of Parks and Recreation management positions to gain a deeper understanding of the intention of the ADA and discover proactive techniques and methods that will enhance inclusive experiences for all.

Some of the goals and outcomes for the Summit (but not limited to):

• Gain knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its impact in the Parks and Recreation field.
• Acquire adaptive methods and techniques that can easily be used in programs to include people with disabilities.
• Discover ways to enhance communication efforts for all to feel included.
• Share methods to enhance collaborations and partnerships.

This ADA and Inclusion Summit will concentrate on education and information relevant to Title II. Under Title II, all state/local governments must follow the ADA regardless of their size. If you are part of a state/local government, there are many aspects of the ADA with which you should be familiar. This Summit is intended to assist you with relevant information.