Contrasting Perceived Barriers to Recreation for People with Disabilities in Maywood Park District by Michael J. McNicholas
PhD in Disability Studies Dissertation Defense
February 24, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM America/Chicago
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Download iCal FileAbstract: The Maywood Park District has identified a need to overcome barriers to providing special recreation for people with disabilities. Initial community needs assessments indicated that the growing Latino population was not represented in the park district needs assessment. This study identified barriers to the Maywood Park District policies, practices, and spaces, as well as internal attitudes which inhibited perceived access. The research methodology included quantitative measures (the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines checklist (ADAAG) and the Inclusivity Assessment Tool (Inclusion U) to identify physical barriers and policies. These instruments identified barriers which compare and contrast to staff interviews and focus group data regarding perceptions of barriers from community members with disabilities in order to best locate and prioritize barrier removal opportunities for the Maywood Park District. The study findings indicated that public communication and awareness were the greatest barriers. The Spanish speaking focus group data reported cultural factors as significant barriers to community access for people with disabilities in the Maywood Park District.
Meeting ID: 448 673 0459
Date posted
Feb 5, 2025
Date updated
Feb 13, 2025