An Architectural Accessibility Survey of Community Recreation Centers

Authors

  • Stuart J. Schleien
  • M. Tipton Ray
  • Dale O. Johnson

Keywords:

Architectural accessibility, barriers, community recreation, disability, environmental modification, therapeutic recreation.

Abstract

Although state and federal governments have recognized the necessity of legislation to make community facilities accessible for persons with disabilities, the physical environment of our communities continues to be designed to accommodate able-bodied persons only. Given the adaptations, prosthetic devices, and environmental modifications currently available to promote full participation by persons with varying abilities, there is little justification for limiting their activities to segregated environments. The architectural accessibility survey reported in this article was conducted at 42 community recreation centers in amajorcity within a large midwest metropolitan area. A careful analysis of the survey data provides an understanding about how architectural barriers (i.e., code variances) can limit participation by individuals with special needs. Useful information is also provided about standards and criteria for designing and modifying facilities and sites to make them usable by all citizens.?

Published

1989-07-04

Issue

Section

Regular Papers