Page 70 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

The issue
POSITION OF THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PARK DISTRICTS
Inclusion and recreation access
The population of Illinois is comprised of a range of people of many ages, interests, abilities and cultural backgrounds. These differences help make communities strong and vibrant. Of the nearly 12.5 million people in Illinois, 1,999,717 have special needs or challenges, which can limit their full participation in recreational programming.1 It is important to encourage and ensure that all people of Illinois are included in the planning and development of parks and recreation facilities and programs.
The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) advocates the development of inclusive recreational programs and facilities for persons with disabilities. Inclusive programs are defined as recreation opportunities that promote interaction between people with and without disabilities. In advocating for the development of these programs and facilities, the IAPD supports the necessary legislative action to ensure that they are of the highest quality possible. Furthermore, the IAPD supports the commitment of monetary resources at the local, state and federal levels so that these inclusions may be completed without undue financial strain on park district, forest preserve, recreation and conservation agency budgets.
Background
Many Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies directly provide services and facilities to persons with disabilities. Park districts in 175 Illinois communities provide this programming through intergovernmental cooperatives called Special Recreation Associations (SRAs). SRA policies invite inclusion, support choice, offer preferred service for residents, invite reciprocal agreements and provide specialized training to their staff.2
Park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies in Illinois have developed accessible parks, playgrounds, water parks, ice rinks, sports complexes and beachfronts. In one Illinois community, an accessible tree house, complete with ramps and nature lookouts, gives persons with disabilities an enriched outdoor experience.
1 U.S. Census 2000, Fast Facts-Illinois
2 “Recreation Inclusion Today and Tomorrow: The Role of Policies and Funding,” McGovern, John N. Impact, University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development.
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