Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1994

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Recreation and Leisure Studies

Major Professor

Gene A. Hayes

Committee Members

Mary Dale Blanton, Patricia Beitel

Abstract

The study surveyed one hundred and twenty-two municipal and county recreation and parks departments of Tennessee The response rate was 46.7%. The survey used was modified and updated from a previous study. The study examined the following: (a) what training is provided by city and county recreation and park departments for the staff members who delivered the services to the disabled. Within the last year only 13 departments provided staff training on working with individuals with a disability. Twenty-five respondents indicated that they provided training for the staff working with persons with disabilities but 12 of them were not within the last year. (b) What qualification were required of the staff members who delivered the services to the disabled individuals. There were 111 bachelors degrees, 22 masters degrees, and two doctoral degrees among the 50 departments responding to the questionnaire. There were only three people among all of those degrees who were Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialists. (c) Were municipal recreation and park department facilities adapted to meet the needs of the disabled individuals in the community. The respondents indicated that 82% of the restrooms, 76% of the exits and entrances, 56% of the meeting rooms, 52% of the gymnasiums, 42% of the class rooms and showers, and 36% of the pools were accessible. (d) What changes have occurred with regard to services for the disabled persons in municipal recreation and park departments in Tennessee since 1989. The results indicated that more programs are being offered in a wide range of disciplines but the three most offered, outdoor recreation, social recreation, and sports, were similar in both studies. The departments in 1994 indicated 60% of them felt it was their responsibility to provide services to the disabled, in 1989 only 51% felt it was their responsibility.

It was concluded that more training should be provided to staff working with persons with disabilities to enhance the quality of programs for all participants. Certifications are lacking when it comes to working with disabled individuals. Accessibility needs to continue to strive for barrier free environments, at some point in time municipal departments will have to be 100% accessible. Since the 1989 study, little change has occurred even though the passing of the ADA has taken effect. The changes have been slow, but the changes that have occurred can be seen as a positive move into the future of recreation for all people.

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