Laserfiche WebLink
The ADA regulations provide flexibility for this reality by provid- <br />ing exceptions for actions that cause "undue hardship." Public <br />entities are not required to take actions that change the "fun- <br />damental nature" of an activity or service. There is no exemp- <br />tion, however, for the obligation to provide program access to <br />individuals with disabilities. This obligation is more than just <br />"getting people in the door." Program Access requires that use <br />of facilities and services be equal to what other individuals re- <br />ceive, and it must be provided in an integrated setting with oth- <br />er members of the community. <br />While some agencies may have an Inclusion/Adaptive Recreation <br />Specialist who develops access plans for participants with <br />disabilities, there are not many options for adaptive recreation <br />in the cities inventoried. Anoka -Hennepin and Elk River School <br />Districts offer sports leagues for adults with disabilities, and it <br />appears there is a community -based Special Olympics team in <br />Anoka County. <br />A cooperative program between neighboring cities may be an <br />efficient way to begin offering adaptive programs. Adaptive <br />Recreation & Learning Exchange (ARLE) is a community -based <br />resource for people with disabilities in the cities of Bloomington, <br />Eden Prairie, Edina, and Richfield. The program offers a range of <br />physical activities and sports, social programs, and classes for <br />independent living. <br />As Ramsey is in the early stages of recreation programming, the <br />Department can work with partners to provide opportunities, <br />and plan for the future with accessibility in mind. In the <br />meantime, the Department can continue to offer a variety of <br />programs to find something for everybody. [Some examples - <br />seated yoga, working with other organizations, planning for <br />the future to break down barriers in participation.] <br />COMMUNITY ENGAG EMEf. Community input may be gath- <br />ered though questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and <br />workshops. By promoting engagement opportunities,. service <br />providers can gain awareness and increase participation. Re- <br />sults can be used to determine what types of programs are rele- <br />vant, for which age groups, and in which areas. <br />CITY OF RAMSEY PARK SYSTEM PLAN <br />