In the span of almost 33 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, the landscape of accessibility has undergone remarkable transformations, evoking a sense of pride and optimism. Yet, despite these undeniable achievements, below the surface of hope exists an undercurrent of restlessness, serving as a reminder that our journey towards equity for people of all abilities remains unfinished. Knowing that the ADA lacks an effective enforcing agency, the responsibility falls to businesses, communities, and individuals - not only to ensure compliance, but to find ways to go above and beyond standard expectations to provide the truly equitable experiences we all have the right to enjoy.
Numbers Don’t Lie
The general intent of most recreation areas is to provide a safe space and facilitate activities that encourage an active lifestyle as a healthy habit, inherently making them an ideal sanctuary for people with disabilities. Despite this, numerous recent studies have shown a severe lack of adaptive programming and accessible spaces, indicating a very clear and urgent need for facilities nationwide to improve accessibility.
Many inspiring digital campaigns and initiatives have been launched to encourage change, even by major corporations like Degree Deodorant, Adidas and more; but what can be done to incite real action? The answer is situational and often loaded with variables, but we believe it begins with something simple: commitment to inclusion.
Ask the Experts
The best way to understand the needs of a diverse group of people is to simply ask them. Because everyone’s experience and ability level is unique, giving people with disabilities who use your facilities the chance to voice their own suggestions is a great way to start, and a better way to understand the barriers that each individual might face. Armed with a better understanding of the barriers and limitations in your facility, reach out to an expert that specializes in the area you need most improvement that can recommend the best solutions.
Paying for Access: The High Price of Low-Quality Equipment
The saying “you get what you pay for” is especially true when discussing specialized adaptive equipment and other rehabilitation devices. It’s unfortunately common to see facilities where access was clearly an afterthought; in a rush to be compliant or with little interest in accessibility at all, they either invest in low-quality solutions or neglect it completely. This indifference creates the perfect environment for those devastating moments that create core memories and discourage people from fitness and recreation areas – like when a person with disabilities shows up to use the pool, only to find out the pool lift isn’t functional (or there is no pool lift at all). These experiences are often made worse with uneducated staff.
The good news is, this can all be avoided by investing in quality access equipment that people can use with confidence. Implement regular maintenance practices to ensure your facility and its components continue to operate like a well-oiled machine, and train your staff to be helpful and inclusive to people of all abilities.
Invest in the Best
At Aqua Creek Products, our mission is simple: To design high-quality, handcrafted equipment that allows people of all abilities to access and enjoy recreation, therefore improving the quality of life for a highly marginalized community. Over the years Aqua Creek has pioneered many developments in the world of pool access, including being the first pool lift manufacturer to have their lifts independently verified to meet ADA Regulations, aiding in the development of the UL Safety Standards for Pool Lifts, developing the first and only solar capable pool lifts in North America, and even offering custom colors and high-end granite textures so that facilities can personalize and brand their equipment to match the rest of the facility. Aqua Creek also specializes in adaptive fitness and rehabilitation equipment like aquatic pool bikes, pool access wheelchairs, and the ProTone™, a total fitness machine for wheelchair users that allows them to work out independently from the comfort of their own chair.
For 21 years, Aqua Creek has held true to its values as a small, family-owned, Montana-born-and-raised business that was built on quality and trust. We still believe in a world of integrity and tradition – where a handshake still means something, and handcrafted, American-made products still set the standard in our nation’s manufacturing industry.
If making your campus recreation areas more inclusive has been on your mind, or you aren’t sure where to begin, give us a call today. We have an incredible team of experts and professionals ready to assist you and help you move forward. Call us toll free 800-687-3552 or visit aquacreek.com to learn more.