Abstract
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that persons with disabilities be integrated to the maximum extent possible, and that these persons cannot be excluded from participation. Despite the size of the population, intramural directors need to be proactive in this area, and operate within compliance of the law that requires schools to make recreational facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. Industry leaders agree that the benefits of intramural sports are vast and that they should be provided to everyone. Intramural sports help many students become part of the college community.
Forming an alliance with the Disability Services on campus, the first step, is the most vital aspect of making these programs successful. This relationship is an important aspect of meeting the ADA mandate of making programs viable, and can benefit the entire campus community.
The ADA requires that sports agencies modify programs, facilities, or services to allow individuals with disabilities to participate without causing an undue burden on the agency and undue expense. Modification is the key to this compliance.
It is important to remember the difference between what can be done, and what must be done. Even with the best of intentions, it is impossible to accommodate everyone but modified games can be more inclusive. Program facilitators can use their imagination to modify rules to get even more students involved, which is the ultimate goal. Beginning a program like this can be a challenge but the long-term impact can be wonderful. Besides increasing compliance with the ADA, the program can be beneficial to persons with and without disabilities.
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