NRPA Reserach Update, May 2006 The Inclusion Landscape Park professionals can break down common inclusion barriers with practical considerations By Dr. Mary Ann Devine, CTRS, and Brie King In 2000, DePauw and Doll-Tepper challenged professionals in the recreation and physical activity arenas to view inclusive leisure services for individuals with disabilities as a way of life. Since the Americans with Disabilities Act was written into law, park and recreation professionals have increasingly been encouraged to view the provision of inclusive services as everybody’s responsibility, not just the responsibility of those with disability-based backgrounds. In this spirit, recreation options for patrons with disabilities have opened up and social, emotional, physical and cognitive benefits to all have been recognized. Benefits to Inclusion While the concept of inclusion (formerly know as mainstreaming or integrating) has been around for several decades, examinations of the benefits of participation in inclusive recreation for individuals with disabilities is in its infancy. However, during the past 10 years, researchers have found social, emotional, physical and cognitive benefits experienced by all who participate in recreation, regardless of disability. Including those with disabilities in recreation experiences increases self-determined behaviors (Devine, Malley, Sheldon, Dattilo & Gast, 1997), develops friendships (Schleien, Fahnestock, Green & Rynders, 1990) and provides an opportunity to practice learned skills (Modell, 1997).