WS WC 5 Enforce ADA Compliance in Public Aquatic Facilities
Enforce adherence to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines by all public aquatic facilities, particularly with respect to equipment and facility design.
Spectrum level: Changing Organizational Practices Influencing Policy and Legislation
Evidence level: Medium
Rationale:
There is no responsibility for consistent enforcement of ADA guidelines in any capacity. Examples include: lifts that do not work; staff that does not know how to use lifts and equipment; equipment that is blocking the accessible entrance; and inaccessible locker rooms.
Anticipated Impact:
Cultivation of the CPSC as a champion for, and leader in, drowning prevention.
Increased interest and participation in aquatics by individuals with disabilities who have been limited by access.
Evidence:
See evidence sources.
Evidence Sources:
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. (2001). Accessible swimming pools and spas: a summary of accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities. U.S. Access Board.
Calder, Sole, and Mulligan (2018). The accessibility of fitness centers for people with disabilities: A systematic review, Disability and Health Journal, Volume 11, Issue 4.
High Risk Populations Addressed:
Individuals with disabilities.
Evaluation Metrics:
Indicators of long-term impact:
- Increased workforce to aid in the enforcement of adherence to the ADA
- Increased participation in aquatics by those with disabilities
- Increase in ADA accessible aquatic venues and activities
Implementation:
Ensuring funding to support the infrastructure and workforce necessary to enforce ADA compliance, including material and training costs is an important component in implementation of this recommendation, however building awareness and garnering public support around the need for ADA compliance at aquatic venues will engage local stakeholders and government officials proactively as they consider aquatic renovations, purchases, and or future builds.
Challenges to Implementation:
When implementing this recommendation, you might encounter challenges related to the following factors:
- Cost may be a barrier to implementation.
- Public engagement and awareness: Behavior change is complex. Therefore consider behavior change models that address knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to drowning prevention.
Potential Facilitators:
The following factors might facilitate the implementation of this recommendation.
- State, county, and local government agencies
- Local advocates, including families of individuals with disabilities and local associations, groups or organizations they may be affiliated with
- National organizations that support local efforts for individuals with disabilities