Full course description
Program Summary
This suite of four mini-courses is intended for anyone in the parks, recreation, and tourism industry who wants to learn more about disability and accessibility and provide a meaningful experience to people with disabilities who seek to participate in parks and recreation opportunities.
The learner will be introduced to the historical perceptions of disability; guidelines and techniques for interacting with the disability community; the differences between meeting minimum standards for accessible design and the usability of facilities and programs by patrons with disabilities; and regulations for use of service animals and mobility devices.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Understand the historical impressions of disability in the United States.
- Describe the modern-day demographics of people with disabilities living in the U.S
- Communicate with and about people with disabilities in an appropriate manner.
- Engage in respectful interactions with people with disabilities.
- Define accessibility and usability as they relate to visitor engagement and quality of experience.
- Recognize the link between the minimum standards for accessible design and access to recreation opportunities.
- Describe the regulations for service animals and other power-driven mobility devices.
Program Topics:
- Course 1: Historical Impressions of Disability
- Course 2: Interacting with People with Disabilities
- Course 3: Accessibility vs. Usability
- Course 4: Service Animals and Mobility Devices
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Four self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Informational text
- Interactive activities
- "Learn More" opportunities
- Engaging videos
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal quizzes
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Recommended backgroud:
There are no prequisites for this course; all are welcome.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.