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Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

URMC / Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities / Our Focus Areas / Inclusive Recreation

Inclusive Recreation

Inclusive Recreation

Dr. Adriana Verwey

Contact Information

Dr. Adriana Verwey, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Inclusive Recreation
Associate Director, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

SCDD Recreation

Access to recreation, leisure, and play is a civil right and accessible recreation is included in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible design standards. Physical activity has been shown to improve several health and wellness outcomes, including improvements in physical health, psychological wellbeing, social engagement and relationships, child development, educational outcomes, and quality of life. However, disparities exist for individuals with disabilities, with significantly reported lower physical activity rates, beginning in childhood and persisting to adulthood. Accessing joy, playfulness, and connection through recreation and leisure is critical to individual, family, and community wellbeing.

At SCDD, we are committed to the importance of access to accessible and inclusive recreation, leisure, and play opportunities within our communities. Our recreation-focused projects aim to improve awareness and access to inclusive recreation. Our work considers the interplay of individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy level structures, including the intersection with social determinants of health.

There are many incredible regional inclusive recreation agencies and organizations in Upstate NY! Partnership and collaboration with these community organizations is key to creating sustainable growth. We support community organizations in inclusive recreation efforts through providing:

  • Trainings and technical assistance
  • Promoting inclusive practices and policies
  • Disseminating information on inclusive recreation opportunities
  • Supporting advocacy efforts
  • Engaging in community-based research to inform development of inclusive, accessible, and equitable community recreation and play spaces

SCDD Inclusive Recreation Projects and Initiatives

Trainings, Workshops, and Technical Assistance

SCDD provides trainings, workshops, and technical assistance to regional health and recreation focused organizations. Topics and support can be tailored to fit the needs of the request and may include topics such as: ableism, inclusion, behavioral supports, and disability identity. Contact SCDD Recreation to learn more about how we can support you.

Erie Canal Virtual Recreation

Through community partnered work, we developed virtual recreation opportunities by creating point-of-view videos along the Erie Canalway from bicycling and paddling perspectives. The goal of this project is to promote community-based adaptive and inclusive recreation! These videos can be used to support active movement from any location and can be integrated into home exercise programs, gym-based fitness equipment, physical therapy programs, school physical education, etc. These videos can also help people experience the canal before going there in-person.

These videos are included as part of the Canalway Challenge through partnership with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Sign up for the challenge to complete the 1st mile by walking, cycling, paddling, or rolling! Choose the "Go Virtual" option to find the videos to complete the challenge virtually!

View the videos and get started with your Canalway challenge.

Social stories were created in both print and video format to highlight adaptive bicycling and kayaking equipment rentals at the Erie Canal Boat Company. The social story can be used to guide and support individuals on what to expect when they chose to rent and use adaptive cycling equipment. Social stories can also be helpful to use when teaching new skills, understanding social situations, and can help to decrease anxiety/fear when trying something new or unfamiliar. You can also adapt these social stories to your own local equipment rental opportunities.

Kayak Rental Social Story     Bike Rental Social Story

Partnership in Advocacy

We engage in efforts related to strengthening inclusion within recreation, leisure, and play throughout our community and across policy development.

Play Equity Study

Being conducted in partnership with Common Ground Healthi Kids, this research study is focused on exploring community perspectives on equity, barriers, facilitators, access, and perceptions of play. This research will inform the development of community-led play equity action plans and advocacy efforts. 

The survey will be available (in English and Spanish) for residents of Monroe County to complete by March 15, 2025.

Access the survey in English and Spanish.

Greater Rochester Recreation Guide

This brochure, A Guide to Recreation and Leisure for All in Greater Rochester, highlights available accessible and inclusive recreation and leisure opportunities. This project is in early stages of expansion to other regions within Upstate NY. (Last updated March 2024.)

View this interactive Google map to find accessible and inclusive recreation, leisure, and play options in our area.

Dyson Day 2024: "Promoting Physical Fitness Opportunities for All Children"

Inclusive Recreation Videos Campaign

Two videos were created in 2018 to highlight the importance and value of inclusive recreation for individuals/families, community, and business owners:

Play Together: Changing Lives through Inclusive Recreation

Inclusion is Good Business

Inclusive Recreation Resources

Partners and Collaborators