Ropes course universality

Abstract

Ropes courses throughout the U. S. (N=102) were surveyed to determine if they accommodated people with disabilities from the standpoint of attitude, program, and structure (universality). A questionnaire consisting primarily of Likert-type questions was used to establish baseline data on the current universality of surveyed ropes courses. Questions on the five separate components in Sugerman's Model of Universality were used to determine total universality. These components included: resource information, personal attitudes, provision of information, structural accessibility, and program implementation. Results indicated that most respondents had very positive attitudes towards including people with disabilities on the ropes courses. Respondents tended to perceive their courses as structurally accessible to people with physical limitations with the exception of people who used wheelchairs. Results indicated that staff training and available resources were not being utilized by many courses to enhance universality. Information on how to include people with physical disabilities on ropes courses (in the form of resources, training, workshops, and inservices) needs to be developed and readily available to facilitators and directors.